Thermal Spring Water: Do You Need It?

Many patients ask me what type of water they should use to cleanse their skin and if specialty products like thermal spring water are worth it. In some cases, using thermal spring water instead of tap water can be beneficial, while in others, it is not necessary. This guide will help you understand the best type and temperature of water to cleanse with and whether or not thermal spring water could be worth spending money on for your skin.

Thermal spring water is mineral-rich water sourced from natural springs found deep underground. As it travels through layers of rock, it absorbs various minerals and trace elements, resulting in a unique composition that can vary depending on the geographic location of the spring. Unlike regular tap water, thermal spring water is often bottled directly at the source to preserve its purity and mineral content. Additionally, thermal spring water does not contain additives such as fluoride or chlorine, which are often added to city water systems.

Thermal spring water is often confused with micellar water, another popular type of water used when cleansing the skin. As described above, thermal spring water is sourced directly from natural springs and therefore contains various minerals like selenium that can be beneficial for your skin. It, however, does not have a cleansing action, so it is used to rinse your cleanser, not in place of a cleanser.

Micellar water, on the other hand, contains mild detergent ingredients that form tiny “micelles,” each with one water-loving end and one water-repelling end. This structure allows the micelles to trap dirt and debris, which are then rinsed away along with the micelle water. Thus, for some people, micellar water can replace a cleanser or act as a double cleanser.

Thermal spring water can be particularly beneficial if you have hard water and do not have a water filter, or if you have very sensitive skin. If you don't have a water softening system or a water filter, using thermal spring water to rinse off your cleanser can help to minimize skin irritation that can be caused by hard tap water.

Thermal spring water can offer a number of benefits, including:

• Anti-inflammatory properties. Minerals like selenium and zinc have strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm red, sensitive skin and inflammatory conditions like eczema and rosacea (3).

• Antioxidant properties. Selenium also has antioxidant properties, allowing it to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage (4).

• Anti-microbial properties. Some thermal spring waters contain sulfur, which can provide antibacterial properties and help to prevent breakouts (5).
  

• Barrier repair. Minerals found in thermal spring water, such as zinc, selenium, and magnesium, can help to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. 

• Hydration. These same minerals can help the skin to retain water, thus aiding in healthy skin hydration.

While there aren’t many true side effects to using thermal spring water, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when deciding if this product is right for you:

• Cost. While not typically very expensive, thermal spring water is going to cost more than using tap water at home. 
• Some minerals can damage the skin. High concentrations of some minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, can damage the skin’s barrier and make some skin problems worse. This is why hard tap water can be problematic for people with sensitive skin. 

Several skin care brands offer a quality thermal spring water. These products from La Roche-Posay and Vichy are two of our favorites.

While you can use thermal spring water to wash your face, it is more important to use it to rinse off your cleanser. To save product, you can use regular water to wash with, and then splash the thermal spring water to rinse.

While not an absolute necessity, thermal spring water can be particularly helpful for anyone with hard water or very sensitive skin. Its soothing and hydrating properties can minimize side effects of hard water, such as redness, irritation, and dryness. However, if you have resistant skin or use a water filter or water softener, this product isn’t necessary for you.

Not sure if you are a sensitive or resistant skin type? Take the quiz to find out!

1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Algarin YA, Pulumati A, Jaalouk D, Tan J, Nouri K. The role of vitamins and nutrients in rosacea. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024 May 2;316(5):142. doi: 10.1007/s00403-024-02895-4.
4. Tinggi U. Selenium: its role as antioxidant in human health. Environ Health Prev Med. 2008 Mar;13(2):102-8. doi: 10.1007/s12199-007-0019-4.
5. Weld JT, Gunther A. THE ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF SULFUR. J Exp Med. 1947 Apr 30;85(5):531-42. doi: 10.1084/jem.85.5.531.