Salt mud, also known as fango, is a natural material rich in various marine minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, silicon, sulfur, bromine, and iodine. These minerals are acquired during the mud’s gradual maturation in salt pans where it comes into contact with brine. Salt mud has been recognized for centuries as a natural remedy used for medicinal purposes, particularly for the treatment of rheumatic and degenerative joint diseases and for the relief of pain in the locomotor system. It is also used for cosmetic purposes for its cleansing and anti-cellulite properties, as it promotes the elimination of waste substances from the body and helps to make the skin look softer, tighter, and clearer. In the framework of the thesis, the influence of salt mud from the Piran salt pans on the expression of cellulite and its cleansing action was studied. The study involved 16 female volunteers, aged between 20 and 60 years, who applied the product on selected areas of the body (thigh and forehead) for three weeks according to the instructions for use. Before, during, and after the study, the volunteers were monitored for selected skin functional parameters: transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, sebum secretion, skin biomechanical properties, and skin temperature. The results of the study showed that regular use of the saline mud improved the appearance of the skin of the thigh and the biomechanical properties of the skin (firmness, elasticity). The skin also became smoother after the use of the product. The beneficial effects were also confirmed on the facial skin, as most of the volunteers showed an improvement in hydration and barrier function of the skin. In addition, after a prolonged period of use, the sebum level on the skin normalized, indicating a regulation of sebum production and an overall improvement of the skin condition. These effects were more pronounced after a longer period of use (3 weeks), confirming the need for regular use of the product to achieve optimal results. Despite the presence of some side effects (itching, redness, and a slight burning sensation after application of the product), the results were generally positive, as confirmed by the participants in the self-evaluation. For optimal results, saline mud is best used as part of a complete skin care regimen, in combination with other cleansing and moisturizing cosmetic products.
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