Clays have been used as skincare for thousands of years. Cleopatra is said to have bathed in Dead Sea black mud to maintain her beautiful complexion, and Native Americans have long mixed clay with water and herbs to clean their skin.

Using a clay facial mask once a week rejuvenates skin: Masks stimulate circulation while gently cleansing, exfoliating, and tightening pores. Made up of different mineral contents, each clay type has a different effect on the skin.

Kaolin clay (kaolinite), also known as China or White clay, is widely used in cosmetic products. It is a soft, white mineral produced by the weathering of aluminium silicate minerals like feldspar. It can also be yellow or light orange in color, depending on the rock composition. Kaolin is found in many places around the world including Brazil, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Korea, France, China and the U.S.A.

White Kaolin Clay is the mildest of all clays. It does not draw oils from the skin, so can usually be safely used on dry and sensitive skin types. Yellow Kaolin Clay, while still being gentle, has slightly stronger absorption than White Kaolin.

French Green Clay (illite) gets its name from the fact that rock quarries in southern France enjoyed a virtual monopoly on production until similar deposits of illite clays were found in China, Montana, and Wyoming.

This clay's green color comes from a combination of iron oxides and decomposed plant matter, mostly kelp seaweed and other algae. It has enormous absorbent powers, literally drinking in oils, toxic substances, and impurities. French Green Clay is the clay to choose for helping acne-prone and problem skin.

But don't limit clay to just your face! It can be used as a gentle all-over body scrub or mask, and also makes a soothing, deodorizing foot treatment:

Mix 1/2 cup French green clay with enough water to make a thin mud and blend in 2–3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply to the feet, and relax for 15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water. Massage on a moisturizing cream to finish this sweet treat for feet.