The most popular byproduct of volcanic ash is bentonite clay. This ingredient is common in volcanic ash face masks and other topical products. Bentonite is not a mineral, but rather a generic word used for rocks taken from volcanic ash beds (1). It has been used as an ingredient in medicinal preparations for a long time. Before exploring the many benefits of using volcanic ash for skin, it is important to see what experts have to say.
Dermatologists’ Opinion On Volcanic Ash
Some dermatologists approve of volcanic ash due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to promote collagen synthesis. Its mineral-rich content may also help heal wounds. Certain skin care experts also believe that volcanic ash serves as an antibacterial exfoliant to clarify skin. This may be of benefit to those with oily skin. While dermatologists seem to praise volcanic ash for its ability to cleanse skin, they also caution about the ash’s potential to strip away the skin’s natural oils. Hence, it is important to maintain balance and choose the right type of formulation. In the following section, we discuss the important benefits of volcanic ash for skin.
Benefits Of Volcanic Ash For Skin
Research on the benefits of volcanic ash (or bentonite clay) is limited. Also, note that volcanic ash is used in skin care products only in low percentages. It is mixed with other moisturizing and nourishing ingredients. Using raw volcanic ash can be harmful. The volcanic ash in skin care products may have the following benefits.
1. May Help Exfoliate Skin
Volcanic ash may absorb and attract substances. It is made of fine porous particles that enable it to remove dirt, impurities, and excess oils from the skin, which may cause inflammation and trigger acne.
2. May Offer Antimicrobial Benefits
Volcanic ash is said to possess antibacterial properties thanks to its sulfur content. It may help fight infections that may occur due to blocked pores.
3. May Fight Inflammation
It is thought volcanic ash may also fight skin inflammation. Inflamed skin is more likely to age sooner as collagen, the protein needed to keep skin healthy, diminishes (2). The above benefits are claims made by various sources. They are not clinically proven yet. However, bentonite clay has certain proven benefits.
4. May Help Treat Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis may be caused by poison oak and poison ivy. When used as a lotion, bentonite clay may help treat this type of dermatitis (3). Bentonite was also observed to help those with chronic hand dermatitis when used in a moisturizing cream (4). Infants with diaper dermatitis were found to show a favorable improvement when bentonite-containing diaper creams were used on their skin (5).
5. May Protect The Skin Barrier
Bentonite clay may help protect the skin barrier from toxic compounds (6). It may prevent such contaminants from getting transferred to the deeper skin layers. Also, sun lotions with certain portions of bentonite clay are more powerful in absorbing the highest levels of UV light than their commercially available counterparts (7).
6. May Help Heal Skin
Studies have found that montmorillonite (a major constituent of bentonite clay) may help heal skin lesions and ulcers (8). This may be attributed to its antimicrobial properties. While more research is warranted, including volcanic ash in your skin care regimen seems to offer certain advantages. Here’s how you can make use of it.
How To Use Volcanic Ash For Skin
Products containing volcanic ash come in interesting formulations, allowing you to incorporate the ingredient into your beauty regimen in many ways.
1. Face Washes
If a regular cleanse is what you are looking for, choose a facewash that contains volcanic ash. Be sure that it has other hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to ensure your skin does not dry out over time. This is probably best for those with extremely oily skin.
2. Exfoliators
You should use exfoliators with volcanic ash 2 to 3 times a week. Choosing an exfoliating formulation will thoroughly cleanse your face by removing dead skin cells. It leaves you with fresh, smoother skin.
3. Face Masks
Go for a volcanic ash clay mask that is hydrating as well. Leave it on for a while and use it no more than twice a week, as you may risk drying your skin out. If you are more inclined towards a DIY formula, try the homemade volcanic ash face mask.
You Will Need
Bentonite clay powder Water
How To Make
- Mix bentonite clay powder with some water to get a thick paste-like consistency. 2. Apply it evenly over your face. 3. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse. But before you use this skin care ingredient, it is important to be aware of its potential side effects.
Side Effects Of Volcanic Ash
Unprocessed volcanic ash can be extremely dangerous as it may lead to respiratory and skin complications. Moreover, some products can be contaminated by unwanted metals and deposits and may harm your skin. Do not use volcanic ash deposits directly from the ground. Rather, you should always purchase the ingredient from a reputed skin care company. You are unlikely to experience any serious side effects when used in the recommended quantities. Volcanic ash is often compared with activated charcoal. But which of the two is preferable?
Volcanic Ash Vs. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is produced by superheating natural carbon sources. The ash left behind has toxin-absorbing properties that allow it to be used for detoxification. Activated charcoal does not get absorbed by the body. Similar to volcanic ash, it too has antibacterial and deep-cleansing properties. However, volcanic ash has additional mineral properties that activated charcoal doesn’t. Hence, volcanic ash may be a better choice.
Can Volcanic Ash Clear Your Skin?
Volcanic ash clay may help treat certain skin conditions due to its antimicrobial, soothing, and exfoliation properties. But it takes a combination of ingredients to help clear your skin. Hence, you must first understand the cause of your skin condition and treat it appropriately. Volcanic ash could be an addition to this treatment.
How Often Can You Use Volcanic Ash?
Follow the instructions on the product when using it topically. A DIY formula must not be used more than twice a week. Refrain from using multiple skin care products with volcanic ash as you may end up stripping your skin’s natural oils. Consult your doctor prior if you accidentally ingest any product containing volcanic ash. Is volcanic ash cancerous? Volcanic ash may contain crystalline silica that can cause a serious lung disease called silicosis, which may cause cancer. But most topical volcanic ash skin products either do not contain this compound or do so in minuscule amounts. What nutrients are in volcanic ash? Volcanic ash contains minerals like silica mineral, kaolin-group mineral, smectite, pyrophyllite, muscovite, alunite, anhydrite, gypsum, pyrite, K-feldspar, albite, and rutile. Is volcanic ash acid or alkaline? The pH level of volcanic ash is around 8.5-9, making it alkaline. Does volcanic ash affect pH? Volcanic ash has a high basic pH level of 9, but it is used in very small quantities in skin care products. However, the skin has an acidic pH level of below 5. To balance its pH level, you should use neutral or acidic products. But doing so can dry out the skin and leave its barrier function weak. That is why volcanic ash skin care products are only recommended for oily skin.
