Our marine clay

Clay - Since the beginning of time

Born of the cosmos, our Earth is made up of "star dust".  Initially, a mass of molten rock, the Earth's surface cooled and solidified to form a crust covering a molten core.

According to certain theories, life evolved mostly in clay beds in the seas. Clay consists of a network of atoms stacked to form hollow octahedrons and tetrahedrons. This porosity allowed clay to catalyze a number of chemical reactions, notably those that would synthesize the chemical compounds necessary for the development of organic life.

Clay is produced by the erosion of rocks.  Rain, frost, thaw, the melting of glaciers, wind, storms, streams and rivers,- all break rocks into tinier and tinier pieces.

Most clay transported by rivers was eventually deposited in estuaries and deltas.

Manicouagan marine clay :  one million years later

Situated at the base of an ancient mountain chain, the North Shore of the St. Lawrence River is geologically characterized as an area of igneous rock formations.  These rocks resulted from the cooling of molten magma at great depths.

Our marine clay comes from igneous rocks that appeared following the intensive geological changes caused by the crash of a meteorite in the Manicouagan region 215 million years ago.   This crater, with a diameter of about 5 km, has been called the eye of Quebec due to its size and unique shape.

The meteorite’s impact on the earth created a shock wave with the energy equivalent to 20 billion tonnes of explosive.  It excavated a crater that is now used as the Manicouagan reservoir.

During the last ice age, the North Shore was covered by three kilometres of ice for about 18 000 years.  This enormous weight formed a depression in the earth’s crust creating the Goldthwait Sea, which became, after the melting of the glaciers, the majestic St. Lawrence River.

After the glaciers retreated and the seas withdrew, the land rose, forming sand banks and clay beds or layers. These sediments carried by the Outardes and Manicouagan rivers and the St. Lawrence eventually formed the Manicouagan peninsula.  The forces of Nature - wind, rain, freezing, thawing, etc - also contributed.

The entire glacial history explains the formation of our clay deposits and the essential ingredients of our marine clay.

Argile eau mer's clay deposit

An exceptional nature
An exceptional marine clay

The bed of clay stretches out from the Bay St-Ludger shoreline on the Manicouagan Peninsula to an area of about 15 square kilometres. Salt marshes, plants, seaweed, and sandy shallows characterize the local environment, one of the richest and most productive in the St. Lawrence River system.

Where sea, river, peat bog, and clay particles unite

The confluence of the Outardes, the Manicouagan and the St. Lawrence rivers creates the conditions of salinity and temperature favourable for the growth of phytoplankton and microscopic algae. This meeting of fresh river waters, peat bogs and salt water combine to make our clay and explains the contents of its sediments, its interstitial (pore) water and its delicate balance.

... where a great multitude of species live

Argile Eau Mer's clay deposits takes part in the great biological web of this ecosystem. Its large surface abounds with algae, fruits, flowers and bushes, as well as medicinal plants. A bed of peat moss covers the marine clay, supplying it with water and plant matter. The peat moss and sphagnum moss efficiently and natually filter out environmental pollutants and helps make our marine clay pure and biomineralogically unique.

The physical, chemical, biological, minerological, and granulometric characteristics of sea clay from the Manicouagan explains its æsthetic and therapeutic action  

Marine clay : a high quality cosmetic

These combined properties act to tone and smooth the skin giving it a healthy look, a clear complexion, young and fresh because the tissues have been cleansed, nourished and deeply moisturized. Cellular exchange, circulation, and balance are thus improved.

Marine clay : A topical therapeutic agent

These properties act in synergy to help heal blemishes, sores, burns, cuts and to reduce puffiness. Muscular pain and skin disorders are likewise relieved. After just one application of our marine clay on a troubled area, regenerating cells can act more effectively, all the more due to the stimulation of cellular metabolism. You just feel better.  

Marine clay acts in different ways and it relieves many pains. 

She exfoliates  Exfoliation is caused by two combined actions that depend upon the chemical composition of Manicouagan marine clay. Firstly, the sodium and potassium oxides, in low concentrations, exfoliate the surface of the skin chemically. Secondly, the aluminum and silicon oxide particles exfoliate due to their abrasiveness. Just like a pumice stone, these two substances physically remove dead cells from the skin. The combination of these two actions leaves skin softer and fresher after one only treatment.

It rehydrates Marine clay directs its water towards dehydrated skin cells by the process of osmosis. This rehydration fills out and smooths wrinkled skin The skin feels stronger and rejuvenated.

It revitalizes The delicate marine clay does not just eliminate dead skin cells, it also carries oligo-elements, mineral salts and mineralized water. These substances can be absorbed by the skin to repair the damage caused by deficiencies in vitamins or oligo-elements.

It deeply cleanses the skin It effectively removes oiliness because of its sodium and potassium oxides which react with the skin's oil and help dissolve them in water which can be washed away. Moreover the presence of ions improves the action of soaps, shampoos and cleansing products because of the attraction between dirt and clay particles. The oil and dirt, now eliminated, allow the skin to improve its tone, its elasticity and its complexion..

It stimultes circulation This is due to the evaporation process and also to the transfer of its water directly to any dehydrated cells in direct contact. The effect, as the delicate marine clay dries on the skin, is to draw heat out from the area. The body compensates with an influx of blood to the affected region. The skin is then nourrished by marines salts, minerals and water.

It reduces inflammation As well, marine clay can eliminate excess water when it dries, because of its absorbant power. This is due to the phenomenon of connecting vessels. Water tends to go to where it is lower in concentration. So any inflammation is reduced when the tissues tighten up after the secretions and excess liquids have been eliminated.

It aids healing The marine clay forms a dressing that breathes. With its anti-toxic ability, it filters out the air borne impurities, allowing for the penetration of oxygen, which is essential for healing and for the formation of new cells.

It regenerates Marine clay regenerates by causing an influx of blood and eliminating toxins. This speeds up the growth of replacement cells needed for the healing process. In any case, these new collagen enriched cells rejuvenate the skin which slows the aging process.

It helps eliminate toxins. Manicouagan marine clay contains fine particles that are electrically charged, like the static electricity that we see when brushing hair, for example. Our daily experience with this phenomenon shows us that hair is attracted by the brush. Between the clay and the toxins, a similar phenomenon is seen. Many toxins are also electrically charged particles. The marine clay can thus bind to them and carry them out of the biological system.

Our unique Manicouagan marine clay offers the properties of the ancient beds of meteorites, of rivers, of peat bogs, and of sea water. It is especially useful for body care and therapeutic care.

Powder

L’argile marine de Manicouagan marine clay in powder form is our raw clay, dried naturally and sterilized. The clay has been ground and sifted to obtain extremely fine particles. One tablespoon of marine clay can contain up to 500 million micron sized particles.

All processing steps are are done according to methods that conserve as much as possible the natural state of the clay. You can add any type of water to reconstitute the clay into its paste or liquid form, depending on what you want to do. The quality of water added is important to recreate the original clay. Seawater or liquid clay is more active and is used in preference to freshwater.

You can add it to your bath or mix it with essential oils if you have dry skin. When adding water to the powder, you can obtain a clay of whatever consistency you want to use - for a poultice, a compress, a body wrap, a massage, a body scrub, etc.

Gel = paste = marine clay

Manicouagan marine clay in paste form has undergone a treatment similar to that of our powder. It has been stirred, sifted and vapour sterilized. The clay paste has not been dried, so it still contains the original natural water. The marine clay sediment occurs naturally in gel form. If it is stored too long, the water could separate and rise to the top. However, by shaking it, you can recreate the gel. This has no effect on the quality of the clay.

Liquid = suspension

Manicouagan marine clay in its liquid form is made by adding distilled water to the paste. As it contains more water than the paste, we call this product a suspension. Just like the paste, the suspension can separate. To homogenize the mixture, the same steps are followed. You only have to shake the container to recreate the suspension. 

Manicouagan marine clay in its liquid form is made by adding distilled water to the paste. As it contains more water than the paste, we call this product a suspension. Just like the paste, the suspension can separate. To homogenize the mixture, the same steps are followed. You only have to shake the container to recreate the suspension.

N.B. Our products are not irradiated. Thus, they don not lose any of their natural properties.  

Uses and directions for Manicouagan marine clay 

Directions may vary according to  

	the use
	the action desired
	the desired results

You can treat many problems with just one application.

 

For body care and well being : ­ Using the paste, cover the body completely, from head to toe, or a part of the body. Cover up with a light wool blanket or a cotton or flannel bed sheet as needed if you are not doing this in a bath. Doing this in the bath tub will help in the clean up afterwards. Let the paste dry for about 20 minutes. Exfoliate dead skin cells by scrubbing off the paste. You can also massage the covered area while the clay is moist to improve penetration. Take a hot bath right afterwards.

For a beauty mask ­ You can use the liquid clay and cover your face with a thin layer. Let it dry for about five to ten minutes so it can moisturize with its interstitial water. Clean deeply. If you have delicate skin, do not scrub.

For the bath ­ Put 75 mL of powdered clay in the bath. Add any bath salts or oils that you wish. Relax and enjoy.

To help in the treatment of skin problems (shingles, eczema, psoriasis, acne) ­ Make a poultice of liquid clay: cover the affected area with a fine layer of clay. The itching should stop. Wait 20 minutes before washing. Repeat each day until you have the desired results. You can also dip a piece of cloth into the liquid clay to make a compress. You then place it on the parts to be treated while following the aforementioned times.   Apply your medication after the clay treatment, or your hydrating lotion if feel the need.

To relieve muscle aches and pains (rheumatism, arthritis, joint pain) and accelerate the healing of sores, swellings, burns : ­ Make a poultice of the clay paste : apply a thick layer of clay, cover with a lettuce leaf or a cotton cloth to allow the clay to dry. You can also use a thin piece of plastic food wrap. Leave the poultice on for an hour or more, before washing. Repeat every day until you get the desired results.  You can also heat the clay for more comfort, except in the treatment of swellings or burns..

Helpfull hints :	Use spatulas made of wood and plastic to avoid putting the clay in contact with metal.
	Shake the liquid clay well before using in order to reestablish the suspension.
	Use dark coloured clothing that can be easily removed.

Because of its affinity to water and its 100% natural ingredients, marineclay lends itself to many alternative medical treatments. It can also help some traditional medical treatments.

In reflexology :  Massage the feet with a clay cream (paste or liquid) until it dries. Add lukewarm water as needed.

In massage therapy : Spread the clay paste on the parts of the body to be massaged. Have a container of lukewarm water to moisten the hands if the clay dries too quickly. Massage to allow the clay to penetrate. You get a body scrub at the same time.

In mud therapy :  Cover the body or that part of the body to be treated with a layer of thick clay paste. To keep warm, cover with a flannel bedsheet, and if needs be, a wool blanket. Let sit for 20 to 60 minutes depending on the results desired. Reactivate the powers of clay by following up with a therapeutic bath.

In pelotherapy : Cover with clay the body or that part of the body to be treated. Use as needed. Let dry and exfoliate then with the hands, an exfoliating glove, or a clay stone. This treatment combats cellulite.

Reactivate the powers of clay by following up with a therapeutic bath.

In hydrotherapy : Use one of this three method : : 

	add 75 ml of clay of clay to prepare a sea water therapeutic,
	cover the body in clay for a shower massage,
	you can reactivate the clay in a shower after a body wrap.

In physiotherapy, orthopediatrics, skin treatments... or for treating skin ailments: Cover the affected areas to be treated or take a bath with marine clay before and/or after excercise, medical treatments, cosmetic surgery, etc...

N.B. You can also add the essential oils or medicinal plants to the clay in powder, paste, or liquid form.

Manicouagan marine clay actively helps to improve the action of cosmetics products while bringing its own therapeutic properties. You can use it alone, wiith natural products (essential oils, water, algae, plants, fruits, flowers, sea salts, minerals..), or with manufactured products (vitamine A acid, AHA.)

Add, according to the manufacturers directions; marine clay acts in concert with the other ingredients of the cosmetic product.

Depending on the manufacturing process used, the product keeps its unique qualities, even as it is enriched by a newly added natural substance.

With the powder, the paste (gel) and the liquid marine clay, you can make new products :   

	Make-up (powder, shadows, eye liner, mascara...)
	Facial care products (cover for blackheads and spots, cleaning creams, hydrating lotions, beauty masks, hydrating gels, cleansers, exfoliatating gels for the lips, revitalizing lotions for the eye area, toothpaste...)
	Body care product ( soaps, shower gels , Avon products, hydrating lotions, astringent creams, sun lotions, bubble bath, thermal baths, marine clay crystals, exfoliating clay stones...)
	Hair care products and colourants ( medicinal shampoo, hair gel, follicle treatment, hydrating cream for the scalp, colorants...)
	Foot care products ( creams, thermal baths, massage gel)

The uses and the directions for use from the manufacturers of natural therapeutic or parapharmaceutical products :

Marine clay can be used alone or with other natural products (essential oils, waters, algaes, plants, fruits, flowers, sea salts, minerals.) to make powder, paste, (gel) or liquid products that can be used to stimulate metabolism, reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Its use is particularly effective with surgical operations, both before (by strengthenening tissues) and after (by accelerating healing and helping to prevent scarring).