The short answer: yes. But why? You’re probably thinking of your sloshy garden after a storm and wondering how that can possibly be good for your face or body. Well, today we’re clearing up any questions or misconceptions you might have about mud masks.
Firstly, what is a mud mask?
Before you smear a clump of slimy dirt from the backyard on your face, you should know that the first misconception about mud masks is that they’re made from regular old mud.
That’s right: you don’t have to worry about insects or weeds being on your face. In reality, mud masks are often made from clays or muds extracted from specified areas that are especially rich in minerals. For example, moor mud masks are made from mud originating from the moorland of Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. These areas produce mineral-rich clays due to 20,000 years of plant decomposition.
There are actually quite a few different types of muds that you can buy or have your face treated with. However, you’re likely to come across a common type of mask known as the volcanic mud mask. It is a kind of clay often made with volcanic ash that has been collected after an eruption. The ash is rich in carbon and other minerals that can be absorbed by your skin, making it a perfect ingredient for a face or body mask.
How does the mud mask process work?
Mud is used for masks because it is naturally enriching for the skin. However, you may be wondering how exactly to go about the process if you’ve never applied a mud mask before.
Keep these tips in mind when applying your mud mask:
- Thicker layers of mud can be left on the skin for longer, while thin application needs to be taken off faster
- Like a regular face mask, you should avoid your eyes and under-eye area because the skin is delicate
- Wait until the mask has dried before removing it
- Gently rub your face using lukewarm water and pat your face dry (do not rub)
- Apply a moisturiser or face oil to keep your skin hydrated after the mask.
What are the benefits of mud masks?
Some benefits of mud masks include:
- Cleansing properties. As mud masks dry, they tend to pull up the excess oil and dirt from within your skin. They can soothe existing blemishes or even prevent future blemishes from emerging when they are used weekly.
- Natural exfoliation. Nowadays, exfoliating products such as scrubs and body washes can contain harmful ingredients known as ‘microbeads’. Microbeads are tiny pieces of plastic that rub against your skin to remove the dead cells. However, they are extremely deadly news for our sea-life – so much so that Australian retailers are slowly fazing them out. But the good news? Natural mud masks do not contain microbeads, making them an environmentally safe way to take care of your skin.
- Enriches the skin. It’s not hard to see why mud masks have been used as far back as the Egyptian civilisation. The natural minerals in mud masks – including calcium, sulphate and magnesium – are great for your skin. Perhaps the only con of a mud mask is that it can slightly dry out your skin if it’s not complemented by a moisturiser.
- Anti-aging. As you get older, your skin produces fewer oils. Because mud masks are so full of good nutrients for your skin, they can give a youthful glow to your face and return some of those oils to your skin when you follow up with a moisturiser. On top of that, as the mud mask dries, it tightens the skin, providing a natural anti-aging solution.
Where can you get a mud mask?
Depending on where you are located, different mud masks may be available to you. For example, in New Zealand’s North Island, you can find an abundance of Rotorua mud masks that are often infused with hydrating Manuka honey.
If you are located in Melbourne, you can opt for the mineral mud wrap treatment at the Peninsula Hot Springs, which makes use of Australian volcanic mud. This mud leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed because the mud and extra components encourage blood circulation and oxygen flow.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your plans on 1300 55 86 86.