Are mud baths good for your skin?

Can playing in the dirt make you healthier? Mud bath enthusiasts believe mud can be therapeutic for the skin, muscles, joints and mind. David Harvey, M.D., a dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon at Piedmont, weighs in.

"Mud baths have been around since ancient times," he says. "Some people believe mud baths have spiritual properties. They are also thought to relieve stress, joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis and certain skin ailments. Some people use mud baths simply to unwind and relax."

What is a mud bath?

Mud baths are treatments offered by spas and resorts. While it may look like the mud you would find in your backyard after a rain shower, therapeutic mud contains specific ingredients believed to have therapeutic properties.

Why mud baths are considered therapeutic

Mud baths may contain minerals like sulfur, zinc, magnesium, and bromine that are said to:

• Draw out impurities from the skin
• Exfoliate dead skin cells
• Relax sore muscles and joints
• Improve skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis
• Relieve pain from rheumatoid arthritis

Is mud actually therapeutic?

"It depends what is in the mud," says Dr. Harvey. "The ingredients in a mud bath usually include warmed mineral water, volcanic ash, organic peat, lake mud or salt water. Each combination has variable effects."  

It is important to do your research and ask the facility which minerals are predominant in their mud. This will often vary based on the location of the spa and its proximity to various natural sources. For example, the ingredients of a mud bath in Miami will likely differ from that in Napa Valley.

The benefits of mud baths

Dr. Harvey believes that one of the biggest benefits of mud baths is that they can provide stress relief. Sitting in warm, soft mud can relax the muscles and soothe the mind, which may provide some skin benefits.

"As you reduce stress and calm your nerves, certain skin conditions may improve," he says. "Stress causes a surge of cortisol in the body, which can lead to increased inflammation in the skin. Eczema, psoriasis and acne are all benefited, to some degree, by stress reduction.

"There are many ways to reduce stress, you just have to find the one that’s right for you," he adds.

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