The secret benefits of mineral waters

Spring into action
Since the Renaissance, doctors have been documenting the health benefits of thermal waters, recognizing the effect of each mineral on the skin and recommending treatments for patients suffering from serious dermatoses. An online PubMed search turns up scores of articles by French and Italian dermatologists documenting the benefits of thermal waters as a natural, therapeutic alternative in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Ingredients like selenium, abundant in the thermal waters of La Roche-Posay, boost the immune system, helping to fight off infection and suppress the skin eruptions that are associated with these inflammatory conditions. And the high concentration of mineral salts in Vichy waters can help with the regeneration of skin cells after reconstructive or plastic surgery. In serious cases like these, however, the products alone are not enough; full immersion in a non-chlorinated mineral pool is recommended.

Calm down
Multiple factors -- anything from stress to pollution -- can break down the skin's barrier function, undermining its ability to fulfill a protective role. When the skin's permeability and surface micro-circulation are compromised, redness and sensitivity set in. "The magnesium, calcium and potassium in many thermal-water products have positively charged molecules that exchange with enzymes in the skin to help reduce inflammation and sensitivity," says Berradia. Thermal spa water also reduces heat and inflammation, creating a cooling sensation in the body. "When your body becomes inflamed internally from high stress levels, it starts to show up on the skin as blotchiness, acne, hives, eczema or psoriasis," says Arangio.

Dry spell
Studies have shown that dry skin is not only short on fatty acids and nutrients, but it also has an imbalance of minerals. Copper, zinc and magnesium -- present in every skin layer and essential to skin's hydration -- are depleted in the natural process of cell renewal. Thermal-water products return these moisture-binding minerals to the skin, slowing down the natural evaporation process and helping to hold water in the deeper layers of the epidermis. The neutral pH of mineral waters helps to improve exchanges between the cells by strengthening their membranes so the skin's balance is restored.

Tone down
If you get afternoon shine, it's likely that your lifestyle, diet or stress has created an imbalance. "This is where toners and misting sprays come into play," says Arangio. "A spritz of remineralizing mist or a dab or two of mattifying toner can quickly absorb the oil. And you can do this throughout the day without having to wash off your makeup." The zinc content in sprays and toners has a seboregulating effect, while mineral salts soothe, soften and protect against bacteria. (Salt is a natural antibacterial.)

Free-radical fighters
Thermal waters reinforce our skin's natural defence system. Studies have shown that Vichy waters can significantly raise the activity of catalase, a powerful detoxifier and cutaneous enzyme in the body that defends against free radicals -- the main cause of skin aging. The waters have a protective effect, helping to defend the body from ultraviolet radiation, as well as the environmental and internal oxidizing agents responsible for free-radical formation.

Read more
The best smooth skin solutions
The latest in jet-set surgery
Alberta's best spa getaways

Read more in our Beauty channel