The lake also goes against all your usual understanding of physics (where else can you lie down in the water and immediately float to the top?!) and the floating experience seems like it should be a manufacturers trick, incorporated to generate tourist interest. However, this is all as nature intended, a natural phenomenon, and the benefits for human well-being are proven to be extensive.

For centuries, mineral enriched water has been heralded as one of the most significant, natural treatments for a variety of skin conditions. Spa waters from around the world have provided relief from debilitating conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as offering pure, natural, anti-ageing benefits. The Dead Sea is arguably, the most infamous of these unique locations. Since ancient times, people have travelled in their droves, to absorb the benefits of the salt laden water and gain access to the healing properties of its mineral rich mud.

The Unique Mineral Content of the Dead Sea Water

At 417 metres below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth and has been nick-named as the ‘lowest health spa in the world’. This body of water has the highest concentration of salt in the world (340 grams per liter of water and the reason you can float so easily, despite the fact it can be 400 metres deep at points).
‫It’s the composition of the salts and minerals makes this water so unique and beneficial for the body – a reported 21 different minerals can be found. With over 33% salt content, this is one of the most dense waters with these type of minerals! (As a comparison, the ocean only has a 3% respective salt content.)

Dead Sea Water and the Effect on the Skin

This unique mineral salt content has been recorded in leading dermatology publications(1) to show significant benefits in the treatment for skin conditions where the skin’s natural barrier function has been damaged. The high magnesium content (4.9%) is thought to be the main influence in improving damaged skin. It can help with enhancing hydration, reducing roughness and redness, and has consistently shown to be effective in improving the skin’s barrier function. Bathing for regular periods in the Dead Sea water can therefore naturally help to improve the skin, restoring the natural barrier function with no drugs, downtime or side effects. It’s a perfect treatment for those who suffer from atopic dermatitis or psoriasis and have struggled with standard medical treatments, which have often provided no comfort.

Dead Sea Mud

Not only does the water itself hold significant wellbeing properties, but the Dead Sea mud also contributes to the overall benefits of a spa treatment. We’ve all seen the photos of tourists slathering themselves from head to toe in the slimy dark mud for fun, but this odd looking ritual is actually proven to work.

The mud has a high content of minerals, plus a unique ability to retain heat for many hours stimulating blood circulation (great for respiratory problems) and helping to get rid of any dead skin cells (the perfect exfoliator in other words!). Your skin feels softer and smoother in just over 10 minutes of mud indulgence. The feel of the mud as you slather it on, is smoother and altogether a lot slimier than you’d ever find in your own back garden (don’t try this at home), and glides over your skin with an ease that you’d only normally find in a manufactured cosmetic product, tested and developed for years to provide the best ‘cosmetic elegance’ to the consumer. Yet, this is totally pure and natural.

One study, published in the Journal of Dermatology, also showed how the mud had a pronounced anti-bacterial action, probably owing to the combination of high salt and sulfide concentrations, plus a low pH. This combination, might explain the therapeutic properties of the mud and the anti-acne effect attributed to facial Dead Sea mud masks. (Z. Ma’or, unpublished observations, 1998).

Dead Sea Skincare Products from Israel

With so much evidence showing how the Dead Sea can effectively treat the skin, it is no wonder that cosmetic product manufacturers harnessed these natural properties, bottled them, and exported them around the world to bring the health benefits to a wider audience.

Some of the most prominent Dead Sea skincare companies based in Israel are Kedem, Aroma and Revival. Their products contain high levels of dead sea minerals and also comply with the Israeli authorities in manufacturing. Each brand provides products that can help with everything from dry skin to anti-ageing benefits. You can purchase the real thing – packets of pure Dead Sea mud, Dead Sea salts or the more sophisticated serums containing high levels of other proven anti-ageing ingredients (Vitamin C for example). In fact, it seems that the UK is finally requesting a demand for these products with the recent launch of a flagship Kedem store and salon in Manchester, 6 King Street, Manchester, M26AQ (www.kedemcosmetics.com)

Dead Sea Spa Treatments in Israel

Specific Dead Sea spa treatments are also available from many of the local hotels around the Dead Sea. Many of these spas now choose to utilize Western methodologies with facials from the likes of US skincare brand Dermalogica but if you hunt around you can still find Dead Sea body treatments for refreshed, rejuvenated and smoother skin. The most highly recommended spas by the Dead Sea are the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel & Spa and Le Meridien Dead Sea Resort and Spa Hotel.

Medical Clinics at the Dead Sea, Israel

As well as an increase in physical well-being, the Dead Sea climate and experience can also help to provide psychological benefits to anyone who decides to spend quality time by this infamous retreat.

However, to ensure long term benefits for the more severe skin conditions, it would be best to follow a strict protocol from a resident dermatologist or doctor who can combine a prolonged treatment programme, alongside emollients and potentially other spa treatments to give the best results. There are a number of medical clinics at the Dead Sea that offer this kind of service. The Dead Sea Clinic http://deadseaclinic.com/en/ and the DMZ medical spa, run by dermatologists. www.dmz -medical-spa.com

*Always seek medical advice before you undergo any treatments and you may want to seek more thorough medical advice for severe treatments from a leading dermatologist once you’re there. The Dead Sea Research Centre continues to create research into the benefits for skin conditions and provides a contact address for anyone wishing to request further information.

Should I Visit the Dead Sea, Israel?

If you’re visiting Israel and want to know whether the Dead Sea is worth a visit to test the benefits of the mud and water, I would wholeheartedly say YES. It’s a fun experience floating on the Dead Sea, slathering yourself in mud and feeling how soft your skin feels afterwards, if nothing else! If you’re looking to really utilize the dead sea water and its mud for improving your health and well-being, the evidence is significant and the treatments can help restore skin balance, so go for it, and book yourself into one of the leading medical clinics. It can be a messy way to get results, but it works!

1. Shani J, Barak S, Levi D, et al. Skin penetration of minerals in psoriatics and guinea pigs bathing in hypertonic salt solutions. Pharmacol Res Commun 1985: 17: 501–512.

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Athens Olympic Park

Greece’s influence on the world is momentous. The birthplace of democracy, the source of Western philosophy, founder of the Olympic Games and world leaders in major scientific and mathematic principles, Greece is considered the cradle of Western Civilisation. In recent years, the country’s achievements may seem slightly less significant in comparison, yet due to it’s current economical infamous situation – Greece is still making a name for itself.

Greece in Modern Times

With modest investment currently available for cultural, sporting and new business opportunities in this unstable southern European country, few companies have created a breakthrough business model and made it a success. Yet, one company in the health and beauty world is pushing forward, battling against the country’s troubled times. APIVITA is taking Greece’s heritage and natural resources to new limits, producing some of the world’s leading, innovative and efficacious natural, skincare products currently available on the market.

APIVITA

APIVITA, meaning ‘Life of the Bee’ is a concept created by two Greek pharmacists, Nikos and Niki Koutsiana. Inspired by the honeybee society, the unique biodiversity of Greek nature and the holistic approach of Hippocrates’ philosophy to health, beauty and well-being, the two healthcare pioneers created a range of natural cosmetics. Each product takes their ingredients from beekeeping, Greek herb extracts and pure essential oils.
Today, APIVITA is a global, well-established company offering over 300 natural, holistic and effective products for the face, body and hair. The company values have also stayed strong. Since the formation of the company in 1979, the same philosophy, social responsibility, heritage and innovative outlook has remained at the core. It’s one of the reasons, why APIVITA has avoided the troubled times of Greece’s economy. Apivita has grown to deliver new concepts, innovative products and unique spas and stores. Their latest launch – a concept store and spa in Athens – continues their inspirational thinking and delivers a much-needed boost to Athens city centre.

Athens Concept Store

Situated just off the main strip of luxury shopping outlets in the centre of Athens, sits the new APIVITA Concept Store. Five floors dedicated to providing you with the full Greek and APIVITA philosophical experience. From incredible spa treatments at the top floor Beehive Spa through to the second level Hippocrates lecture hall, a whole floor dedicated to educating consumers on the Hippocratic holistic approach to health, beauty and well-being.

Greek Honey, Bees and Herbs

The ground floor is a veritable hive of the Apivita experience, where the company’s ranges of products, decorate the black and white walls and cocoon the symbolic olive tree planted in the middle of the store. Each of the products remain true to the APIVITA core philosophy to provide natural products that deliver results (read the full review of the APIVITA products HERE). Take the lift to the first floor and discover their very own juice and detox bar – the first organic juice bar in Athens. While you’re there, discover another of APIVITA’s unique ideas – the Personal products creation.

Personal: Tailor Made Natural Cosmetics

On the first floor, Apivita introduces their concept of a Natural Pharmacy. With the help of a qualified pharmacist and aromatherapy specialist, they will create a personal product for each individual customer, combining essential oils and aromatherapy as well as different active ingredients such as vitamins and minerals depending on the needs of the skin or the hair. Each product is bottled in their signature Personal bottle.

Beehive Spa

On the top floor of the Apivita concept store the real essence of the holistic experience comes alive at the Beehive Spa. It is a beautiful sanctuary created in the form of a beehive – the spa cabins are made of real wooden beehive parts and the ceiling is made of honey tinted crystal elements – it’s a true beehive experience (minus the bees). The spa menu offers a variety of of Hippocratic treatments – from their signature massage treatments through to detox facials.

Beehive Spa Detox Facial (75 mins)

The Detox Facial is a thorough skin clean out to leave you glowing. It’s an excellent treatment, elevated by the efficacious APIVITA products and the therapist’s experience. Every step of the way you’re guided through the treatment’s benefits as well as the products used to treat your skin – it’s rare to find such a balance today, but APIVITA creates the mix exceptionally well. The detox facial starts with a double cleanse, tone and lymphatic drainage facial massage. Steaming, the painful process of extractions, and a mask follow, dependant on your skin’s requirements, and reactions to the products used. Whilst the mask is doing its wonders, you’re treated to a hand and arm massage, before the finishing touches of moisturising and sunscreen are applied. It’s not a complicated facial, but it’s expertly applied and the effects are incredible. My skin felt so clean post facial and it definitely glowed more than I can remember, despite me having the awful effects of a full on cold.

Is it for Me?

The APIVITA concept store is a must do visit whilst in Athens. Discover their products at this unique concept store and spa, understand their inspiring philosophy and indulge in an incredible treatment – it’s so interesting, unique and beneficial to any woman, you won’t want to miss out.

You’ll also find their products to be so effective, natural and reasonable – there’s not a sting in site.

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