How do thermal waters affect the skin?

The healing properties of thermal, or mineral, waters have been known by people since ancient times. Today, with the development of modern technologies, it is easier to specifically determine what diseases might be affected by these waters and in which ways. Hydrotherapy, a form of therapy which includes waters differing by their content and temperature, depending on the need, is used across the world. Some advantages of mineral waters in therapy include no use of potentially harmful drugs or chemicals, it very rarely poses a risk to the general health and well-being of the patient or causes any unwanted symptoms.

Still, because thermal waters are different depending on their source, and because the underlying molecular processes are complicated, clinicians find it challenging to correctly assess the efficacy of these methods.

For more information about the health benefits of thermal water click here "How do thermal waters affect health?".

One of the important fields in which mineral, or thermal, waters have proven themselves to be efficient is skin health, in such a manner that besides being a way to treat some chronic skin diseases, it has become a bottled skincare product or is often used as a component of other products like cremes, lotions and serums.

Balneotherapy is a healing method that is based on using, and most often submerging, in waters and muds. Dermatologic diseases which are often successfully treated using this method are psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Other states treated using this method include acne, lichen planus, pruritus, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and xerosis or dry skin.

Thermal waters are efficient when it comes to inflammation and pathology related to stress.

The biological mechanisms which lead to such healing properties are still not fully understood, it is clear that neuroendocrine and immunological reactions to balneotherapy and specific minerals and temperatures are related to the therapeutic effects.

It is necessary to understand that thermal waters by themselves aren’t a clinical method which is fully understood and is often recommended when other more traditional methods fail.

Mineral waters in products can be used to calm irritated skin, like with insect bites, sun damage, shaving or some other sort of skin reaction.

Thermal waters have hydrating properties, they protect the skin from free radicals and the negative effects of the surroundings, they refresh and tone the skin, which makes it a good preparation for applying creams or serums.

Besides all of this, thermal waters, as a skincare product, have a role in setting makeup.

If applied after cosmetics it will help the makeup be steady and more difficult to smear.

Thermal, or mineral, water as a product is often sold in spray bottles which makes its use very simple. The water is sprayed on the face or body, and you wait for the skin to absorb it. If after 1 – 2 minutes, there is still water remaining on the skin feel free to remove it with a swab.

*This text is intended for informational purposes only. If you experience any symptoms, it is recommended that you seek advice from your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional.*

*Image taken from : https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-floating-on-body-of-water-during-daytime-jP8C_yTF4BE*

Benu.Rs. (2022, November 2). Čemu služi termalna voda i zašto treba da je koristimo? BENU.RS. https://benu.rs/termalna-voda

Cacciapuoti, S., Luciano, M., Megna, M., Annunziata, M., Napolitano, M., Patruno, C., Scala, E., Colicchio, R., Pagliuca, C., Salvatore, P., & Fabbrocini, G. (2020). The Role of thermal water in Chronic skin Diseases Management: A Review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(9), 3047. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9093047

Mourelle, M. L., Gómez, C. P., & Legido, J. L. (2023). Hydrobiome of thermal waters: Potential use in dermocosmetics. Cosmetics, 10(4), 94. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10040094