The Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth for the Skin

Diatomaceous earth is a white powder that have been pulverized. This 100% natural active ingredient comes from the fossil residues of diatoms that have decayed. Diatoms are unicellular algae covered by a mineral skeleton consisting of two intertwined layers of silica. After the algae die, a silt/clay mixture forms that fossilizes and later yields the diatom powder.

Diatoms are found in fresh water as well as in salt and brackish water; today there are about 10,000 different species.

In skin care for the face and the whole body, diatomaceous earth is highly valued for its cleansing and exfoliating effect. In terms of nutrition, diatomaceous earth is popular because of the trace elements it contains, which are essential for the body, such as magnesium, copper, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and selenium.

After purification, calcination and crushing, diatomaceous earth offers numerous benefits for the skin. Here are some examples:

• Cleansing: Diatomaceous earth frees the skin from toxins, dust and other dirt that lies on it.

• Exfoliating: The tiny, angular particles remove corneocytes, dead skin cells that have accumulated on the skin's surface and can dull the skin and/or clog pores and form blackheads;

• Absorbent: Thanks to its microporous structure, diatomaceous earth powder is a drying agent that can absorb up to one times its weight in moisture. Because of this property, it is often used in natural deodorants, but also in cleansing face masks. It absorbs excess sebum and skin oil.

In addition, this powder is chemically non-reactive. It does not react with other compounds contained in cosmetic formulas, which facilitates its incorporation into numerous galenic formulations. It can also be added to acidic and basic formulations as it is not pH sensitive.