Thermal Water: The Ultimate Skin Care Multitasker

It seems as though these days we’re constantly juggling ten things at once. Between deadlines at work, running errands, meeting up with our friends, or spending time with our family, the to-do list can feel overwhelming, leaving us with very little time when it comes to ourselves. But you should never let a busy life become an excuse to forget about number one—and this is where beauty routine multi-taskers come in! While a two-in-one product is great—we’re looking at you, moisturizer plus SPF—wouldn’t it be nice to get your hands on a skin care product that has even more benefits? Turns out thermal water—a favorite among French girls—boasts a number of uses that you can easily incorporate into both your skin care routine and your busy life. We detail each of the perks of thermal water—the ultimate skin care multi-tasker—below!

#1: IT’S BENEFICIAL FOR ALL SKIN TYPES

Take a look at your current skin care lineup and chances are most of your favorite products have been formulated with your unique skin type in mind. Not thermal water. This equal-opportunity ingredient can benefit each skin type—including sensitive! “Thermal water can be used safely and effectively for all ages and skin types,” says board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand (@houshmandmd). So, not only will it become your go-to way to spritz your face, you’ll also be able to share it with your loved ones.

#2: IT’S PORTABLE & PERFECT FOR USE ON-THE-GO

While most skin care products can only be used during those two times a day you dedicate to your routine, thermal water can be used throughout the day. The major benefit of thermal water is that these sprays can be stored at your desk, in your purse or gym bag, your beach bag, and—if you can get your hands on a travel-sized bottle—your carry-on, so they can be used when and where your skin needs a little extra boost of refreshment throughout the day. “Thermal water sprays are my favorite product to use when traveling,” Dr. Houshmand says. “The air on the plane is very dry, so I like to have this with me as a go-to beauty product.”

#3: IT’S SOOTHING & REFRESHING

Long day? Hard workout? Layover at the airport? It’s likely that your skin could use a little soothing pick-me-up. Thermal water sprays can help to soothe skin that’s in need of a little TLC. “In France, thermal water is often used to help reduce the irritation associated with eczema, burns, and psoriasis because it is soothing, in addition to its hydrating benefit,” Dr. Houshmand says.

#4: IT’S A GREAT TONER

After cleansing your skin can feel a little stripped of hydration, which is why applying a moisturizer is so necessary post-wash. But before you layer on your moisturizer consider giving your skin a spritz of thermal spray which can act as a toner!

#5: IT’S HYDRATING

There is no substitute for moisturizers, creams, or lotions in your skin care routine, but a thermal water spray can certainly help prime your skin with a little hydration before you moisturize. “Thermal water can help comfort dehydrated skin and lightly moisturize the skin,” Dr. Houshmand says. “Some thermal waters have been blended with essential oils or fruit essences and can be left to sit on the skin and slowly sink in. These are wonderful for adding moisture to dehydrated or overheated skin.”

#6: IT CAN ACT AS A MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY

As Dr. Houshmand mentioned, there are thermal waters that are purely formulated with water, as well as those that are formulated with additional ingredients be it botanical extracts or essential oils. If you’re using a pure thermal water with nothing else included, Dr. Houshmand recommends using it as a makeup setting spray to help lock in your final look and give it a natural-looking glow. 

#7: PROTECTS THE SKIN FROM FREE RADICALS

Turns out, the sun’s harmful UV rays aren’t the only thing to blame for premature signs of skin aging. Another factor to consider—and one that we’re subjected to every day—is pollution. Free radicals can attach to the fibers that give skin its youthful appearance, breaking them down over time. Antioxidants can help give those free radicals an alternative partner to cling on to, so using products formulated with them—underneath your broad-spectrum SPF of course—is key!

With seven great benefits, it’s definitely time to start using thermal water—the ultimate skin care multi-tasker—in your routine! Here are two of our favorites from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands:

 

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water

At the heart of each and every Vichy product is their Mineralizing Thermal Water, so you know it’s special stuff. The 100 percent pure, untouched water put regular H20 to shame, as it is infused with 15 rare minerals—think: iron, potassium, calcium, manganese—as a result of flowing through thousand-year-old rock from the French volcanoes. To learn more about the skin care benefits of Vichy’s exclusive Mineralizing Thermal Water, head over to Le Mag!

Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water, $14 MSRP

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water

La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water is formulated into most of the brand’s line of products—and for good reason. It boasts a unique combination of minerals and antioxidants, and has demonstrated remarkable soothing properties making it a fan-favorite in not just France but worldwide.

La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, $12.99 MSRP