Thermal Spring Water: Do You Need It?

Many patients ask me what type of water they should use to cleanse their skin and if specialty products like thermal spring water are worth it. In some cases, using thermal spring water instead of tap water can be beneficial, while in others, it is not necessary. This guide will help you understand the best type and temperature of water to cleanse with and whether or not thermal spring water could be worth spending money on for your skin.

Take the Quiz

Thermal spring water contains natural minerals that can be anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.

It can be helpful if you have hard water and do not have a water filter, or if you have very sensitive skin.

Resistant skin types or those using a water filter probably do not need this product.

Table of content

What is thermal spring water

What Is Thermal Spring Water?

Thermal spring water is mineral-rich water sourced from natural springs found deep underground. As it travels through layers of rock, it absorbs various minerals and trace elements, resulting in a unique composition that can vary depending on the geographic location of the spring. Unlike regular tap water, thermal spring water is often bottled directly at the source to preserve its purity and mineral content. Additionally, thermal spring water does not contain additives such as fluoride or chlorine, which are often added to city water systems.

Thermal Spring Water vs. Micellar Water

Thermal spring water is often confused with micellar water, another popular type of water used when cleansing the skin. As described above, thermal spring water is sourced directly from natural springs and therefore contains various minerals like selenium that can be beneficial for your skin. It, however, does not have a cleansing action, so it is used to rinse your cleanser, not in place of a cleanser.

Micellar water, on the other hand, contains mild detergent ingredients that form tiny “micelles,” each with one water-loving end and one water-repelling end. This structure allows the micelles to trap dirt and debris, which are then rinsed away along with the micelle water. Thus, for some people, micellar water can replace a cleanser or act as a double cleanser.

who should use thermal spring water?

Who Should Use It?

Thermal spring water can be particularly beneficial if you have hard water and do not have a water filter, or if you have very sensitive skin. If you don’t have a water softening system or a water filter, using thermal spring water to rinse off your cleanser can help to minimize skin irritation that can be caused by hard tap water.

Benefits of Thermal Spring Water

Thermal spring water can offer a number of benefits, including:

Anti-inflammatory properties. Minerals like selenium and zinc have strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm red, sensitive skin and inflammatory conditions like eczema and rosacea (3).

Antioxidant properties. Selenium also has antioxidant properties, allowing it to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage (4).

Anti-microbial properties. Some thermal spring waters contain sulfur, which can provide antibacterial properties and help to prevent breakouts (5).

Barrier repair. Minerals found in thermal spring water, such as zinc, selenium, and magnesium, can help to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

Hydration. These same minerals can help the skin to retain water, thus aiding in healthy skin hydration.

drawbacks of thermal spring water

Drawbacks

While there aren’t many true side effects to using thermal spring water, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding if this product is right for you:

Cost. While not typically very expensive, thermal spring water is going to cost more than using tap water at home.

Some minerals can damage the skin. High concentrations of some minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, can damage the skin’s barrier and make some skin problems worse. This is why hard tap water can be problematic for people with sensitive skin.

Best Thermal Spring Waters

Several skin care brands offer a quality thermal spring water. These products from La Roche-Posay and Vichy are two of our favorites.

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

Sourced from the La Roche-Posay spring in France, this water is rich in selenium and known for its soothing and antioxidant properties. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and can be used to calm irritation or refresh the skin throughout the day.

Vichy Volcanic Thermal Water

Sourced from French volcanoes, this water contains 15 essential minerals that strengthen the skin’s barrier and protect against environmental irritants. It’s ideal for protecting the skin barrier and providing hydration.

How to Use

While you can use thermal spring water to wash your face, it is more important to use it to rinse off your cleanser. To save product, you can use regular water to wash with, and then splash the thermal spring water to rinse.

Bottom Line

While not an absolute necessity, thermal spring water can be particularly helpful for anyone with hard water or very sensitive skin. Its soothing and hydrating properties can minimize side effects of hard water, such as redness, irritation, and dryness. However, if you have resistant skin or use a water filter or water softener, this product isn’t necessary for you.

Not sure if you are a sensitive or resistant skin type? Take the quiz to find out!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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