By Tara Young

In high school, the senior school camp was hotly anticipated but there was only one camp stood out to me. A dreamy, picturesque setting and a luxury none of the others had was the major draw card; the 'Hot pools and glacial camp'. Naturally, I was in.

The reality of this was hiking 8 hours through rivers, along a gorge and up a mountain, while snacking on cheese, up to a hut with no power set alongside giant pools of mud. Not quite the vision but the experience of slinking into a big hot pool of thermal mud a the end of the day was well worth it.

So, what is it about thermal mud that makes us feel so good?

Bubbling away in geothermal springs, volcanic landscapes, and mineral-rich hotbeds around the globe, thermal mud has been cherished by ancient civilizations and the modern beauty industry alike for its transformative benefits for both hair and skin.

From the thermal springs of Italy to Hell's Gate in Rotorua, people have long believed in the healing powers of these natural clays. Thermal mud has been used for centuries in ancient Roman and Egyptian beauty rituals due to its rich mineral content. Sourced from volcanic hot springs, it was prized for its healing, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a go-to treatment for skin ailments, muscle aches, and enhancing beauty.

Today, thermal mud baths and pools can be found around the world, including the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, Hell's Gate in Rotorua, Szechenyi Baths in Hungary, Fanghi d'Ischia in Italy, and the Calistoga Mud Baths in California.

It’s all about the minerals. Thermal mud contains essential nutrients like sulfur, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These powerhouse ingredients provide a host of benefits for both hair and skin. Let's break it down:

Sulfur is essential for producing keratin and collagen, which strengthen hair and skin, promoting elasticity and resilience. It also helps reduce inflammation, control dandruff, and support a clear complexion by balancing oil production.

Magnesium aids in reducing scalp inflammation and improving circulation, which can promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. For the skin, it helps regulate oil production, improves hydration, and soothes conditions like acne and eczema.

Calcium supports the healthy functioning of skin cells, contributing to skin regeneration and overall hydration. For hair, it strengthens the follicles and prevents thinning or breakage by ensuring proper hair growth cycles.

Potassium helps maintain moisture balance in the skin, preventing dryness and promoting a healthy glow. It also combats scalp dryness and helps regulate hydration in hair, keeping it soft and less prone to damage.

For those times when you can't make it to a mud bath - let's bring the experience a little closer to home.

SCALP HEALTH
Just like it works wonders on the skin, thermal mud can help detoxify the scalp, removing buildup and excess oils, which can lead to dandruff or itchiness. A healthy scalp is the foundation for stronger, shinier hair.

STRENGTHEN AND REPAIR
The minerals penetrate the hair shaft, repairing damage from heat styling, colouring, or environmental stressors. The result? Smoother, more resilient strands.

HYDRATION
If your hair feels dry or brittle, a thermal mud mask can provide a moisture boost, locking in hydration without weighing down your locks.

DETOXIFICATION
Thermal mud acts as a natural detoxifier, drawing out impurities and excess oils from the skin. It's like a deep clean for your pores, helping to combat acne and breakouts. This includes your scalp too.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
If you suffer from redness, irritation, or conditions like eczema, the minerals in thermal mud can soothe inflammation, calming the skin and promoting healing.

EXFOLIATION
With its slightly gritty texture, thermal mud provides a gentle exfoliation, sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

GLOW UP
The minerals in thermal mud help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity, giving you that coveted youthful glow. The combination of detoxification and hydration reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.