Buying guide for Best dead sea mud masks
For centuries, people have relied on mud from the Dead Sea for beauty treatments and treating ailments. Clay from the Dead Sea can pull impurities from the skin, help treat acne, and soothe chronic pain. This is because the mud is especially rich in minerals and antioxidants, meaning it’s an excellent natural product.
Before you add a Dead Sea mud mask to your cart, there are some factors you should consider, in particular how sensitive your skin is and your overall skin type. You may also want a Dead Sea mud mask that’s paraben- and sulfate-free. Also, you’ll want to take into account any other skin conditions you might have, like acne or psoriasis.
Our buying guide has everything you need to know when shopping for Dead Sea mud masks, including how much you should pay. We've also included our picks for the best Dead Sea mud masks you can buy.
Benefits of Dead Sea mud masks
The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located between Israel and Jordan. It sits at the lowest elevation of any body of water on earth. Due to its high salt content, people can naturally float on the water. Because the Dead Sea doesn’t feed into any other water reservoir, the salt water just evaporates. Over millennia, salt has become embedded in the clay at the bottom of the sea. As a result, the Dead Sea has an extraordinarily large concentration of salt and minerals, all beneficial to skin, hair, and body health. In fact, legend has it that the Queen of Sheba and Cleopatra both used mud from the Dead Sea to enhance their beauty.
Dead Sea mud typically consists of water from the sea, organic matter, and minerals like silicon dioxide, sodium oxide, manganese, copper oxide, and bromide. Dead Sea mud has both pain relief and cosmetic benefits, but it’s especially popular for face masks.
Key considerations
Skin type
Mud from the Dead Sea removes oil and grime exceptionally well. That means people with regular, oily, and acne-prone skin can benefit the most from using a Dead Sea mud mask. If you’re prone to blackheads, a Dead Sea mud mask is worth adding to your skincare routine because it helps pulls impurities from the skin. Mud masks are also ideal for unclogging pores.
However, those with drier skin can use Dead Sea mud masks as well. The magnesium and salt in Dead Sea mud can improve your skin’s elasticity. Drier skin types should make sure to moisturize thoroughly after using a Dead Sea mud mask as these masks can be drying. Those with dry skin can also seek out Dead Sea mud masks with added moisturizing ingredients, like essential oils and shea butter.
Skin sensitivity
People with sensitive skin can benefit from a Dead Sea mud mask. But if you have any allergies to metals, you should steer clear of Dead Sea mud, which contains trace amounts. You can combat your skin’s sensitivity by adding a small amount of cucumber juice and aloe vera gel to the mask. This will lessen any skin irritation once the mask dries.
Paraben-free and sulfate-free
Parabens are synthetic substances and common preservatives in beauty products, extending shelf life for months. However, parabens are also absorbed into your skin. Some believe that parabens disrupt hormones by imitating estrogen. Excessive estrogen has been linked to breast cancer and a few reproductive problems. However, there is no definitive evidence that directly links parabens to breast cancer.
Enjoy a thick lather while washing up? You likely have sulfates to thank for the suds. Sodium laureth sulfates are cleansing agents that remove dirt and oil. The problem is that sulfates can be drying, irritating skin and hair.
If this information is concerning to you, keep an eye out for sulfate- and paraben-free labels on Dead Sea mud masks.
Scent
The average Dead Sea mud mask has a subtle yet earthy odor. Some masks may include additional essential oils or ingredients like lemongrass that add an extra layer of scent. Those with sensitive skin may want to avoid scented masks of any kind.
"While you will feel the Dead Sea mud mask tightening as it dries, you should not experience a burning sensation. If you do, rinse off the product immediately."
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Dead Sea mud mask prices
Expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $45 for Dead Sea mud masks. Quantity, quality of the ingredients, and the brand all impact the price of the product. Most masks are packaged in a jar that’s between five and 13 ounces.
Inexpensive
The good news is that it’s entirely possible to find a decent Dead Sea mud mask for around $10. While these masks will exfoliate, they’ll likely include more filler products like diatomaceous earth.
Mid-range
For $10 to $25, you’ll find Dead Sea mud masks with fewer ingredients: Dead Sea mud, water, and small amounts of preservatives. More masks at this price point will be paraben- and sulfate-free. Some may include hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil or lavender oil. You can find larger quantities in the price range, too.
Expensive
Dead Sea mud masks priced at $25 and higher are usually from well-known beauty brands. They may contain anti-aging ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and collagen.
Tips
- As with all skincare products, remember to do an allergy test first. Apply some of the Dead Sea mud mask to a patch of skin and wait 15 minutes. If your skin doesn’t burn, develop a rash, or react negatively, proceed with using the mask.
- Before applying a Dead Sea mud mask, first wash and dry your face. Take care to lightly moisturize the fragile skin around your eyes with an eye cream.
- Apply a small amount of the mud mask on the tips of your fingers. Rub the product on your face in small circular movements, avoiding the eye area.
- The mud will take around 15 minutes to dry. If it takes longer, you’ve probably applied it too thickly.
- Once the mud feels dry and itchy on your face, that’s a clear sign that it’s time to rinse off your Dead Sea mud mask.
- Rinse the dried mud off your face with warm water, and dry with a clean washcloth. Apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
FAQ
Q. Does Dead Sea mud have an unpleasant smell?
A. Since it’s largely organic matter, mud from the Dead Sea has an earthy smell. Some may find it unpleasant, but most people aren’t bothered by the natural smell of Dead Sea mud masks. If you find that the scent is a problem, you can try mud masks that use other types of clay.
Q. Can Dead Sea mud lighten acne scars?
A. Dead Sea mud serves as a mild exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells and other toxins. While it won’t lift acne scars overnight, a mud mask will expedite the process of fading hyperpigmentation.
Q. Do Dead Sea mud masks expire?
A. There should be an expiration date printed on the bottom of the jar. As a rule of thumb, Dead Sea mud masks should be safe to use up to a year after the purchase date. Just be sure to keep the mask in a cool, dry place.
