Mud ABC: what is sapropel and how to use it
After the last ice age, sapropel began to accumulate in Latvian lakes.
Latvian nature for your skin
Freshwater green mud, mud applications and a face mask.
Freshwater mud products
What is sapropel?
Latvia's natural wonder: freshwater green mud. What is so special about it?
The key ingredient in MARENCE skincare is the unique green mud from a freshwater lake, the 100% natural extract from which is found in many MARENCE products. Green mud, or limus, is a biologically active natural product, the result of complex biological transformations during the decomposition of flora and fauna in an oxygen-free environment, in the depths of the lake. The process of mud formation can be measured in thousands of years: the mud is about 7,000 years old. MARENCE mud is naturally green.
Our cosmetic manufacturing experts have combined mud extracts sourced in Latvia with active ingredients available in Europe and Japan for modern cosmetics, resulting in outstanding and unique skincare products that provide long-lasting and effective results for the complexion, hair texture and overall well-being of the body.
How sapropel forms
- 0.1-6.6
- mm added to the layer each year on average; the rate varies by lake and climate
- 2,250+
- lakes in Latvia, most of which may contain sapropel
- >10%
- of sapropel is made up of the remains of organisms
- 300+
- million m³ in the largest sapropel deposits, in Latgale
Where is the mud extracted?
Among the best-known lakes in the Rāzna National Park is, of course, the picturesque Lake Rāzna, but there are many other smaller and less famous lakes around it. One of them is ours: beautified by rushes and sedges, it holds this unique gift of nature, a powerful substance, freshwater green mud, which we extract and turn into effective extracts.
A specialised extraction process ensures maximum preservation of the mud's bioactivity.
The mud is left to settle and impurities are removed mechanically. After a second settling, it is processed to improve its structure and texture. It is then ready to use.
Sapropel composition
The make-up of sapropel depends on the lake where it formed. Freshwater green mud is a uniquely powerful biologically active material that contains:
Humic acids
humic substances
Fulvic acids
water-soluble humic substances
Amino acids
a complete amino acid complex
A rich range of vitamins
C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, D, E and PP
Rutin
a flavonoid
Lipids
fatty acids and waxes
Enzymes
Minerals
micro- and macroelements
Natural antioxidants
In a word, everything you need for your body's strength and beauty, for healing and beauty care.
At MARENCE, we have made sure that this power of nature reaches you in a concentrated form, without losing a single gram of its precious, living properties. What's more, the pH level of freshwater mud is very similar to the pH level of our skin! This means that the skin recognises the chemical composition of the mud and 'allows' it to penetrate into the deeper layers. This is what gives MARENCE cosmetics their deep, thorough and long-lasting effect on the beauty and health of your skin.
Mud for beauty and health
Freshwater mud has been used successfully for centuries in medicine and beauty care. It has strong antibacterial and antioxidant properties and has no side-effects. Today, we value obvious effectiveness above all, and mud extract is one of the most precious ingredients that nature itself provides in terms of the intensity of its effects. That's why green mud extracts are in many of our products: for face and body as well as for hair.
The high proportion of organic and biologically active substances allows the valuable ingredients of the mud to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and have a long-lasting effect. When green mud is used in the form of applications and masks, a dual process takes place: the body absorbs the healing substances in the mud and at the same time gets rid of toxins.
The effect of green mud depends on the application and the temperature. For example, warm mud improves blood circulation and boosts metabolism, while cold mud constricts blood vessels and slows metabolism.
The optimum temperature for mud applications is 37-38 degrees, with the mud warmed in a water bath. Excessive heating of the mud reduces its effectiveness. Do not apply it any hotter, or it may burn your skin.
Room-temperature mud can also be applied to the face and body, though it is not very pleasant.
Instructions for using the mud
Face
Start by washing your face with a cleansing foam. If your skin is dry, you can add a few drops of MARENCE Anti-Age elixir to the warmed mud. Apply the mud in a layer 2-4 mm thick and leave it on for 8-10 minutes; on oily skin, make the layer thicker and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and follow with a cream that suits your skin type. Use once or twice a week.
Hands
Wash your hands and, if needed, exfoliate them with MARENCE body scrub. Spread a 1-2 mm layer of mud over your palms and fingers, then cover your hands with cling film, wrap them in a towel and leave for 15-30 minutes. Afterwards, wash your hands and apply MARENCE nourishing hand cream. We recommend doing this in the evening, before bed.
Feet
Wash your feet and cover them with mud. Wrap them in cling film and a warm towel for 30-40 minutes. Rinse with warm and then cool water, and smooth MARENCE body oil over your feet. Recommended once or twice a week, at bedtime.
Hair
Shampoo your hair and towel-dry it. Apply the mud to your scalp, massaging it in gently, then put on a shower cap and wrap your head in a towel. After about 30 minutes, rinse your hair with warm water and let it dry naturally or use a hairdryer on a low setting.
Face mask, 100 g
Cleanse your face with cleansing foam or water. Apply a 2-4 mm thick layer of the green mud mask. Leave the mask on the skin for 8-12 minutes. Gently remove the mask with water and apply a suitable cream for your skin type. It is recommended to use it 1-2 times per week as a course (a total of 10-12 times), repeating the course 2-4 times a year. A slight redness of the skin after removing the mask is a normal reaction, as the mask improves blood circulation.
Freshwater mud applications and masks
- improve lymph circulation and blood circulation, strengthen blood vessels, improve oxygen exchange;
- promote skin renewal and healing, reduce cellulite and subcutaneous fat;
- restore the water-lipid barrier, improve skin texture, normalise sebaceous gland secretion;
- promote immunity and stress resistance, have a relaxing effect;
- relieve tired feet, relieve pain and swelling, help against fungal diseases.
Apply a freshwater mud mask or application to individual areas of the body, not to the whole body at once.
Mud therapy
Mud therapy is effective for:
- bruises, wounds, scars, burns;
- fracture healing, chronic inflammation;
- relieving depression, headaches, low mood;
- certain gynaecological and urological conditions;
- treatment of skin diseases: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrhoea, acne, pigment spots;
- treatment of various fungal infections, treatment of peripheral circulatory disorders, treatment and prevention of early stages of venous diseases;
- degenerative joint diseases, musculoskeletal disorders.
Our tests in clinics with patients with osteoarthritis have shown the following results:
- significantly reduced pain;
- restored mobility;
- improvement in general body condition, with remission of symptoms for at least six months.
Find out more about the studies.
Find out how green mud heals:
- Psoriasis
- Joint pain and injuries
- Arthritis
- Swollen, tired legs
Avoid using the mud if you have:
- Elevated body temperature
- High blood pressure, severe heart disease
- Any acute illness or chronic disease in the exacerbation stage
- Acute purulent process
- Blood disease in the acute stage or exacerbation
- Tuberculosis or a similar infectious disease
- Paralysis of central origin
- Oncological disease
- No confirmed diagnosis of a joint, skin or other condition
How is mud extract obtained?
Mud extract is obtained in three ways: extraction with oil, water or alcohol, thus preserving and concentrating the activity of the organic matter as much as possible.
Extract on an aqueous base
Contains 7 types of amino acids, 3 different types of B vitamins and humic acids.
Extract on an oil base
Contains a biologically active complex of chlorophyll, carotenoids and phytosterols.
Extract on a 30% ethyl alcohol base
Contains 13 types of amino acids, 4 types of B vitamins and rutin.
Two videos about MARENCE
Watch the video:
The lake
The lake our mud comes from.
, 0:27
The MARENCE story
, 1:05
100% recyclable packaging
We pride ourselves not only on the natural content of our cosmetics, but also on their natural packaging. All product tubes are made from sugar cane bagasse, a 100% recyclable and renewable resource! The production of this material significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Want to know how this happens?
'The first step in the production cycle of Green PE is the cultivation of sugar cane. During the growing process, the sugar cane metabolises CO2 to synthesise sucrose. Through a complex fermentation and dehydration process, the sugar cane is converted into ethylene, which is then used to produce different types of packaging that are equivalent in properties to conventional polyethylene, but which can be 100% recycled, thus reducing environmental impact and promoting the full use of renewable resources.'
MARENCE plans to gradually switch completely to 'green polyethylene' packaging, which would meet the highest standards of environmental stewardship and set an example for other producers. Look for products with the 'I'm Green' label.
- Sugar cane
- Ethylene
- Polyethylene tube
What has been tested
Dermatological testing of freshwater green mud
In 2023, a sample of freshwater green mud was dermatologically tested on volunteers under a dermatologist’s supervision; no irritation was found. The results are confirmed by the report of an independent European laboratory.
Natural self-preservation of freshwater green mud
In 2023, a sample of freshwater green mud was tested to ISO 11930 for its ability to resist microbiological contamination. The sample met efficacy criteria A, which confirms its strong resistance to the growth of introduced microorganisms.
Questions about sapropel and mud
Are sapropel and freshwater green mud the same thing?
Yes. Sapropel is the scientific term, and freshwater green mud is our name for it.
What temperature should the mud be warmed to?
To 37-38 °C, slightly above body temperature. Warm it in a water bath; any hotter and the mud may burn the skin.
How long do you leave the mud on your face, and how often?
Leave it for 8-10 minutes, once or twice a week; on oily skin, 10-15 minutes. For the 100 g Freshwater Green Mud Face Mask, the pack says 8-12 minutes.
Can I use the mud on my hair?
Yes. On freshly washed hair, the mud goes onto the scalp and stays there for about 30 minutes under a shower cap and towel before being rinsed off with warm water.
Where can I find MARENCE mud products?
In the Freshwater Mud Products section of our online shop.
The mud is also sold as a separate product.