Though dirt may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of luxurious skin care, mud treatments have historically been a favorite in beauty rituals in many cultures throughout all corners of the world. 

Fangotherapy, the medical use of mud derived from the Italian word for mud (fango), was first introduced by the ancient Greek and Romans that would often socially bathe together in mud baths. Romanian legend tells a story of an elderly man that was blind and crippled who ended up stuck in the muddy waters of Lake Techirghiol with his donkey and later walked out of the water with his blindness and aches cured. 

Native Americans have also recorded the use of mud to sooth irritated skin. Cleopatra, beloved pharaoh of Egypt, is said to have built the world’s first spa after recognizing the mystical powers and therapeutic properties of the Dead Sea in Israel. Stories echo of her applying Dead Sea mud to her face which has claimed responsibility for her renowned youthful beauty. Queen of Sheba, King David, and King Herod the Great also acknowledged the healing powers of the Dead Sea, according to historians.

While clay is primarily used as a drying agent, mud contains more healing properties. From improving blood circulation, deep cleansing properties, removing impurities, unclogging pores, absorbing oil, exfoliating, brightening, softening, and tightening perks, mud has remained a staple in the skin care industry around the globe. 

NATURAL MUDS

Natural muds are saturated in a variety of enzymes and minerals that are essential for healthy skin and incredibly difficult to artificially simulate. Each type of mud contains unique properties specific to the geological location they originated from. Here are 10 of the most prized muds used today:

1. Dead Sea mud: The Dead Sea, located along the shores of Israel, arguably contains the world’s largest source of vital minerals that benefit skin. This dense, dark mud has high amounts of sulfur (which is reflected in the aroma), magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, bitumen (natural tar), and silicon. Its high mineral concentration helps sooth inflammation and remedy common skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. 

1. Volcanic mud: This can be harvested from any location that has or has had a volcano, regardless of the volcanic activity. The most common harvest sources include Argentina, Hawaii, Italy, California, and Japan. The trace elements and ash found in the different locations are specific to the geography of its origin, but most all, volcanic muds offer antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Jeju volcanic clay from South Korea is particularly absorbent and ideal for oily skin as it smooths porous skin by drawing out excess oil.

1. Moor mud: This deep colored, plant-derived mud originated in the moorlands of Europe. Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, France, and Turkey are the main locations it is found thanks to over 20,000 years of plant decomposition common in those areas. Because moor mud contains a mild astringent, it is ideal for sensitive skin types.

Amanda Azar is a published makeup artist, medical aesthetician, and body wrapper based in south Florida. She is the founder and executive artist of Azar Beauty, makeup artistry instructor at Cortiva Institute, and lead artist for NewsmaxTV, Pelican Grand’s Pure Spa, and St. Andrews Country Club. Azar has a degree in business management from Florida Atlantic University, diplomas in fashion makeup from Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry and Paramedical Aesthetics from Southeastern College, is dual licensed, and holds over 40 certifications. Azar is a member of the National Association of Professional Businesswomen, National Aesthetic Spa Network, Look Good Feel Better, and a RAW Artist alumni.

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