top of page

The World of Clay: The Ultimate Guide to Mud Wraps

Hello Sweet Oranges! Let's roll up our sleeves for this dirt-dishing blog post. We're diving into the world of clay--a humble yet powerful element that has played a pivotal role in beauty and wellness across the expanse of human history. It's a remarkable thought; this simple substance from beneath our feet has united nearly every culture since our ancestors first ventured out of their caves.

From the ancient Egyptians to modern spas, clay and mud have been integral to the human quest for health and beauty, illustrating a beautiful continuity in our exploration of nature's offerings. In this comprehensive guide to mud wraps, you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know.

An artful display of our spa's diverse clay and mud treatments, featuring a rainbow spectrum of natural hues painted in broad strokes across the model's back. Each stripe showcases a different type of earth-sourced clay or mud, highlighting the unique colors ranging from the deep rust of Moroccan Red Clay to the soft lavender of Purple Brazilian Clay, the vibrant ochre of Brazilian Yellow Clay, the pale elegance of Kaolin, and more. This visually striking showcase not only represents the variety of treatments available at our spa but also the natural beauty and therapeutic benefits these earthy elements bring to our clients' skin.

In ancient Egypt, the use of clay transcended mere cosmetic application; it played a pivotal role in both preserving mummies and enriching skincare routines, highlighting its versatility and importance.


In China, traditional medicine recognized clay for its profound purifying qualities. It was frequently used in treatments aimed at drawing out impurities from the skin, showcasing an early understanding of detoxification processes.


The Greek application of clay was more focused on its medicinal and therapeutic use rather than cosmetic. They appreciated clay for its ability to heal wounds and soothe injuries, demonstrating an early insight into the material's regenerative potential.


Later came the Romans, known for their elaborate baths, incorporated clay not only for its aesthetic benefits but also for its therapeutic properties. Their innovative use of mineral-rich muds in spas illustrated a sophisticated approach to personal care and communal wellness.


Today, these ancient practices echo in the spa culture that many cherish, connecting us to a universal legacy of natural wellness and beauty.


Kaolin Clay: The Gentle Detoxifier

  • The primary minerals in Kaolin clay are silica and aluminum oxide, and it is typically white due to its composition, but it can vary in color, and in fact, we have a variety of beautiful colors within the kaolin family. This clay is ideal for sensitive skin, offering delicate detoxification and improving circulation for a polished complexion.

    • French Green Clay: Rich in minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, French Green Clay is known for its absorbent properties, making it a go-to for clarifying oily and mixed skin types. This earthy green-toned clay owes its color to decomposed plant matter and iron oxides. A revitalizing tonic for the skin, it pulls impurities, tightening pores, and invigorating the complexion with a refreshing glow.

    • French Pink Clay: A combination of red and white clays this is perfect for those with fatigue or mature skin seeking a gentle touch. Its unique blend offers minimal abrasion, promoting softening and conditioning without stripping the skin of its natural oils. The beautiful pink hue comes from the red iron oxide present in the clay.

    • Brazilian Yellow Clay: Potassium and trace minerals, along with silica, give Brazilian yellow clay its color and smooth feel, while again iron oxides lend it a yellow hue. This option is perfect for aging skin, encouraging elasticity and moisture retention for a firm appearance.

    • Brazilian Purple Clay: Magnesium and trace minerals lend this clay its unique purple color. A rarity in skincare that detoxifies and maintains youthfulness, suitable for all skin types.

Bentonite Clay: The Powerful Purifier

  • This earthy gray to cream-colored clay comes from its volcanic ash origin. Known for its absorbing properties, bentonite is highly effective for oily, acne-prone skin and is often used in treatments seeking to unclog and shrink pores.

Moroccan Red Clay: The Skin Brightener

  • Derived from the Atlas Mountains and rich in iron oxide, Moroccan red clay's deep hue is a telltale sign of its potency. Favored in Rhassoul treatments—a traditional Moroccan cleansing ritual—it revitalizes dull skin, improving tone and elasticity.

Dead Sea Mud: The Mineral-Rich Marvel

  • This isn’t a clay, but rather a nutrient-dense mud renowned for its hydrating and soothing properties, harvested from the ancient waterbed of the Dead Sea.


Guide to Receiving a Mud Wrap at 20 Orange Spa: What to Expect

  1. Orientation: Setup and Positioning

    1. Upon entering your private spa suite, one of our therapists will provide you with detailed instructions on how to position yourself on the treatment table. This ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness throughout your session.

  2. Preparation: Clean and Exfoliate

    1. For the best results, we recommend starting with clean, exfoliated skin. Consider our signature dry brush technique or a gentle body scrub to remove dead skin cells and enhance the mud's skin-nourishing benefits.

  3. Clay Application: Layering the Mud

    1. Our skilled therapist will smoothly apply a creamy layer of our specialty mud blend to your skin. This application method ensures even coverage for optimal detoxification.

  4. Relaxation: Be at Peace

    1. Instead of using disposable plastic wraps, our spa proudly utilizes custom-designed reusable wraps to minimize environmental impact. Wrapped in a thermal blanket, you will rest comfortably as the clay's minerals deeply penetrate and purify your skin.

  5. Removal: The Refreshing Unveil

    1. After the mud has worked its magic, a warm, invigorating shower awaits. This step not only cleanses your skin but also invigorates your senses, revealing a refreshed and rejuvenated complexion.

  6. Final Touch: A Soothing Massage

    1. Conclude your experience with a soothing massage, using a blend of natural oils that hydrate and nourish your skin, leaving you feeling relaxed and revitalized.


Come Play in the Mud With Us!

Embracing the vast array of clays and their corresponding wraps is more than a treatment; it's a journey back to the roots of beauty and wellness, across cultures and through time. Each clay offers a unique pathway to achieving not just skin health but a deeper connection to the Earth's natural healing powers. Allow us to guide you through this earthy expedition at 20 Orange Spa, where your skin will reveal its most radiant self.

30 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page