Clever Girl Beauty Essential: Sodium Bentonite Clay

 Sodium Bentonite Clay is formed when volcanic ash mixes with water, resulting in a nutrient-dense clay. It has been used to treat a wide variety of internal and external ailments since 2500 B.C.E, with proponents such as Cleopatra and Ghandi praising its health and beauty benefits. 

The clay possesses both anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, but the attribute that makes Sodium Bentonite so great is that the clay is negatively charged, while most toxins and impurities have a positive charge. Acting as a magnet, Sodium Bentonite attracts these negatively charged toxins and 

works to draw them up and out of the body. 

The bff and I having a spa night

When used as a facial or body mask Sodium Bentonite Clay cleanses while absorbing the dirt/oil/makeup residing deep within your pores.The result is possibly the cleanest, smallest pores you've ever had. Aside from acne, it can also improve cellulite, sun damaged skin, stretch marks, and wrinkles. 

My favorite brand

The brand of Sodium Bentonite Clay that I use is called Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. I purchased a pound of it at Whole Foods for $9.99 a few years ago and have been using it weekly ever since. Thus not only is this an extremely effective product, it also comes at a great value.

To make a mask simply combine equal parts clay/apple cider vinegar in a non-metal bowl and apply directly to your skin. If you have sensitive skin leave the mask on for 5-10 minutes, but if you have normal/oily skin you can leave it on up to 25 minutes. 

The resulting glow

CG Beauty Essential: Coconut Oil

I got into the coconut oil fad back when it first shot off as the new "miracle ingredient". Since then I have cooked, baked, and cleaned with coconut oil, but my favorite uses are definitely in the beauty department. Coconut oil appears in many all-natural and organic beauty products (including makeup) because it is an excellent moisturizer, as well as being both antibacterial and antifungal. Chock full of antioxidants like vitamin E, coconut oil can help your skin retain moisture, increase elasticity, and decrease inflammation. 

All of the beauty essentials I profile are multitasking marvels, but coconut oil gives some of my favorite products a run for their money. There are dozens of uses for this amazing oil on your face and body, but I have compiled my five favorite beauty uses for coconut oil. Give them a try and let me know what you think!

1. The most obvious use for coconut oil in your beauty regime is as a moisturizer. After cleansing, apply the oil in circular motions. Consider it a mini massage. Remember that with coconut oil, a little goes a long way. The solid oil will easily melt once it makes contact with the warmth of your skin and you will end up with more than you need. Coconut oil makes a great overall moisturizer and can replace such diverse products as cuticle oil, hand lotion, and lip balm. Unlike store bought moisturizing products that can contain lots of water and petroleum based ingredients, coconut oil offers a complete and natural moisture. I highly recommend applying it as a body oil while your skin is still wet after a shower or bath.

2. I haven't used gel or body wash since I discovered shaving with oil. It completely revolutionized shaving for me! And of all the oils I've shaved with (olive, safflower, sunflower) coconut oil is one of my favorites. Not only does it smell delicious, but after shaving you'll find your legs, etc. are softer than they've been since you started using a razor. Generally I leave shaving for last when I'm in the shower and exfoliate everywhere my razor will touch. Exfoliating before you shave, especially with a body or facial wash that includes salicylic acid, helps to removes dead skin and prevents ingrown hairs from forming. After you've exfoliated spread the oil across your skin so it is evenly distributed. Once again, you'll probably need less than you take. Your skin doesn't need to be thickly coated with oil, rather you are going for an even sheen. Use a sharp, wet razor (the more blades the better), and shave as you normally would. The first thing you'll notice is that your razor quickly fills with oil. I generally use a bowl or cup filled with hot water to rinse the razor out every few passes. Make sure you store your cleaned razor in a dry place to extend the life of the blades and avoid bacteria. I have a theory that shaving with oil actually extends the life of your razor by preventing rust and protecting the blades.

3. You can even use coconut oil as a general facial cleanser. I wouldn't advise using it daily if you have acne prone skin, but it can be a valuable tool against winter dryness for all skin types. While highly moisturizing, coconut oil also offers anti-bacterial/anti-fungal properties and will help to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. To cleanse your skin with coconut oil simply apply it to your face in circular motions, then apply a warm washcloth. Keep the washcloth on for as long as you can to help open up your pores, then wipe away. Unless my skin is feeling especially dry, I opt out of using moisturizer after cleansing my face with this method because it just seems like overkill.

4. I never used makeup remover or eye makeup remover until I tried using coconut oil. It always seemed like a superfluous product that I could simply replace with a good cleanser. The truth is that most cleansers aren't going to remove all of your makeup, especially not that waterproof mascara. Coconut oil, however, does a superb job of breaking down your makeup (even the waterproof stuff) and leaving your skin hydrated. You can remove your eye makeup by melting some coconut oil in your hand or in a dish  and using cotton balls or kleenex to wipe your eyes clean. Once I've gotten most of my eye makeup off I use the rest of the oil on my face, taking time to massage my skin in a circular motion. I then use a warm washcloth and a gentle cleanser to remove the coconut oil and the makeup. Instantly you'll notice that your skin is silky smooth and makeup free! 

5. Coconut oil can also help you with your hair. If you find your tresses are in need of a moisture boost try a coconut oil overnight hair mask. Before bed wet your hair and coat your locks in the oil from root to tip. I generally use a wet brush to dampen my hair and then apply the oil just as I would a leave in conditioner, taking the time to massage it into my scalp.After, I wrap my hair up in a scarf and put a towel down over my pillow (just in case). In the morning you can skip the conditioner and simply wash your hair with a mild shampoo. As coconut oil penetrates hair better than most oils, you'll instantly notice that your hair is stronger, shinier, and less frizzy. 

Stay tuned for more ideas on how you can incorporate coconut oil into your skin and haircare.