Yellow Clay: What are its properties for the skin?

If yellow clay is so well integrated into both cosmetic and therapeutic care, it's due to its healing effects on minor wounds. Indeed, this ingredient contributes to theepithelialisation of tissues and accelerates this process. It acts by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibres. This is due to the presence of copper in the composition of yellow clay. This metal ensures the proper functioning of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that catalyses the formation of aldehydes from lysines. The aldehydes produced during this reaction are reactive and assemble together, which causes the cross-linking of collagen and elastin fibres, a process essential for their stabilisation.

Yellow clay is often regarded as an ingredient capable of preventing skin sagging, due to its antioxidant properties. These effects are derived from the metals it contains, notably iron and copper. These are indeed necessary for the activity of superoxide dismutase enzymes (SOD). SODs are metalloproteins that catalyse the degradation of certain free radicals. These molecules are reactive species that damage cells and tissues and promote skin ageing. However, for SODs to be functional, they require metallic cofactors, such as copper and iron. Yellow clay thus helps to neutralise free radicals before they weaken the structure of the extracellular matrix and thereby prevents the appearance of wrinkles.

There are reasons to believe that yellow clay helps to reduce established wrinkles as this ingredient promotes the synthesis of elastin and collagen by fibroblasts, according to the mechanism previously described involving lysyl oxidase. However, no scientific study has so far highlighted the firming property of yellow clay, so caution is advised.

Affecting all skin types, the lack of radiance is often exacerbated by a lack of sleep, pollution or a deficient diet. However, this dull effect can be mitigated by incorporating antioxidants into skincare products.

Our antioxidant mask with yellow clay (INCI: Kaolin), turmeric (INCI: Curcuma Longa Root Extract) and lemon verbena floral water (INCI: Lippia Citriodora Leaf Water) is an essential ally for restoring the radiance of your complexion. The synergy of these ingredients revitalises the epidermis and protects it from the effects of oxidative stress, by neutralising free radicals.