Thermal Spring Water: 6 Benefits of Nature’s Oh-So-Soothing Elixir

Thermal spring water is the mineral water originating from springs.

According to a report published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology in 2013, thermal spring water is packed with minerals such as magnesium and sulphur, as well as trace elements such as selenium.(1)

The concentration of these precious elements depends on the geologic substance upon which the water flowed.

Thermal spring water is quickly gaining traction in the skin care industry due to its numerous benefits when applied topically.

These benefits have been scientifically demonstrated and include the following:

1. Photo-protection

According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications in 2014, thermal spring water bestows resistance against oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet rays.(2)

It does so by increasing the survival rate of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, which are cells found in the human skin.

In addition, thermal spring water contains selenium which increases cell viability by decreasing the destruction of lipids in the skin.

Likewise, a study conducted in France in 1991 featuring a popular brand of thermal spring water, La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water, demonstrated that the application of this product prior to sunlight exposure reduced the occurrence of sunburns.(3)

2. Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition associated with dry, itchy skin.(4)

Hydrotherapy, particularly with mineral-rich water, has been proven to be extremely effective in its treatment.

Two studies published in 2005 in a French journal stated that three weeks of treating atopic dermatitis with thermal spring water can alleviate the condition.(5)

Thermal spring water acts by increasing the activities of enzymes responsible for the maintenance of the epidermal barrier function.

Furthermore, a comparative study conducted in Berlin in 2009 demonstrated that thermal spring water can alleviate dry skin thereby reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis.(6)

3. Promotion of Healing After a Dermatological Procedure

Dermatological procedures, despite their therapeutic effects, are notorious for causing skin discomfort.

According to a paper published in the 2002 edition of Dermatological Surgery, thermal spring water can alleviate the redness and skin discomfort caused by laser resurfacing.(7)

A paper published in the 2007 edition of Cosmetic Dermatology also explained how thermal spring water effectively alleviates superficial inflammation caused by photodynamic procedures.(8)

What’s more, the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published a study documenting the efficiency of thermal spring water in alleviating dryness and discomfort caused by photothermolysis.(9)

Thermal spring water with a low mineral content has been shown to be particularly effective in promoting skin healing. The exact mechanism in play is believed to be its ability to promote skin cell regeneration and proliferation.

4. Acne Treatment

According to a study published in the European Journal of Dermatology, topical application of thermal spring water with retinoic acid can alleviate acne.(10)

Retinoic acid, though extremely effective in the treatment of acne, causes skin irritation. Thermal spring water alleviates any irritation caused and increases the skin’s tolerability to retinoic acid.

5. Rosacea Treatment

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness and swelling. The exact cause is unknown.

As stated in a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, thermal spring water may alleviate the symptoms of rosacea.(11)

Additionally, the same study demonstrated that it was more effective when used in conjunction with metronidazole, which is a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of rosacea.

6. Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin.

Psoriasis patients who practice balneotherapy have been observed to have fewer flares. In fact, some have been healed completely.

Balneotherapy is a form of alternative medicine where patients with skin diseases bath in spring water for relief of their symptoms.

A study involving 92 psoriasis patients who drank and applied thermal spring water daily for three weeks showed improvement of symptoms in half of the patients. This study was published in the 1995 edition of the British Journal of Dermatology.(12)

Conclusion

All in all, thermal spring water’s soothing and anti-irritant properties are second to none.

What’s more, there have been no documented side effects associated with topical application of the product.

Therefore, feel free to utilize this precious natural product, either as a toner or a facial mist.

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