Sure, the concept of spraying thermal spring water on your face seems rather silly. The container of Avène Thermal Spring Water is quite elegant and it looks like water and feels like water. But the price tag begs the question, “What is so special about this water?” What could the benefits be? Could you get the same results with putting tap or bottled water in a spray bottle and liberally spritzing it on your face? The answer is definitely not.
Thermal spring water spray is so much more than just H2O. Thermal spring water comes from natural water sources deep within our mother Earth, which are called hot springs. As water from the deep springs rises, it passes through rocks and soil along the way. Earth’s natural heating processes allow minerals and natural elements to dissolve into the water while it’s passing through the soil and rocks. So, thermal spring water is packed with trace elements, low mineral counts, and has a neutral pH. This superhero, pumped-up version of water can help soothe irritated skin naturally and gently, providing relief for eczema and so many benefits of healing and revitalizing the skin. So it’s no surprise that in this day in age of searching for “natural and organic” options to maintain good health and vitality, thermal spring water sprays are getting renewed attention in the skincare and beauty industry.
A powerful example of this magical water is Avène Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water. It has been “a naturally soothing source for sensitive skin since 1743.” It is well known as the pioneer of all therapeutic thermal spring waters and one of the most popular thermal spring water sprays. With over 150 clinical studies to back it, Avène Thermal Spring Water is proven to calm skin ailments and soothe redness that stem from eczema, psoriasis, allergic reactions, and sunburns. The foundation of Avène’s product line is a renowned thermal spring located in Avène, France. In fact, Avène owns a skin treatment center there that utilizes these thermal spring waters as the primary therapeutic modality for patients. Established in 1743, it is where “over 2,800 patients each year are referred by dermatologists worldwide to visit the Avène Dermatological Hydrotherapy Center to treat skin conditions including atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema.” This Avène thermal spring water is unique in that it has a low mineral content, contains a large variety of anions and cations, and is bacteriologically pure, resulting in remarkable medicinal and therapeutic benefits for skin.
It is hard to imagine but the Avène Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water is an unusually versatile skin treatment. Studies have shown that Avène’s Thermal Spring Water has decreased the amount of inflammation-causing bacteria on the skin, so its applicability in medical skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or diaper rash allows it to not only be clinically effective but gentle even on the most delicate and sensitive skin. In acne, it helps to decrease the severe dryness, flaking and peeling caused by various topical acne treatments. Thermal spring water is also known to decrease the production of inflammation caused by chemicals, radiation, sunburns, thermal burns, etc. On skin that is not affected by disease or inflammation, it hydrates and soothes it and potentiates the benefits of any topical skin care product. Many people who travel frequently or for long distances on a flight use it to revive their dry, tired, “airplane” skin. Additionally, the thermal spring water spray can be used to set your makeup as the final step, leaving the skin on your face dewy and hydrated. It is also a refreshing boost after exercise, shaving, or a long day’s work in the office. It also has a special role in many dermatologist’s and plastic surgeon’s offices as a post-procedure treatment to help with irritation and inflammation.
Although Avène Thermal Spring Water has been around for a few centuries and has been the leader in the industry, it is not the only kid on the block. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water is also a keen competitor and has its own whole host of clinical and healing benefits for the skin.
So next time you’re looking for a quick refresher in your beauty routine or if after a long flight, your face needs a pick-me-up, remember thermal spring water sprays may be your answer. And stay tuned next month for more cutting-edge news on water and skin.
-Senada and Dr. H
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