Honesty hour!
When I came off of all my pharma, changed my diet and my eating habits, and began to take daily supplements, I had a large, problematic and unexpected consequence: my skin went totally nuts. My oil production seemed to go haywire, and I began breaking out uncontrollably! During the days when I was so nauseous I couldn’t even move, my skin honestly wasn’t my #1 concern. However, once I was on the mend, and now that my job involves people touching my face all day long, we’re talking about an entirely different situation.
Now, I used to suffer the occasional blemish, but to be frank I wasn’t taking care of myself at all then, and never gave it much thought. Nor did it ever interfere with my life. In fact, most of my blemishes, when I did get them, cleared up overnight. I hardly ever had to wear makeup – and very often never did – and a gentle cleanser once or twice a day was enough to take care of my skin. It wasn’t glowing or anything, but it certainly wasn’t bad.
Those were the days! Since I’ve been detoxing, my body has been purging out all the crap that I put in it for over a decade (duh, I know, but still!). Although apparently this is quite normal, the most frustrating part is like the better I eat, drink and take care of myself, the worse my skin gets!
Once my agency said something (womp womp), I was at my wits end. Frankly, even if I could afford laser treatments for my skin (I can’t), I knew that the problem lay deeper than that and I was hell-bent on finding the solution. If you know me, you know that the idea of using anything toxic or internal to treat acne ( Accutane, for example) is just not an option for me. I have worked way too hard to keep pharmaceuticals out of my body to go back on them for cosmetic reasons. No way, Jose.
This brings me to a few months ago, when I was speaking with my dear friend May about my skin troubles. May is a fellow model and Skin Chef for her own skincare line – May Lindstrom Skin. She’s the organic goddess of all natural, luxury skincare. May recommended me not only some lovely estheticians to see in our home town of LA, but she also gave me some simple, inexpensive and key ingredients that she uses in her own products, and where I could purchase them in bulk! I’m still going to head over to Evolue to try her line when I’m in downtown LA (luckily they’re right by Q!), but in the meantime I’ve been treating my skin with her suggestions and I’ve NEVER experienced such a drastic improvement since I started doing daily clay masks at her suggestion!
For weeks I’ve been experimenting with different types of clay, and my skin has never felt so youthful, dewey, and lovely! My aggravated skin and drastic overnight breakouts have stopped completely, and using clay as “spot treatment” masque’s overnight to clear up any unwanted dirt and oil has been nothing short of miraculous!
The improvements on my skin have been absolutely dramatic, and I’ve done my due diligence in research, trial and error. I feel like a little alchemist at home! As I should! Every day is spa day now!
As May puts it, “It’s important to have daily rituals.”
I have such a lovely time adding things to my clays depending on my current skin problem, and I look forward to sharing some DIY recipes with you in the future!
In the meantime, I’m happy to share my favorite clays with you today, and what I use each of them for! There’s a mask for every skin — from one for anti-aging, to dealing with dryness, treating pimples and controlling acne, cleansing, treating eczema and firming skin.
The first thing that May recommended to me for my skin was French Green Clay.
French Green Clay
French green clay has enormous absorbent powers due to the constitution of its micro molecules. It literally “drinks” oils, toxic substances, and impurities from your skin. Its toning action stimulates the skin by bringing fresh blood to damaged skin cells, revitalizing the complexion, and tightening pores. French Green Clay is marvelous for helping to clear problem skin. Use it daily on trouble spots, or weekly as part of a complete facial treatment.
Fuller’s Earth Clay
A sedimentary clay that has been widely used as a skin-lightening agent and is best known for its ability to be applied as a “facial bleach”. Because of its enormous drawing capabilities, Fuller’s Earth is the number one choice for oily skin and those prone to acne. It literally draws oil from the skin and has been used industrially for this exact purpose. Also works nicely as a bulk ingredient for skin clay recipes.
Aztec Indian Healing Clay
Beauty Tip Today says this about the mask: “almost every mineral found on Earth is present. When a facial or clay poultice is applied to the skin it forms a negative charge. Poisons and toxins stored in the epidermis have a positive charge – Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay lifts the pimple and blackheads into the clay bed to cause accelerated healing and nourishment to the skin with over fifty minerals. 100% NATURAL.” I absolutely love this clay!
Rhassoul Clay
May also recommended I get myself some Rhassoul Clay! A truly exquisite Spa quality clay from ancient deposits unearthed from the fertile Atlas mountains of Morocco. Rhassoul is a mineral rich clay that blends extremely well with water making its application to the face and skin a smooth and delightful experience. The best Spas across the globe utilize the toning and enriching benefits offered by Rhassoul. High in Silica, Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, Potassium and Sodium content, this clay is surely one of the finest treasures for the pampering of your skin.
Pink Clay
Pink Clay can be used to cleanse and detoxify the skin, remove dead skin cells and create and overall refreshed appearance. It can also be used to treat acne and other skin ailments; poor blood and/or lymph circulation and sun damaged skin. It is most widely used in cosmetic manufacturing. Application: French Pink Clay can be used in detoxifying body wraps, soap making, face masks, mineral based or cream based cleansers, face or body scrubs, cosmetics and facial powders.
How To Use Clay:
To apply, mix two teaspoons with an equal amount of water or any other liquid (milk, herb tea, or aloe vera juice). Spread evenly over your face. Leave on for about 10 minutes. Try not to let it dry completely. Gently remove with warm water and a washcloth. Apply a homemade moisturiser. Mix and store in a covered jar or bag in your bathroom.
A very BIG Thank You very much to May for her life changing suggestions! Be sure to check out her gorgeous skincare line!
And Thank you very much for reading!
Love & Light
