When applied topically, clay benefits skin both cosmetically and structurally.

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Clay has been used for more than 6,000 years as a detoxifying, antimicrobial medicine that helps people with skin problems such as poor blood circulation, rashes, and lesions. Those aren’t the only bentonite clay benefits. Learning how to use clay properly will allow you to clean and strengthen skin, neutralize internal toxins, and destroy harmful bacteria.

However, bentonite clay use is not without danger. The improper use of clay can cause bowel obstructions, electrolyte deficiencies, respiratory problems, and bacterial multiplication. Here is how to use bentonite clay safely and effectively.

Bentonite Clay Benefit 1: Stronger, Clearer Skin

When applied topically, bentonite clay benefits skin both cosmetically and structurally. It insulates the surface of the skin, causing it to heat and expand. This relaxes capillaries and improves blood flow, allowing cells to heal and release toxins.

Furthermore, animal studies have shown clay to improve the formation of collagen, one of the proteins in skin that prevent it from wrinkling. In combination with vitamin A in the form of retinoic acid, clay can increase collagen density in mice after 14 days._[2]

Studies also demonstrate that bentonite clay mixed with jojoba oil can reduce skin lesions and acne by up to 54% over 6 weeks._[3] This is likely the result of clay’s ability to absorb sebum, a waxy oil that is excreted onto the skin. People with severe acne secrete over double the sebum of those without acne,_[4] which explains one way in which clay can provide relief.

Bentonite Clay Benefit 2: Neutralizes Toxins

Bentonite is commonly used in animal feed because it neutralizes the dangerous aflatoxin. The toxin is produced by Aspergillus, a type of mold that is common in grains, breads, nuts, peanut butter, and other human foods._[5] Studies indicate that bentonite clay absorbs aflatoxins both in laboratory experiments and in animal intestines, reducing its bioavailability and toxicity._[6,7,8]

Bentonite Clay Benefit 3: Antibacterial Effects

Bentonite clay can also be used to destroy bacteria by depriving them of nutrients or by delivering toxins. Clay that has been pre-treated to contain microbe-destroying ions such as silver, copper, or zinc can release these ions upon contact with bacteria._[1] It is vital to know what type of minerals and ions are contained in the clay, because, unfortunately, this same process can actually benefit bacteria if clay is administered incorrectly._[9] If bacterial nutrients, instead of bacterial poisons, are attached to the clay, it can contribute to bacterial multiplication. This is known to be the case with the ingestion of some types of French green clay._[9]

How to Use Bentonite Clay Externally

Any type of clay is safe for skin application. If the clay is mixed with jojoba or any other oil or herb, check the ingredients to ensure that the mixture does not contain anything to which you are allergic. Mix the clay with water until it has a thick, muddy consistency and apply it to the desired area 2 to 3 times per week for 30 minutes. Be careful not to inhale the bentonite, as laboratory studies show that there does exist an extremely small chance of the clay being carcinogenic to lung tissue._[12]

How To Use Bentonite Clay Internally

The recommended type of clay for ingestion is bentonite, which has been shown to absorb bacterial toxins more effectively than kaolin or charcoal, and destroys a wide spectrum of bacteria over a 24-hour period in laboratory experiments._[10,11] To remove bacteria and their toxins from the digestive tract, take an oral dose of food-grade bentonite clay at a concentration of 4 parts water to 1 part clay. Using a higher concentration of clay or clay that is not food grade could result in intestinal blockage, which can only be corrected by surgery. Food grade clays are available at health stores and on the Internet, and are labeled as being safe to eat. French green clay is not recommended unless it is sure to contain one of the following antibacterial ions: silver, copper, or zinc._[5]

Clays are strong chelators and will absorb both good and bad minerals when ingested. It is not recommended to drink clay more than once per day or in concentrations higher than 4 parts water to 1 part clay, as this can lead to electrolyte loss.

We want to hear your opinions in the comments section below. If you have used bentonite clay, did it work for you? What type of clay was it, and how did you use it? Do you have other advice on how to improve skin? Eliminate toxins? Fight bacteria? You can help others by sharing your experiences and stories in the comments section below.

—Jeff Riddle