Get That Cleopatra Glow: The Skin Care and Health Benefits of Dead Sea Mud
The
beauty industry is booming with different trends — from Korean to
vegan to all-natural skin care, among others. Consumers are trying a variety
of products and
ingredients just to get clear, glowing skin.
One of
the hottest beauty products in the market right now are mud masks, and along
with bentonite clay, one popular ingredient is Dead Sea mud.
What is
Dead Sea mud?
The Dead
Sea is a saltwater lake between Jordan and Israel. At 1,300 feet below sea
level, it is the lowest body of water on Earth. Because of its unique
geographical features, the surrounding mud and silt are enriched with high
levels of salt and minerals, specifically magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
The
belief that Dead Sea mud is beneficial for the skin is as old as Cleopatra
herself. Legends say that the queen ordered her lover Mark Antony to conquer
the Dead Sea region so that she would have unlimited access to its mud,
believing that it has rejuvenating and restorative properties.
Plenty
of brands, like the luxurious
Kedma Cosmetics Philippines, followed
in Cleopatra's footsteps and offer products incorporated with the unique
properties of Dead Sea mud. Countless researchers have proved the skin benefits
of Dead Sea mud. How can Dead Sea mud can help you achieve that Cleopatra glow?
Reduces
Acne and Other Skin Impurities
Dead
Sea mud has antimicrobial properties that make it an effective acne treatment, especially
because pimples are largely caused by bacteria. Experts used traditional
methods to analyze its bacterial content and found that there is a surprisingly
low number of colony-forming microorganisms in the mud. Its hypersalinity may
be the reason for the low bacteria count since environments with an extreme
salt concentration are inhospitable to most lifeforms.
Dead Sea
mud masks are also excellent at removing impurities and dead skin on the body.
Its mineral content helps to hydrate the skin, which improves its elasticity.
Minerals from the Dead Sea also reduce redness and inflammation, improving the
overall complexion.
Mud
masks are the most popular Dead Sea products, but other topical items, such as
lotions and facial creams, are also available.
Treats
Psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis, and Arthritis
Because
of its bromide and zinc content, Dead Sea products are also an effective treatment for skin conditions, like
psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. These
minerals are great anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and itchiness
caused by these skin conditions. These properties help soothe the skin and
improve blood circulation, resulting in healthier skin cells.
The Dead Sea is a popular destination for people with psoriasis.
Tourists flock the area for balneotherapy, or the process of bathing in
mineral-rich water or mud to treat diseases. A dip in the Dead Sea is also
beneficial for those suffering from rheumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis
because of its therapeutic effects.
Although
it has a high mineral content, analysis of Dead Sea mud shows that these
extreme concentrations do not pose health risks for the users. But ingesting
large amounts of Dead Sea water or mud (in the case of near-drowning instances)
may be toxic and can cause heart rhythm abnormalities.
So
before you go crazy with Dead Sea mud masks and other products, make sure
you're not going overboard with your usage. Don't forget to consult your
dermatologist as well, especially if you have sensitive skin. This way, you can
be sure that the products you'll use will only bring you good results.