What’s the latest trend in skin care? Serums, lotions and sprays that contain water straight from thermal springs. Like most of us, Arlene Miller likes to put her best face forward. But last year a bout of stubborn, dry skin sent her straight to the doctor’s office. "I didn't know what to do. I felt like I was flaking," said Miller. Arlene tried everything to get her skin to return to it’s regular, baby soft state. "I tried different cosmetic products, but it was too much work involved," she said. With little to no results, finally, her dermatologist recommended a daily regimen of serums, sprays and creams made with something new – thermal water from heated 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," said Hirsch.
The Evian line is also rich in bicarbonates. Arlene went for the Vichy products and says her skin is now silky smooth.
"The more you use it, the better it feels," she said. "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.
