Mud Masks: An Ancient and Modern Day Treatment
The History of Mud Masks
Mud, or clay, face masks can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Greece where elements from the Earth were used for medicinal purposes. Mud such as marine clay were used to treat skin conditions such as wounds and infections. It was also used cosmetically to treat oily skin and eruptions, or what we would call acne today. Clay masks have also had a healing role in traditional Native American cultures, as well as in India’s Ayurvedic medicine. These ancient cultures would blend herbs and minerals to various types of clay to help maintain health.
Modern Day Mud Masks
Where the masks of old were traditionally used for healing conditions, modern masks use more complex formulas designed to enhance a youthful complexion, as well as heal. Today’s clay masks can be infused with vitamins and enzymes that aid in hydration, delivers antioxidant protection, reduce inflammation, and aid in reducing hyperpigmentation.
The Mud
The foundational ingredient in a mud mask is the mud. The mud typically works by drawing out impurities and excess oil from the skin, as well as providing nourishment and hydration to the skin. When applied to the skin, the mud mask begins to dry and harden, which causes it to adhere to the skin’s surface. As the mud dries, it also contracts, which can help to draw out impurities from the skin, such as excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. There are many distinct types of clay used in Mud masks.
Kaolin clay is best for dry to normal skin.
Bentonite and Rhassoul clays are good for normal, combination, or even oily skin.
Illite clay work better for very oily skin.
Other popular clays are volcanic mud, Moor mud, and Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Icelandic silica mud.
The 2023 Mud Mask
Introducing the Odacite Synergie Probiotics and Fruit Acids mask
I don’t remember how I found this skincare brand Odacite ( (Oh-das-i-tey)• The name comes from a sentence: ” You just need the Audacity to redefine skin care.” ) The brand may have been recommended by someone on Youtube, but being a skin care junkie, I looked up the company. I was intrigued enough to buy a few products, including this mask, the Synergie Probiotics and Fruit Acids.
The Odacite Synergie Probiotics and Fruit Acids mask is 4 masks in 1. By changing the liquid mixing ingredient it supercharges an active ingredient to enhance a particular anti- aging feature. For example, you mix a teaspoon of the powder with Apple Cider Vinegar to enhance the Detox effect. Or mix the mud powder with yogurt to support the probiotic power of the mask. You can also just mix it with water that pairs the ingredients in synergy to detox, peel, brighten and firm. The Odacite product comes with a little recipe booklet to create your own mask.
The Ingredients
The muds used in this mask are KAOLIN CLAY and BENTONITE CLAY, used for all skin types.
FRUIT ENZYMES, VITAMIN C, AND PROBIOTICS
Fruit Acids and Papaya Enzymes slough off dead skin to reveal a visibly fresh and vibrant complexion. Antioxidant Vitamin C partners with Papaya Enzymes to reduce the appearance of brown spots for a more even-looking skin tone. Probiotics complement Vitamin C to provide the skin with the nourishment it needs to appear firm and youthful.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL, BENTONITE AND KAOLIN CLAY
The purifying properties of activated charcoal, bentonite and kaolin clay work together to whisk away toxins, minimize the visibility of pores, and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
Why this mud mask?
Because it takes a lot of something really bad or really good to make an impact on my skin. I’ve been obsessed with skincare for 30 years, and using and testing products the whole time. I purchased the Odacite Synergie Probiotics and Fruit Acids mask with no expectations. I just really love facial masks and thought I would add this to the arsenal. When I received the mask, I mixed the mud powder with 1 part lemon juice and 1 part hyaluronic acid and put it on my face for about 20 minutes (I put on too much and it took a little longer to dry). When I woke up in the morning I literally did a double take in the mirror. My shin looked amazing! It was clear and radiant and it felt slightly tighter than normal. Definitely a five out of five.