Digging into Dead Sea Mud
When’s the last time you’ve played with Mud, or even held some? If it seems like ‘forever’ ago, you may want to consider reconnecting with this element of beauty.
While thoughts of playing with or in mud can conjure up memories of childhood, there are valuable, scientifically- proven and practical benefits attained from applying natural mud on your skin. For many years, Dead Sea resorts have attracted both beauty-seekers, and patients, who slather Dead Sea, mineral-rich mud all over their skin’s surface. So let’s dig a little deeper…
How is Natural Dead Sea Mud formed?
The Dead Sea is truly a natural wonder of the world, located 1,407 ft. below sea level (making it the lowest geographical point on Earth). Dead Sea mud is comprised of multiple layers of silt from the Judean region mountain that sank to the sea’s bottom (the mud layers were formed in the Holocene Era, less than 10,000 years ago), absorbing high concentrations of minerals in the process (such as Magnesium, Potassium, and Calcium to name a few). Deposits of gray to black mud are located at the mouths of the mostly dry beds of steams which feed into the Dead Sea. The mud deposits naturally collect sulfides and salt-rich brines both from ground water or hot springs along the shore.
What’s unique about Dead Sea Mud, and its Skin Benefits?
This black, sulfide-rich, hypersaline mud has occasionally been dubbed as . It’s used in masks, mud packs, and topical face and body treatments both in the Dead Sea Region, and in products worldwide.
What differentiates Dead Sea mud from ordinary mud from other regions is that this distinct blend has proven natural properties that are beneficial for your skin. It can work wonders for you – try these mud skin care tips:
- Mud Masks for Purified and Calmed skin. Not only does Dead Sea Mud soothe and calm irritated, dry skin, it also purifies and detoxifies clogged, oily skin (absorbs excess sebum, dirt etc.). This is due to its particularly high concentration of magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium, which work together to absorb toxins and remove excess dead skin cells, thus exposing a fresher, softer, and younger skin texture. In key research conducted by a team including AHAVA Dead Sea Laboratories Chief Technology Office Dr. Ze’evi Manor, Dead Sea Mud was proven to have anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. The scientists demonstrated that when suspensions of bacteria (i.e E.coli and others) were mixed with Dead Sea mud, the number of surviving, viable bacteria colonies, drastically declined. This is a reason why Dead Sea mud facial treatments are effective in treating acne, and have deep cleansing abilities. Try a mud mask to experience the benefits.
- Relief from stress pains, back pain, aching muscles and rheumatic pain. Mud from the Dead Sea banks is renowned for alleviating these conditions. With an often hectic lifestyle, and sitting for nearly 8 hours a day, back painis a common condition – affecting nearly 80% of people at some time.
AHAVA ‘Love’ tip: Lightly heat the Dead Sea mud pack in a pan of hot water or microwave (open the bag) for 2 minutes at medium heat; then massage the mud to aching joints (knees, elbows, feet) for deep relief.
- Feeling of freshness for your body and boosted circulation – In the process, it refines your skin’s texture, clarifying its tone. Spread Dead Sea mud generously over your entire body, leave on for 7 to 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- A Calming Ritual, and ‘Mind’ Getaway. Can’t make it to the Dead Sea? Treat yourself to a weekly, calming ‘you-time’ celebration – drench your body in warm Dead Sea Mud; and maybe even throw in a mud facial mask, close your eyes, and imagine you’re floating in the calm, Dead Sea Waters. Think of it as nature’s, raw and natural skin treatment and beautifier. Legend has it that Cleopatra used to make special trips just for this special mud.
So are you ready to get your hands ‘dirty’ with this highly-effective, natural cleanser? Your skin will thank you!