“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished” - Lao Tzu
This quote is a profound reminder of nature’s slow and steady power to create and regenerate. Nature takes its time, innately knowing exactly how to accomplish what it was created to do. The same can be said for us. As humans, we are nature, within it, not outside of it. As we consider our skin in light of this truth, we can see how fitting Tzu’s statement is. Just as plants increase their vibrancy and vitality when they’ve been given the proper soil, sunlight and water, our skin also becomes vibrant when it’s been given the right nourishment. No matter how imbalanced our starting point.
Nature does not hurry
At evanhealy, we have seen this reality through many years of taking a more holistic approach. We know this is true: if we are patient with our skin, it will be able to accomplish its job.
This slow wisdom may appear to contradict the instant results that so many of us expect in our harried world. Years of conditioning from a commercial skincare approach may lead us to believe that in order to achieve healthy skin, we need to do more to it - including over-exfoliating with harsh chemicals. But if you’ve gone down that path, you may have noticed that your skin eventually becomes “angry.” You may even sense its cries for help! When we force our skin cells to shed faster than their natural pace, it disrupts the natural rhythm of skin regeneration. Because it is compelled to work double or triple time, our skin may become irritated, break out, become inflamed or flakey, and over- or under-produce oil. These chronic, inflamed skin irritations can exacerbate psoriasis, eczema and rosacea. This is why we do not recommend harsh acid treatments for the skin. But we often indulge in the natural, slow methods of exfoliation given to us from nature.
Clay: nature’s answer for dull, uneven, or congested skin
Clay is a gift from the earth. It is soil, not dirt, and is considered a low energy life form. Rich in silica, calcium, iron, magnesium and other trace minerals, clay shimmers with electromagnetic energy. It has an “intelligent” quality which magnetically attracts positively-charged toxins. Clay’s ability to draw out, bind itself to, and eliminate toxins has been used for thousands of years for healing various ailments in the skin and body. Naturally absorbing dead skin and impurities, clay leaves the skin’s healthy, living cells unharmed. Without disturbing the acid mantle and the skin’s critical microbiome, it smooths, softens, and polishes the skin. Energetically, clay also has a cooling effect on the skin, so it is appropriate for sensitive and delicate skin conditions as well.
How we utilize the power of clay during winter
Have you ever noticed how our skin seems to become dull and pallid as we go deeper into winter? In addition to winter’s cold and dryness, our skin is also affected by physical lethargy.
An easy way to prevent dull skin is through regular movement of your body — whether walking, hiking, yoga, dance, or any other physical activity you might love. If you get your blood flowing, your skin will retain its vitality and luster.
Another boost of vitality for skin is our Green Tea Clay, which is a mixture of green montmorillonite clay and organic matcha tea, which adds antioxidant benefits to the skin. Green montmorillonite clay has a polishing and activating action. When it is difficult to get outside and move our bodies, clay is the next best thing to get our blood flowing. Weekly, or even twice weekly, clay application gently exfoliates and awakens a sluggish metabolism. As the clay dries it contracts the skin. And as the clay is washed away, the skin expands. This is similar to a gymnastic workout for the skin, infusing it with blood movement and oxygen. This improves skin function and appearance, reducing puffiness and inflammation.
Being slow and deliberate with our skin might not yield “instant results” but it is also rewarding to know that our skin is being cared for in the long term. By taking a holistic, “slow” approach with our skin, our whole body partakes and resonates with the healing process. This slower and more sustainable method is “understood” by our skin. Clay will cumulatively contribute to the improvement of skin function and appearance over a lifetime of use.
Winter is a time of darkness, but it is also the slow and steady return of the light. It is an ideal time for us to slow down and shine the light on our lives, to consider where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what we want.
What have you noticed by slowing down and taking the holistic skincare route? Can we celebrate and enhance the natural slowness of winter, which makes its way gradually and imperceptibly towards the brightness of spring?
Clay Q&A:
Is clay safe to use around the eyes?
Yes, just be careful not to get too close to your eyes.
How often should I use a clay mask?
Once a week or even twice.
Why is my clay in powdered form?
Our clay comes in a glass jar, and in a dry form. This is by careful intention. Clay is inert when dry, but when liquid is added to it, it becomes active, and begins the pulling and drawing effect that can be felt on the skin. Your clay mask will be fresher and far more effective when activated just before masking. Clay that is sold wet and encased in plastic has been absorbing the outgassed chemicals that are in the container. These are absorbed into the wet clay.
Why is my skin rosy after a clay mask?
After clay masking, you might have a rosiness on your skin. This is because the clay is encouraging blood and lymph circulation to help draw out impurities. Rest, drink water and follow masking with a nutrient-rich application of Oil & Water.
How thick should I apply my clay mask?
Our general advice is to Mix equal parts clay and Hydrosol in a small bowl or the cupped palm of your hand & blend until creamy-this should yield the perfect thickness. Feel free to make it thinner by adding more liquid for a light wash consistency. This is a nice option if you like to mask frequently or have sensitive skin.
How long should I keep my clay mask on?
Allow the mask to dry (5-15 minutes depending on thickness). remove the clay mask as soon as it dries. Once it has dried it has finished its job and does not need to stay on the skin.
2 comments
I use the green tea clay mask, which I mix with one of the hydrosouls. I find it is drying to my skin, but I use it for exfoliation. I prefer products that do not dry out skin.
Great information! I’m now inspired start clay masking and appreciate the patient approach described in this blog.