Why All Beauty-Lovers Should Plan a Trip to the Dead Sea

Updated on Dec 12, 2016 at 6:04 PM

A visit to the Dead Sea is any beauty writer's dream because of the skin care benefits it is known for, so you can imagine just how elated I was to visit myself. It's also incredibly beautiful with its white, salty shores and gem-like, hypersaline waters. For those unaware, the Dead Sea is located smack in the middle of the desert — between Jordan on the east and Israel and Palestine on the west — so the surrounding views further add to the beauty.

I'd seen pictures and read about the research happening there, but that still didn't prepare me completely. For example, I didn't know prior to arriving that I'd feel elated because of the increased oxygen and bromide in the air, or that my pale skin would be much safer hanging out at the beach due to the extremely low elevation. I was afforded the visit through a nonprofit organization, Vibe Israel, who arranged an informational excursion with a tiny, two-person-run boat tour company.

Whether you're planning a visit yourself, are simply curious about the area, or want to live vicariously through another, these five Dead Sea tidbits will sate you.

You Literally Float in the Water

The Dead Sea is made up of 35 percent salt, making it 10 times saltier than the ocean. This high salinity makes the water very dense — denser than even your body — which causes you to float. It also makes the water feel almost oily and not at all like the beach water you're used to. Because you can float, you'll see many people with books or newspapers floating comfortably in the water while they read.

If you're craving a float experience, there are specialty spas that re-create this effect. They're actually pretty trendy right now, so search "float spa" in your area and you'll likely be able to find one nearby. They're especially popular among athletes, as floating creates a sense of low-gravity, thereby relieving pressure from bones and joints. Another natural option is Utah's Great Salt Lake.

The Mud and Salt Are Highly Sought After

You've probably seen skin care products touting the goodness of Dead Sea mud and salt. There's a reason people go there and start slathering the mud all over themselves, and it's the same reason people who can't make it there buy the stuff from retailers.

"The Dead Sea is packed with skin-friendly minerals including calcium, magnesium, and potassium," says Dana Miller, marketing director for AHAVA, an Israel-based skin care company that specializes in selling Dead Sea-infused products. "Mineral-rich Dead Sea bath salt is a true natural wonder, able to strengthen the skin, relax muscles, and hydrate."

Interestingly enough, the sea's mud contains some of those same benefits. "Dead Sea mud — comprised of layers from the Judean mountain that sank to the bottom of the Dead Sea and became enriched with minerals — has proven therapeutic benefits. Not only will Dead Sea mud help to purify and detoxify skin, but thanks to the nourishing minerals, it also helps to relieve muscle aches and pains while soothing irritation."

Personally speaking, the mud felt slick and cool on my skin, and I did feel relaxed, but I think it was a combination of everything I was experiencing. What I really noticed was the effects after I removed the mud. My skin felt unbelievably soft for several days afterward.

You Feel Calmer and Happier There

"It's easier to breathe at the Dead Sea," says Jacky Ben Zaken, a Dead Sea expert who operates small boat tours in the area. He explained that there's a higher concentration of oxygen in the air compared to sea level that amounts to roughly three percent more in Summer and five percent in the Winter. If you've been to Las Vegas, you've likely seen the oxygen bars that are meant to give you a happiness boost, which causes the same effect.

"This is why you see people yawning and why people are happy at the Dead Sea," he says. "You're oxidizing yourself here. Another thing in the air is bromine, which is used as an anesthetic and helps calm you down."

The bromine concentration is roughly 20 times higher at the Dead Sea than it is at sea level. Based on my own personal experience, I can testify that I felt giddy there and observed lots of playful, giggly behavior from others. While happiness levels are easily higher on vacation, the extra oxygen and bromine certainly help.

You're Less Likely to Get a Sunburn

With an elevation of -1,410 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea's shoreline is literally the lowest point on dry land.

"Because of this, ultraviolet exposure is not that bad, which means you can spend a lot of hours in the sun without getting burned," says Zaken. "This is why people with psoriasis and skin problems are coming to the Dead Sea. They are actually not in the water, but are instead sunbathing."

To be clear, you can certainly get burnt at the Dead Sea if you're outside without sunscreen all day long. However, the extremely low elevation does make the sun less potent.

Salt Pearls Form on Some of the Shorelines

The Dead Sea shoreline is unlike any other beach you've ever seen. For starters, some of the beaches feature thick layers of milky salt deposits that coat the ground and any nearby surface. Other beaches contain thousands of tiny, pearlescent beads that make you feel like you're in another world entirely.

On that note, you should always wear shoes when you're at the Dead Sea (even in the water), otherwise you can easily cut your feet. The saltiness of the water and the ground can make those little cuts particularly painful. Still, it is a remarkably beautiful destination, and makes for some pretty gorgeous photo ops should you ever get the chance to visit.