Rotorua Mud, the next huge beauty craze

June 27, 2016

From spouting geysers to bubbling mud pools, steamy geothermal hot pools and colourful sinter terraces, the volcanic activity found in Rotorua has drawn visitors since the 1800s.

From spouting geysers to bubbling mud pools, steamy geothermal hot pools and colourful sinter terraces, the volcanic activity found in Rotorua has drawn visitors since the 1800s. Today we use the thermal mud in variety of applications across our treatments here at the Polynesian Spa Retreat.

Rotorua’s thermal mud is packed full of minerals due to the volcanic nature of the region. It contains sulphur, calcium, sodium and silicon as well as a number of other minerals absorbed from surrounding manuka trees, which when applied to the skin, release protective antioxidants.

These essential minerals are easily absorbed into the skin thanks to the very fine texture of our thermal mud, letting your skin make the most of the antiseptic, cleansing properties. This is great news for those suffering from skin conditions such as acne, as it balances the natural acids in the skin and stimulates skin regeneration.

When the mud is applied to the skin, it creates a barrier which increases the skin’s temperature to encourage blood flow to the skin’s surface. The mud then flushes the toxins leaving skin clean and refreshed.

So what do these minerals actually do for our skin?

Silicon helps to restore elasticity and firmness of the skin, while sulphur acts as an antibacterial agent to assist in the prevention and elimination of acne. Calcium is essential for the regeneration of new skin cells and encourages the skin to shed the old to make way for the new, resulting in fuller, healthier looking skin.

We work with Pure Source products across our thermal mud therapies at The Retreat, including body wraps, facials, massage and Aix, all of which include a soak in the mineral pools beforehand to warm up the muscles, soften the skin and relax the mind.

The process of immersing the body in mineral waters followed by enveloping it with Rotorua mud provides a holistic treatment that helps ground the mind and body, as well as reconnecting it to nature (it also does wonders for the the texture of your skin!)

With a philosophy to allow the uniqueness of natural New Zealand to be a part of everyone’s skin care regime, Pure Source has sourced mud for their products directly from Rotorua’s geothermal wonders for over 35 years. The result is a skincare range based on the healing and soothing properties of Rotorua mud, combined with other natural ingredients such as manuka honey, sweet almond oil and aloe vera, while vitamin E and spirulina and are also added to nourish the skin.

Test the benefits of thermal mud for yourself this September, with Polynesian Spa’s all new spring indulgence mud therapy, designed to rejuvenate the body for spring as well as to restore balance of the body and mind. Every booking will also enjoy a gift from nature with 20% off Pure Source thermal mud products at the Polynesian Spa store.

– Helena

Helena is the master therapist at Polynesian Spa Retreat with over 30 years’ experience in soothing both the mind and body. Having studied across the world, Helena is a qualified beauty therapist and aromatherapist, and has also lectured students and was head of faculty for remedial therapies at a natural medicine college in Brisbane.