ZEOLITE, THE MASTER OF
DETOXIFICATION.
Not
many beauty ingredients begin with the letter Z, but zeolite does and it's
definitely an A-lister when it comes to beauty. Never heard of it? We've got
you covered.
WHAT IS IT?
First
formed more than 300 million years ago, zeolite is a mineral mostly made up of
silica and alumina tetrahedra. There are many natural variations, each one
unique to its environment. Some formed when volcanic rocks and ash reacted with
seawater; others are freshwater variations.
WHY SHOULD I USE IT?
Let’s
be clear, it's nearly impossible to live a totally clean life. Toxins and
pollutants find ways to sneak into our skin and bodies, so it's crucial to find
a safe, natural way to detox them right back out again. That's where zeolite
comes in.
Like
so many other volcanic substances, zeolite is a master of detoxification. It
has an extraordinary ability to absorb, hold, release, and exchange different
chemicals, nutrients, toxins, and ions according to need in your body. Much
like activated charcoal, it helps to draw out impurities in your skin and is
even being studied as a way to reduce and stop the growth of skin cancer in
dogs through topical application.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Zeolite
is unique in that its honeycomb, microporous cellular structure is one of
nature's few negatively charged minerals, which means it's able to attract
positively charged contaminants. Inside these negatively charged honeycomb
"cages," healthful minerals such as potassium can be found. Zeolite
swaps its healthful, negatively charged minerals for any positively charged
contaminants on or in your body. Basically, it takes away the bad stuff by
replacing it with good stuff.
Since
your body doesn't absorb the zeolite, the pollutants it sucks up are safely
removed when you wash it off your skin!
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR?
Now
that you know why adding zeolite to your skin care routine is beneficial, there
are a few things to keep in mind when looking for products. There are a lot of
brands using zeolite in their masks and cleansers these days.
However,
it's incredibly important that you're buying only high-quality, micronized
zeolite (preferably clinoptilolite) that's been properly cleaned and is 100
percent pure. Zeolite is sourced from the earth and needs to be separated from
other naturally occurring minerals that aren't so good for your health.
HOW DO I USE IT?
Mask:
In
a fine powder form, zeolite makes a wonderfully detoxifying mask. Mix 1
tablespoon of zeolite powder with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste.
Slather it on your face, leave it for up to an hour and wash it off. It'll do a
deep cleanse on your pores and help heal any existing blemishes.
Cleanser:
Mix
the same proportions as for the mask but wash off after about a minute so as
not to dry out your skin with daily use. For something more moisturizing, try
swapping the water with your favorite face oil. Follow with your favorite toner
and moisturizer.
Exfoliator:
With
its fine, sand-like texture, zeolite is a great gentle exfoliator. Place 1
tablespoon zeolite powder in the palm of your hand or a small bowl, and using a
soft brush, gently work the powder into your skin in small, circular motions.
Be careful around more delicate areas (eyes, etc.) and do not inhale the
powder. Then, simply wash off. When trying any skin care substance for the
first time, always do a patch test on your cheek or neck prior to use to test
whether you're allergic.
There
are many, many other uses for zeolite, from water purification (in much the
same way that charcoal is used) to helping your body achieve its optimal
slightly alkaline pH. Have fun experimenting, and your skin can thank us later!
ABOUT US
Our aim is to help cosmetics companies across Europe - those that have been operating for a while, as well as start-ups. We provide assistance throughout the whole process of product-development, eg. the formulation of recipes, the auditing of already existing products, the design, brand and packaging, drafting the documentation for the introduction of the product to the market, production, and complete project management.
For more information, check out our website:
Source:
Mindbodygreen
