Thermal Spring Water

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Naturally fortified water
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sprays, mists

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THERMAL SPRING WATER ?

The putative benefit of thermal spring water is based on its chemical composition, which has allowed it to be used to treat psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, lichen planus, pruritus, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis and xerosis. It has been shown to modify the skin flora when compared with tap water, which may enhance the positive effects of some bacteria at the molecular level. Thermal spring water decreases pro-inflammatory actions of keratinocyte, impairs monocyte-derived dendritic cells, diminishes priming of CD4+ T cells by dendritic cells and reduces IL-12 and IL-23 production with increased IL-10 production. These effects are the proposed biologic mechanism by which thermal spring water works in immunomodulation.

WHAT IS THERMAL SPRING WATER ?

Thermal spring water originates from springs, where individuals historically bathed to improve their skin quality. These waters are generated by the interactions between the hot magma (thermal) and the resultant ascent of spring waters with a unique chemical composition. Typically thermal spring water is incredibly rich in mineral content and has been used in complementary medicine, like balneotherapy.

IS THERMAL SPRING WATER SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Based on the available evidence, thermal spring water is likely safe for all skin types and tones. However, there is a paucity of literature on its adverse effects.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

There are not clear contraindications for the use of thermal spring water based on available literature, but individuals with a reaction to thermal spring water should avoid products containing it.

Sources:

Cacciapuoti S, Luciano MA, Megna M, et al. The Role of Thermal Water in Chronic Skin Diseases Management: A Review of the Literature. J Clin Med. 2020;9(9):3047. Published 2020 Sep 22.

Eliasse Y, Galliano MF, Redoules D, Espinosa E. Effect of thermal spring water on human dendritic cell inflammatory response. J Inflamm Res. 2019;12:181-194. Published 2019 Jul 22.

Tamás B, Gabriella K, Kristóf Á, et al. The Effects of Lakitelek Thermal Water and Tap Water on Skin Microbiome, a Randomized Control Pilot Study. Life (Basel). 2023;13(3):746. Published 2023 Mar 9.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating General Cleanser

LaRoche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser

Nishad Sathe, MD

Author

Nishad Sathe is a PGY-3 Internal Medicine/Dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota