Lake worth its salt for cosmetics

AKSARAY - Anatolia News Agency

People walk next to the banner promoting the cosmetic products, which include the lake’s minerals. AA photo

A natural source of salt as its name implies, Central Anatolia’s Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) is increasingly becoming a target for the cosmetics sector thanks to the wealth of minerals in its water, salt and mud.

 Visitors to the lake believe its water has healing properties, and interest in products like creams, lotions, deodorants and shampoos that consist of these minerals have increased in recent years, according to local business owners.

Özgür Yılmaz, the owner of a facility on the shore of the Lake Tuz, said the lake has significant economic value in terms of its salt production in addition to being famous for its natural environment and its bird population.

22 types of minerals

Nearly 2 million tons of salt is produced every year at three areas around the lake, Yılmaz said, adding that a large proportion of Turkey’s salt requirements were met by the lake. The number of visitors to the lake is also increasing since there is a general belief that the minerals have healing effects for many afflictions, according to Yılmaz.

The lake’s water, mud and salt include 22 types of minerals, Yılmaz said. “Among these minerals are sodium chloride, iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, bromine, hydrogen and iron,” he said. “It is believed that these minerals make a great contribution to the skin’s natural moisturizing factor. Many people walk in the lake and apply its mud to their skin in the belief that the water, salt and mud in Salt Lake feeds the skin, enhances circulation and kills harmful microorganisms. Thanks to its high conductivity, it is known that the lake helps get rid of negative electricity in the body. It is also thought that it helps people clean blackheads and skin blemishes.”

In addition to the long-running salt industry, the lake’s riches have been boosting the cosmetic sector in recent years, he said.

“We began producing cosmetic products such as cream, lotion, shampoo, cellulite salt, skin
mask and deodorants three years ago. At the moment, we sell 26 types of products on the shore of the lake,” he said.

Yılmaz said the number of those who take mud baths in the lake and walk on its surface was increasing. “The lake, which is home to various types of birds, especially flamingos, should be taken under protection to keep its natural balance,” he said.