Thermal water comes from the deeply hidden sources located even 6000 meters below the ground level. Owing to the fact that it flows through a few layers of Earth, it has a chance to collect various trace elements and other minerals. Moreover, the sources of thermal water are warmed up by hot magma that flows beneath the surface of the Earth and this fosters various chemical reactions to occur. This is how new, precious substances are formed in thermal water.
Thermal water used in health resorts is supposed to cure acne, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. However, is commercial thermal water a good replacement for thermal water used in health resorts? What are the chemical constituents of thermal water and how to use it correctly? What are the sources of thermal water?
What substances can be found in thermal water?
From the microbiological standpoint, thermal water is considered as pure and hypoallergenic. Owing to a high concentration of minerals and microelements, thermal water has a beneficial effect on skin. The essential nutrients that thermal water is rich in penetrate skin to partly remain in epidermis, and partly reach deeper skin layers that are soothed and cured by the very elements. And this is why even cooled down thermal water, which becomes mineral water, is used as a base ingredient of many nutrient-rich skincare products.
Thermal water: How to use it?
All creams and body balms containing thermal water should be applied only to clean skin, best if the skin is freshly washed. When it comes to commercial commercial thermal waters, there are two schools explaining the proper uses of this natural cosmetic. One says that you should spritz skin with thermal water and then pat it dry with a tissue, whereas the other suggests letting the water absorb fully into skin. I guess, you have to decide yourself which option suits you better. If your skin doesn’t feel tight even though you leave the water on, then I think you don’t have to remove it.
It’s highly beneficial to use thermal water all year, especially if you are often in heated rooms. Its application is surprisingly vast:
- is a good replacement for facial toner
- freshens skin up and fixes makeup
- soothes skin after hair removal (including beard shaving)
- deals with sunburn (including long exposition to solarium bed lamps) and soothes skin irritated by strong wind
- is commonly used by dermatologists to soothe skin after various beauty treatments, such as chemical peel
Thermal water – no matter the task handled – is highly effective and pleasant to use. If you haven’t had a chance to treat your face with it yet, you must do it.
Thermal water used in health resorts VS Commercial thermal water
Naturally, when it comes to some serious skin ailments, beauty products containing thermal water won’t replace thermal water available in health resorts. Not only do health resorts offer hot baths in thermal water but also they offer optimal climate and assistance of experienced and trained staff. By the way, staying for a few weeks in a health resort is connected with being accompanied with other people affected by similar ailments, and this helps accept yours. Good mental state is half the success in fighting against any disease, even a dermatological one.
The most beneficial type of thermal water for skin is the water that is enriched with possibly the biggest number of nutrients, yet in low concentrations. Otherwise, thermal water might leave your skin irritated. The chemical constituents of thermal water are strictly connected with the source it was obtained from. There are no two sources of thermal water offering the same set of elements.
European sources of thermal water
Below I’m giving you a few European sources of thermal water that has been long-used in the production of numerous popular creams and balms. Such products don’t only display beautifying properties but also they are able to cure some skin ailments. Here are the sources:
Avène
This is the name of thermal water originated from Sainte Odile located in southern France. It contains many minerals but in really small amounts. They are characterized by optimal calcium-magnesium ratio, that in fact speeds up self-healing processes of skin. Other elements that Avène thermal water has include: silicon that reinforces blood vessels, copper that improves metabolic rate in skin and is antibacterial, manganese responsible for fighting back allergic reactions ,and sulfur that handles acne. It was clinically proven that thermal water obtained from Avène fosters curing psoriasis, mild atopic dermatitis, skin inflammations induced by laser treatments, scars, aftermath of scalds/sunburns and prurigo. Last but not least, Avène thermal water is safe to be applied directly to skin (without thinning it down).
Vichy
This thermal water originates from French health resort carrying the same name. It belongs to the group of chloride-bicarbonate-sodium water. It contains 17 mineral salts and 13 trace elements. It’s recognized for its moisturizing and soothing properties. What’s important, Vichy thermal water soothes irritations caused by the medications curing keratodermia. Additionally, Vichy thermal water is able to eliminate psoriasis and redness typical of sensitive and atopic skin. Increased resistance of skin to free radicals has been also proven. All of this makes Vichy thermal water being commonly used in preparations dealing with ageing and acne.
La Roche-Posay
Thermal water originating from this source is a combination of rain water (naturally filtered in the layers of the Earth) and very old deep ocean water (that contains an unique set of minerals and trace elements). It belongs to low mineral content water and the thing that makes it stand out is the presence of selenium – a really strong antioxidant that delays skin ageing processes and is anti-inflammatory. La Roche-Posay thermal water helps skin heal faster, improves its resilience as well as relieves redness and itchiness.
What is your attitude to commercial thermal water? Can you imagine your life without it? Do you even use it? If thermal water is one of your favorite cosmetic, how do you apply it? I’m waiting for your comments.
