Thermal water is not just a mineral water that, due to someone's whim, ended up on the shelf next to the creams. The difference lies literally deep underground. The springs from which it is extracted have a high temperature, and the water itself carries a completely different density of dissolved substances. If a bottle of table water from the supermarket contains half a dozen names of salts, then in thermal water their list is much longer, informs Ukr.Media.
That's why we drink one and save the other for our face.
Here we must immediately stop the flight of imagination of marketers: this water does not penetrate anywhere deep, especially not into the dermis. Our skin is a tough protective barrier, its evolutionary task is precisely to keep nothing inside.
All trace elements of thermal water work out their value exclusively on the surface, in the epidermis.
Water is different.
There are isotonic waters—very calm, predictable liquids where the mineral levels (around 0.9%) match those of our blood plasma or tears. They don't irritate anyone, making them ideal for soothing damaged or reactive skin.
There are hypertonic ones. These are more aggressive. They have more minerals than the skin itself. If the skin is dense, prone to oiliness, or if you managed to get sunburned under the sudden sun, this is what effectively removes puffiness.
And there are hypotonic waters. They are low-mineralized. They contain very few salts and that is why they are great for hypersensitive, allergic skin, because they almost do not enter into osmotic reactions. It is needed for dry, dehydrated and hypersensitive skin. And it is also a way to neutralize hard tap water after washing, which tightens the face.
The effect always depends on which element predominates. Zinc and sulfur are ruthless to oiliness and inflammation. Calcium works as a chemical sedative, restoring the barrier and relieving irritation. Silicon dioxide particles work like microsponges: they physically absorb excess sebum and scatter light. The face becomes matte.
At the same time, the saddest illusion of modernity is the belief that thermal water moisturizes.
Water alone, without lipid support, cannot cure dryness. And here we come to the most ambitious beauty diversion: the habit of generously spritzing yourself with a spray bottle on an airplane or in a dry office. If you spray water in an air-conditioned room and let it dry, the process of transepidermal moisture loss will begin. The droplets will evaporate from the surface, ruthlessly drawing moisture from the skin.
It makes sense to spray water on a clean face, but after a minute, these drops must be blotted with a napkin (for hypotonic and hypertonic waters). Or immediately “cover” with a cream that will create a film and prevent moisture from escaping. If the water is isotonic, manufacturers and dermatologists note that it can be left to dry on the skin, since it does not disrupt the osmotic balance of cells and does not cause severe dehydration upon evaporation.
As for trying to refresh your makeup with thermal water, it's more like psychotherapy. Modern foundations are based on silicones, oils, and waxes. Mineral ions are unable to penetrate this lipid shell. Spraying powder on top of your foundation can only remove the visual effect of chalk on your face, making your complexion more vibrant, but the skin underneath won't benefit at all.
The same applies to attempts to find a compromise in the form of floral waters. They also exist in spray format, but it is impossible to make such a fragrant water based on thermal water. The process of steam distillation will simply destroy the essence: the water will turn into steam, all the valuable minerals will precipitate, and the output will be an ordinary empty liquid with a beautiful aroma.
So is this water necessary?
To answer directly, no, it is not a basic necessity. You can easily live without it, as long as you have a good basic skincare routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF. Thermal water will not replace any of these steps.
You need it if:
- You have hard water in your tap, which makes your skin “crunchy” and peel (the thermal bath will restore the pH balance).
- You use serums with hyaluronic acid — they need to be applied to a damp face, and thermal water works better here than regular water.
- You have reactive skin, rosacea, dermatitis, or you just had a peel at a beautician (the calcium and zinc in the composition will relieve heat and redness).
- You are sunburned (hypertonic water will relieve swelling).
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