The cosmetic properties of the Dead Sea have been recognized since time immemorial. At present, its waters continue to be a unique option for relaxation and beauty, but also for health, considered a place of rehabilitation par excellence that relieves muscles and bones.
The cosmetic properties of the Dead Sea have been recognized since time immemorial. At present, its waters continue to be a unique option for relaxation and beauty, but also for health, considered a place of rehabilitation par excellence that relieves muscles and bones.
Between the borders of Israel and Jordan lies an enchanted, prehistoric oasis known to all as the Dead Sea . This natural pool of only 810 km2 has a very popular feature: its hypersalinity, which means that people who dive into it can float effortlessly . In addition, “this float is pleasant because the Dead Sea has no waves and has a very pleasant temperature,” explains Dolores Pérez, director of the Israeli National Tourism Office. According to some experts, lying on this salt pool provides a particular pleasure that unloads joints and spine .
Dead Sea.
Those who come to this sea (there are no official figures, but the Israel National Tourism Office notes that more than six million tourists visited the country in 2017), do not do so only to lie adrift, but also to receive a « natural spa session. Thanks to its constant evaporation –because it does not flow anywhere– the Dead Sea produces a high concentration of minerals and trace elements that are very important for maintaining health and improving the appearance of the skin: no less than 26 minerals in solution, some of which they are not found anywhere else on the planet . For example, bromide produces vapors that give oxygen relaxing and healing properties. SpaDreams experts, an expert company in health and wellness travel, explain that “the substances evaporated and dissolved in the air free the respiratory tract and are especially beneficial for asthmatics”, and continue: “These saline inhalations dissolve mucus and are anti-inflammatory ».
Dead Sea Spa.
Other minerals with powerful properties to delay the aging of the skin, according to these same experts, are copper – which contributes to the pigmentation of the skin – or zinc, which hydrates it in depth. Potassium is responsible for eliminating infections and strengthening defenses, and calcium helps clean pores and acts as an anti-allergy, calming and soothing for itching. From SpaDreams they have ensured that “all this concentration of minerals also supports cures for respiratory diseases, circulatory problems, hypertension and much more”. And they conclude that the Dead Sea is “a treasure chamber rich in healing forces. A paradise of “wellness”».
Vicente Manuel Leis of the Idelia clinic for dermatology and aesthetics, assures, for his part, that the key factor of the so-called sea is its magnesium content because it gives the water regulatory properties of cell multiplication: “It has been proven that it prevents transepidermal water loss, improving the skin barrier. In other words, magnesium helps protect the skin, reduce inflammation and rejuvenate its appearance. “Due to these anti-inflammatory actions, regulating cell multiplication and improving the skin barrier, the waters of the Dead Sea are beneficial for diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. And not only that. It has been possible to verify in various scientific studies, with a significant number of patients, its efficacy in the treatment of vitiligo , as well as in combating skin photoaging.
The doctor at the Idelia clinic also recommends treatments based on climatotherapy and thalassotherapy – that is, the use of water, mud and marine climate for therapeutic purposes. Only “staying in this region involves exposure to solar radiation, which in itself has therapeutic effects on various dermatological diseases – guarantees Leis-. It seems proven that the use of salts and muds with this composition of salts could act by counteracting sun damage and photoaging. So much so, that the antibacterial mud of the waters, called peloid, is used to treat rheumatic and arthritic pain, and gives the skin a fresh air, thanks to its effective content of anti-aging complexes. However, Leis warns that this type of treatment”could increase the risk of skin cancer.
Vicente Manuel Leis also warns of other limitations, especially regarding climatotherapy in the Dead Sea itself. “The main one is the economic and temporary availability of going to these facilities.” Another noteworthy aspect is that “most of the scientific work was carried out in Israel or in central and northern European countries with far fewer annual hours of sunlight than Spain.” Leis is committed to comparing the benefits of a stay in the Dead Sea with similar treatments carried out on our shores, “much more accessible” for those who cannot afford to travel to the area.
Climatotherapy in the Dead Sea.
PROPERTIES OF MINERALS
Magnesium: promotes cell metabolism, accelerates healing, soothes damaged skin and protects it from microbes that cause allergies.
Calcium: balances sebum, improves skin hydration, promotes cell renewal, prevents wrinkles and fine lines.
Sulphur: natural disinfectant, purifies the skin, detoxifies the body, promotes hair growth.
Bromide: softens the skin, relieves muscle cramps, calms the nerves, repairs skin cells and revitalizes dull complexions.
Zinc: fights acne, protects the skin from sunburn and strong winds.
Potassium: reduces skin swelling and reduces water retention.
