Research Summary
Clay mineral facial masks are used to treat various dermatological diseases, as well as for cleansing and reducing the amount of oil secreted by sebaceous glands. There are several types of clays, which vary in mineralogical and chemical composition, color, and origin. However, the literature lacks studies involving clay facial masks, particularly regarding their influence on the skin's biomechanical properties. Thus, this work aimed to characterize colored clays and evaluate their influence on skin firmness and elasticity through a short-term clinical study.
Different clays, specifically magnesium aluminum silicate (MAS), white, pink, and green, were chemically characterized, and facial mask formulations were prepared. The short-term clinical study involved the application of these formulations on the skin, with assessments of skin firmness and elasticity conducted before treatment and after mask removal.
The statistical analysis showed no significant influence of time or formulations on these parameters, although volunteers reported a sensation of mechanical tension after the removal of the clay facial masks. Thus, the composition of the different clays did not affect the skin's viscoelastic behavior in the short-term clinical study. It is suggested that long-term use of this type of formulation should be indicated to observe all the expected benefits.
Keywords: Clay, biomechanical properties, chemical characterization, facial mask, clinical study.
<Access the full report below>