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Dating back hundreds of thousands of years, Canadian glacial clay–found in specific regions in Canada–is gaining increasing recognition as an effective antiaging and wellness ingredient.

After the ice age, glaciers began to melt, creating depressions that contained various types of sediment or “drift” collected during the migration of the glacial water and ice. Over time, these glacial lakes began to dry out, leaving behind large deposits of clay made up of sediments, glacial water, and many other components. Some of the largest deposits have been found in British Columbia.

Upon analysis of this clay by research scientists, it was found to contain rich earth elements, marine actives, micronutrients, and vitamins. Also, the clay is made up of particles that are as fine as the mist in a fog bank, making them minute enough to penetrate the inner layers of the skin and draw out toxins.

Body Benefits

With aging comes poor circulation, internal inflammation, and dehydration. Exposure to harsh environmental pollutants can lead to a build-up of toxins which eventually show in the skin. According to research into BC glacial clay by Dr. Ernst A. Hauser, professor of colloid chemistry at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the clay’s high absorption makes it ideal for drawing out impurities and toxins from the skin.

As a product developer, I am involved in researching unique active ingredients from various parts of the world. I became aware of the glacial clay a few years ago, and began researching its properties and experimenting with it for use in cosmetic preparations. We now use the glacial clay in our complete cosmetic formulations, and have received positive feedback from users claiming it helps heal acne, reduce blemishes, and improve skin tone, firmness, and overall skin appearance.

Aside from its many cosmetic benefits, unlike other types of clay, glacial clay, after application, leaves the skin feeling silky and hydrated rather than tight and dry.

Ingredients that go beyond just topical care such as our own Canadian glacial clay are nature’s gift for optimal skin health.

Specific Reported Benefits

• removes accumulated dead/dry skin cells, toxins, and bacteria from the skin
• improves skin’s tone and texture
• stimulates blood circulation
• replenishes beneficial minerals and elements to protect and renew the skin
• rehydrates the skin

What’s in It?

Canadian glacial clay is grey in colour, smooth in texture, has no odour, and hardens if it is exposed to air. Its specific minerals and rare earth elements include:

Minerals

• aluminum dioxide
• silicon dioxide
• iron dioxide
• magnesium dioxide
• potassium dioxide
• sodium oxide
• calcium oxide

Rare Earth Elements

• cerium
• lanthanum
• neodymium
• samarium
• europium
• ytterbium

Sherina Jamal is the founder of Ancient Secrets Inc. The company focuses on developing natural products and providing education on natural skin care. See www.ancientsecrets.ca.

Source: alive #287, September 2006