How to: Detox Clay Bath 101 + 2 Clay Bath Recipes

I love to relax in just a plain bath at the end of the week, or a bath with essential oils. Once a month I mix it up with a detox clay bath.  I used to always choose the detox package option at the spa until I realized I could easily add this to my existing route.

The first time I tried this, frankly it didn’t go so well, I just threw in half a cup of clay in to my drawn bath.  Bad idea.  The clay didn’t mix well into the bath and it clumped.  I didn’t revisit the idea until I fell in love with the benefits of bentonite clay because it cleared up my acne problem that I had for years.

A clay bath is my go-to for when I feel crappy, or “toxic”, or have a headache.

I have found 2 recipes that work really well for my detox baths that I have shared below.

Why Detox Your Skin?

I can’t be the only one guilty of sleeping in makeup, forgetting all together to wash your face, ate too much bad food or didn’t use the proper sun protection.

Your skin is also a reflection of your internal organs.  Allergic reactions result in skin rashes, or poor diet results in acne, too much alcohol results in really bad acne, or worse eczema.

Everyday, our skin is subject to pollutants, dirt from the environment or toxins from your diet that clog pores.  So detoxing your pores, and cleansing the impurities, gives your skin the ability to have a fresh start.  If you detox right, you might even rejuvenate your cells to how it normally looks, or better.

How is Clay Beneficial for Detoxing your Skin?

Enter Bentonite clay.  Like the absorption benefits of activated charcoal, calcium bentonite clay has the insane ability to absorb positive charged ions. Heavy metals, toxins, chemicals, or bacteria all carry positive electrons.  All the nasty stuff that gets clogged in our pores.

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Clay is naturally has a negative charge.  When the clay is activated with a liquid, then like a magnet, it absorbs all the impurities from your skin.  The charge is so strong that it can even remove fluoride from water (source).

It creates a super strong bond between the clay and the impurities so that when you get out of the bath and wipe the clay from your body, the impurities go with it.  And in return, the clay also re-mineralizes your skin by leaving calcium and other minerals behind.

I first discovered Bentonite clay when I was searching for a way to get rid of my never ending acne, and it actually worked.  So since then I’ve fallen in love with this magic product and using it in many other aspects of my life, I even use it to make my own homemade toothpaste!  *Insert joke from my teenage self here.*

How do you know if you need to detox?

I always know when I’m overdue for a detox bath.  I feel “toxic”, or lethargic, and sometimes I suffer from horrible headaches.  When this happens, I know it’s time.  A detox bath can also help with:

• headaches
• fatigue
• chronic stress
• extra weight
• bloating

What you need to know about a clay bath before you begin

There are actually numerous types of clays that you can use. Naturally clay’s are all very powerful at detoxing. But some do this better than others. Bentonite clay is known as the strongest clay for detox.

While in the bath, you will notice the clay clumping to different parts of your body where there are more impurities being absorbed.  If you do notice those little globs, try to soak a little longer.

Because clay absorbs heavy metals, when it is liquified and in contact with metals, it will absorb the heavy metals from that source.  This makes it less effective on your skin.

The most common question about clay detox baths is, but my drain is metal? Yes, the clay coming into contact with the drain will render it less potent than if you were to slather your whole body direct with a clay mask.  You will still realize benefits of the clay bath detox.  Keep reading for my second method which gives you the full benefits, relaxing detox bath second.

You can let the clay drain with the bathwater.  You might notice that it has discolored or has become slimy. That’s all the impurities it removed from your body!   Make sure to run hot water for 30 seconds to a minute to fully drain.  Clean the side of your tub.

Recipe 1: Bentonite Clay Detox Bath

For even smoother skin after your bath, first dry brush before your detox.

There are 2 ways that I have found effective for my detox clay bath:

1. Mix the clay in a bowl and water together thoroughly first, until there are no clumps. Make sure only to use a plastic or glass bowl and mixing utensil.  Pre-mixing the clay will reduce the clumping when you mix it in your bath.
2. Mix the clay with a bit more less water to create a paste, similar to that of a facial mask consistency.  Apply the clay to your whole body while either standing in the tub or the bathroom, and let sit for a couple minutes direct on your skin, then sink into the bath.  If I’m feeling in need of the detox benefits then I start with this.

Soak in your bath for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

I love how smooth my skin feels after a bath, I also like to apply a bit of coconut oil after the detox to moisturize.

How much clay should you use?

I normally use 1 to 2 cups of bentonite clay.  It’s not cheap, but I normally order this brand online.

Recipe 2: Bentonite Clay and epsom salt Detox Bath

Epsom salts is another favorite stars for my bath.  It can especially beneficial for muscle fatigue so it’s my go-to after a hard work out.

But epsom salts also have a BUNCH more benefits, like:

• Increasing the absorption of magnesium
• Helps you sleep
• Aids muscle recovery after strenuous workouts
• Reduce pain and swelling

So with the benefits of Epsom salts and clay bath it will make it a relaxing AND detoxing bath.

Start by drawing your bath with warm water and adding the Epsom salt in the beginning to let dissolve.

Choose an option from recipe 1 above to work with the clay.  Either mix in a bowl ahead of time to avoid clumping, or mix and apply directly to your body before sinking into the tub.

Clay and Epsom Salt Bath Ingredients:

• 1/2 of apple cider vinegar (optional: can be quite “strong scented” great when you are looking for the skin benefits, but skip for a relaxation bath)
• Essential oil (Lavender is my go-to)
• 1 cup of Epsom Salts
• 1/2 cup of Bentonite Clay

I’m really in love with the benefits of clay, I have also outlined a couple of other types of clay for acne, and how to mix clay for your skin type.