Seen At 11: Down-To-Earth Beauty Products Are The New Must-Haves

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Going natural is in this year and that means mud, clay and even charcoal are the new must-have beauty ingredients.

These earthy elements can help you look younger, feel healthier and even give you brighter teeth.

"Nature has always had the secret to ageless, clear skin and beauty," said Spirit Demerson, owner of Spirit Beauty Lounge.

In fact, as CBS 2's Kristine Johnson reported, clay has never been more popular.

"It's actually from an ancient volcanic ash and that's why it's so rich in minerals and activates so well in water and performs so well on the skin," Demerson said.

Demerson founded a natural beauty company and says using clay as a facial mask draws toxins and impurities out of the skin, leaving a glowing, bright complexion.

"It's unbeatable as sort of a pore vacuum and purifier," she said.

It can brighten and whiten teeth for kids and adults, too.

"The feel is different. It feels very smooth and then it kind of dissolves into your teeth," Amara Wagner of AmaraWellness.com said.

Adina Dabija actually drinks clay as part of her health regimen.

"You do it to clean the body, to perform better. It's like a reset button," she said.

Dabija is also an acupuncturist who uses clay along with other natural elements in her practice. She also uses a rich sea mud on clients with neck and back pain.

"It increases the circulation," she said as she applied it to one of her clients. "She will gain trace elements and trace minerals like magnesium, sulfur, lots of goodies."

The body then absorbs those minerals through the mud.

Clay, and also charcoal, are also used for absorbing toxins in the body.

"If you're battling a stomach ailment, food poisoning, if you want your teeth a little lighter, give it a try," nutritionist Lauren Slayton said.

Slayton relies on charcoal in her practice.

"It's not going to hurt you taken as directed," she said.

But even though mud, clay and charcoal are proven remedies, Dr. Richard Firshein says they still should be taken with some caution.

"What we want people to do is to think about why they are using these products in the first place. Why did you want to detoxify and what are you specific health issues?" he said.

Experts add that while these elements can pull out toxins from the body, they may also absorb your vitamins and even medications you might be taking so it's important to speak with your doctor.

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