Thermal Water…
What’s the latest trend in skin care? Serums, lotions and sprays that contain water straight from thermal springs. It’s nutrient-enriched H20 that actually starts as tiny droplets of rain.
“And what happens is that they run off and they basically spend 30, 40 years underground in the earth, picking up many trace minerals and elements as they go,” said Dr. Ranella Hirsch, dermatologist.
When the water comes back to the surface, it’s loaded with things like magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. Hirsch says we’re just catching on to what Europeans have known for decades.
“That thermal waters have tremendous benefit in treating the skin,” she explained.
In fact, studies have shown that thermal water can help treat everything from sunburns and dry skin to more serious conditions like psoriasis, eczema and rosacea.
“Also, by restoring the missing minerals and the different elements in the skin, you help to maintain the barrier or protective function that the skin has,” said Dr. Hirsch.
There are several brands like Evian, Vichy and La Roche Posay. Which is right for you? Dr. Hirsch says take a look at the elements listed on the back.
“The La Roche Posay line, for example, is very rich in selenium, which is very helpful as an anti-inflammatory agent. The Vichy range of products, very high in sodium bicarbonate, is really soothing to the skin. The Evian line is also rich in bicarbonates” said Hirsch. “This is really like Gatorade for your skin.”
Thermal water products cost anywhere from $10-$30. Most of them are available at your local drug store or on the internet.
* Photo by Michael Thompson (represented by Jed Root) for Olay Definity.
