French Pink Illite is not a clay naturally mined as such - it is a mix of two French clays - White Kaolin and Red Illite and is mainly used in the beauty and cosmetics industry thanks to its soft, soothing, tonifying action on the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, but especially for mature skin, prone to wrinkle formation and flushing. Sensitive, fragile, dehydrated skin types benefit most from the use of French Pink Clay. Another application of this clay is for babies - to soothe skin irritation and nappy rash. If the skin is very sensitive, adding oil would make the clay even more delicate and effective in the above mentioned cases.

The clay is very rich in minerals, so the skin gets remineralised in the process.

CATIONIC/ IONIC EXCHANGE RATES FOR ALL THE FRENCH CLAYS sold by Natural Russia:

Green montmorillonite: +/- 70 meq / 100g
Green Illite: +/- 12,5 meq/ 100g
Red Illite: +/- 32 meq/ 100g
Yellow illite: +/- 32 meq/ 100g
Kaolin: +/- 72 meq/ 100g
Pink clay: +/- 26 meq/ 100g

Both Illte and Montmorillonite clays absorb water. However, the Montmorillonite clay is called 'the swelling' type, while illite clays are called 'non-swelling'. I have been wondering - why? They both absorb water, so both should be referred to as 'swelling' clays. I have asked the manufacturer to explain the difference. The reply I received was something I could not find anywhere. Apparently, the illite clays have a highly poprous crystal structure, so the water gets inside the crystals, which makes the clays so absorbent. With montmorillonites, on the other hand, the water gets between the flat layers in the clay particles, which causes the layers to move apart, causing the 'swelling' effect. Both the Green Montmorillonite and the Green Illite can absorb a large amount of water. For the other Illite clays and the Kaolinite the absorption rate is lower.

For external applications Pink Clay is prised in the beauty industry for its mild rejuvenating, curculation boosting, soothing effect. It is used mainly in face masks, as a face & body powder, in body wraps, compresses, poultices. It is also very popular in the manufacture of soaps, toothpastes, face/body packs, and other clay-based products.

Compress

To make a compress, mix some clay with warm water to make it quite runny. Spread over a piece of cloth. Apply on an affected area. Cover with a compress paper, wrap up in a warm cloth. Leave on until the clay dries out. Apply on aching joints, muscles, in the area of organs affected by an illness.

Poultice

A poultice has a much more powerful effect than a compress, since it requires a lot more clay per application - 0,5-2cm thick, and it works as a mass, drawing up toxic waste into itself. The electromagnetic charge is stronger too. So the overall effect is more powerful. It is especially good for applications on an affected area, or simply where a stronger action is required. Apply a warm poultice over the area, cover with grease-proof paper and a warm cloth. If an area is hot and inflamed, a cold poultice application is recommended to relieve the heat and reduce the inflammation.

Face Mask

Basic face mask recipe: 1 tsp of clay + water to form a spreadable paste. Apply and leave to dry. Wash off, apply moisturiser. Clay masks can have other ingredients added (oil, rose water, essential oils), depending on the skin type and purpose of the mask.

Body Wrap

Body wrap is another very useful application for clays. It is a luxurious and thoroughly therapeutic treatment, especially with powdered seaweed added to it. Mix the clay with seaweed powder (50/50), add water to form a spreadable mass. To do it at home, prepare a place to lie on first, and a warm room. Lay down 1 or 2 warm blankets, with a plastic sheet on top. Cover yourself with the mixture of clay and water, or clay, seaweed and water, lie down on the plastic sheet, cover yourself with the remaining half of the blanket. Make sure you remain warm throughout. Stay under the blanket for 15-30 minutes. Wash off in a shower or a bath. For a salon application, follow the normal procedure for a body wrap.

Face/Body Powder

Use dry Pink Clay powder to soothe nappy rash, irritations, hyves, flushed skin.

Soap, Cosmetics

Add to soap or other cosmetic products.

Note: All information on this website is for informative purposes only. With all respect for everyone's right to choose methods of treatment and remedies, you are strongly advised not to resort to self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Do consult a doctor if you have an undiagnosed condition. If you are on a life-saving medication, please consult your doctor before using clays or any other alternatives. Since clays can absorb/bind substances, they can interfere with medicines.