Refresh and Treat your Skin with Mud

For millennium, mud has been used to improve the way skin looks.  This therapy, which is based on the usage of mud, has been around for quite some time and in a lot of cultures, it has been used for thousands of years to calm skin irritation as well as different types of muscle pain.

Types of mud

There are different types of mud that can improve skin health, which are classified primarily by their contents, as well as where they come from.  Each type of mud has different benefits.

Thermal volcanic mud: This is a mixture of volcanic dirt, thermal water, trace minerals and other minerals.  This mud generally has a pH of 5.5., and is used to make dull skin look lively.  It is primarily found in Argentina, Japan and Italy.

Sea mud: This is nourishing for skin, is often times rich in seaweed, which contains minerals, trace elements, vitamins, amino acids and liposomes.  Mud harvested from the Dead Sea in Israel is particularly valuable, and is exported around the world.

Lake mud: This is one of the most popular types of mud and is harvested from lakes in Austria.  Known as Moor mud, it contains a dark mud that helps exfoliate skin as well as to reduce wrinkles.

There can be several different ways to apply different types of mud, and doing so offers unique skin benefits.

Benefits of mud

Mud can be used in the shower, on the face, or even as a mask for the body.  It has a lot of benefits, which are mentioned below:

• Mud helps fight excess skin oil, which is why mud-based masks are helpful for oily skin.  They also fight acne and skin marks.
• Helps eliminate impurities which are visible to the naked eye, while also improving the health of skin.
• It has a firming effect, reducing fine expression lines and early wrinkles.
• Improves skin texture.
• Promotes relaxation in facial muscles, preventing tension and the development of expression lines.
• It is an exfoliant.  It helps remove dead skin cells.
• It can be used on the entire body, not just the face.
• Mud baths can help alleviate joint pain, like those caused by arthritis.  We recommend getting an expert consultation however.
• Mud is generally an accessible and easily used ingredient.
• Improves skin circulation.
• Stimulates the immune system.  
• Other benefits include : anti-inflammatory effects, it can be used to repair muscles, treating certain types of pain, like joint pain.  

Mud usage

Mud can be used in one, or several, areas of the body, depending on the desired effect.

To cleanse impurities and exfoliate skin, we recommend applying a layer of mud and allowing it to dry.  Once it is dry, give yourself a gentle massage with your fingertips and rinse.

Mud masks are also great for skin.  To apply, simply wash your face with warm water, then proceed to apply the mask.

Mud masks for oily skin: You can make a mask using mud and Fuller’s earth.  Mix one teaspoon of volcanic mud with one teaspoon of Fuller’s earth, 1 teaspoon of honey, two drops of tea tree essential oil, and mix with one tablespoon of water.  Use more if you need to, then apply evenly along your face.  Allow to act for at least 15 minutes, or until it dries.  Avoid making facial gestures so that the mask does not crack.  Lastly, wash your face with warm or cold water, then apply a moisturizing cream for oily skin types.

Mud mask for softening expression lines: Try to wash your face with warm water before apply this mask.  Mix 1 tablespoon of red clay with 2 tablespoons of oat flour and three tablespoons of rose water.  Add 1 drop of rose essential oil, and one teaspoon of ground avocado.  Mix into a uniform paste, and apply to the face.  Let set for 20 minutes before removing with warm or cold water.

Mask for combination skin: Make a mask using 1 tablespoon of volcanic mud or Bentonite clay, and add two tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel.  Apply the paste to your face, and let set for 20 minutes.  Rinse with cold or warm water.

Mud to fight cellulite: Sea mud not only nourishes the skin, but it is also great for fighting cellulite.  We recommend mixing 1 part sea mud with 2 parts water, and apply to the areas you want to treat, before taking a bath.  Allow to set, then wash yourself with warm water.

Revised by: Dra. Loredana Lunadei on 05/18/2018

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