Written by Celeste Simard
Thermal waters are a real staple in France, and they are one of the essentials we French carry with us all year round, also in Montreal and French speaking parts of Canada. Water sprays are made from natural spring or thermal water sourced from specific geological formations across France, and for me they are at the heart of French pharmacy culture.
Thermal waters are very different from plain drinking waters – they are rich in minerals and trace elements, and each one varies in composition and are believed to offer unique therapeutic properties and benefits for the skin. A thermal water like Vichy, where the waters flow on a long slow journey from the feet of the Auvergne volcanic range, contains very different minerals (fifteen in total) than, say, La Roche-Posay, whose neutral pH spring water contains only three trace minerals (but it is scientifically proven to be soothing and contain antioxidant properties).
As a skincare product, thermal waters are most commonly used tosoothe, provide relief from irritation and inflammation, and enhance overall skin health. They can be sprayed directly onto the face as part of your daily skincare routine or used throughout the day to refresh and revitalise the skin. Many of the major French skincare brands, including La Roche-Posay, Avène, Uriage, Vichy and Jonzac, offer their own versions to choose from. Feel free to buy any European bottled mineral water for own custom made spritz face spray, check Marketa’s tips wellness goodies
8 ways to use thermal waters
1 To rinse skin after cleansing – especially in hard-water
areas, where tap water can cause irritation or dryness
2 To use as a mist between applications of other
products – this gives balms, gels or oils a moment to
settle between consecutive layers
3 To set your makeup
4 Anything baby-related – from a spritz during labour to
nappy rash
5 To cool down on a hot day, keep thermal water in the
fridge for extra refreshment
6 As a post-shave soother
7 To temporarily relieve eczema flare-ups
8 To soothe skin after radiotherapy or laser treatment:
place tissue paper over your face, leaving holes for
your eyes and mouth. Spritz thermal water onto the
tissue, leaving it to work for ten minutes
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