Minerals Cosmetic Advantages

COSMETIC ADVANTAGES OF PRODUCTS FROM THE DEAD SEA

Minerals' properties

The value of minerals in the support of good health is becoming more recognized by millions of people. They are part of the structure of our connective and supportive tissues and are components of our hormones and enzymes, which are responsible for our biochemical life.

Minerals are the key to hydration, the retention of moisture in the various levels of our skin. As skin ages, its mineral levels are depleted, lessening its ability to conserve moisture. Minerals can restore moisture thanks to their hygroscopic characteristics. Thus minerals, if absorbed into skin cells, may enhance intracellular water capacity and add water to the skin tissue from within. For this reason Dead Sea Minerals are thought to be an important contribution to the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor - NMF. Arad replenishes these minerals, keeping your skin healthy and young - looking.

Potassium: improves the flow of nutrients and other minerals through cell membranes by osmotic power.

Magnesium: anti-allergenic; calm the skin; helps in building of skin cells; increases cell vitality and speeds healing. Lack of magnesium expedites the skin's aging process.

Sodium: provides energy for cell metabolism and help in the absorption of the other minerals by osmotic power.

Chlorine: regulates cell moisture.

Calcium: calms and assists with mineral balance.

Bromine: helps in the treatment of psychosomatic skin diseases.

Iodine: acts as antiseptic.

Hydrogen: helps in the keratinization process.

Iron: is a cofactor in many enzyme systems and is also the oxygen carrier in hemoglobin and myoglobin. 

The mode of action of Dead Sea Minerals in Cosmetics

We reviewed the beneficial effects of the Dead Sea's raw materials on the skin and the fact that their unique healing and beautifying powers have been recognized since ancient times. Cleopatra, considered the most beautiful woman in the world, went to great expense to obtain exclusive rights over the area. At her command, pharmaceutical and cosmetic factories were built. Their remains can still be seen today at Ein Bokek and Ein Gedi.

Following in the tradition of ancient times, about 50 modern plants now manufacture cosmetics and skin care products based on the nutrients extracted from the Dead Sea. Scientists at these plants have developed lines of mineral-rich products, which are exported all over the world.

The use of Dead Sea bath salts at home is an effective way to relax and absorb the minerals of the Dead Sea. Research has proven the efficiency of Dead Sea bath salts in alleviating skin diseases such as psoriasis, and treatment can be administrated at home by using about 2.2 lb. for each bath. It is also highly beneficial for relieving muscle tension or for simply relaxing and enjoying a rejuvenating experience.

The uniqueness of many Dead Sea cosmetic lines lie in the key ingredient - mineral mud. Dead Sea mud can either be applied to the entire body or just parts, and is also popular as a facial mud masque. Professor Zalmanovich, a leading American dermatologist, tested the Dead Sea mud masques on thirty women of a different age groups and varying skin tones. They found the facial mud masques stimulating, tightening, cleansing and invigorating, leaving the skin with a refreshing glow.

The clay's remarkable absorbency reaches deep into the pores, thoroughly cleansing and removing grime which impedes the nourishing process.

Through reverse osmosis, minerals from the mud nourish the skin and restore its vitality.

The mineral action also works to tighten the pores, helping skin to look and fell its best. Superfine grains allow for easy application, even courage and easy removal. Facial mud masques come in various strengths of mud and salinity, making them suitable for different skin types including oily, normal and dry skins.

The stimulating effect of the mud is so powerful that it should be used gradually until the skin becomes accustomed to the active ingredients. Mud masques for oily skins should be used for up to three times a week, for normal skins twice a week and for dry skins just once a week. An expert should be consulted as to the suitability of masques for each skin type. Dead Sea mud can be used in the convenience of one's home for the relief of various aches and pains. It can be applied heated to relieve pain caused by joint inflammation and for easing morning stiffness.

The mud is excellent for softening scaly, dry parts of the body, such as knees and elbows and it is also highly effective for various skin and scalp problems. Used on the scalp problems. Used on the scalp, it helps thicken roots enhancing renewed growth.

Shampoos produced from the minerals of the Dead Sea, condition, cleanse and refresh hair and scalp and are available for dry/normal or oily hair types. There is also a special anti-dandruff shampoo containing unique ingredients from the Dead Sea.

Other products include cleansers, nourishing cream, moisturizers, foot cream, hand cream, eye make-up remover, skin toners, astringents, face wash, spot treatment, bath and shower gel, stabilizing ampoules, sun protection creams and soaps. 

FORMULATION OF COSMETICS WITH DEAD SEA COMPONENTS

Over the past few years, thousands of units of cosmetic products containing either Dead Sea Mud (DSM) or various compositions of minerals from Dead Sea water have been marketed.

The first group of products, which contain high concentrations of DSM, mainly comprises various types of body and face masks that are highly viscous dispersions. The second group comprises various lotions and creams, in the form of oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions that contain minerals from the Dead Sea at low concentrations. The third group of products is composed of one-phase aqueous solutions that also contain minerals at low concentrations.

The composition of Dead Sea minerals is very unique, as shown in Table 1. The concentration of divalent cations, magnesium and calcium is very high compared with the monovalent cations, mainly sodium and potassium. In addition, the ionic strength of the solution is very high. These two factors have a tremendous negative effect on the formation and stability of dispersions and emulsions, and strictly limit their concentration to a few percent of the weight of conventional cosmetic formulation.

Table 1. Comparison of major elements in the Dead Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and ocean water