Nestled in the picturesque mountain regions of France lies one of skincare’s most treasured secrets: French Thermal Spring Water. Renowned for its unique blend of nourishing minerals and revitalizing properties, this extraordinary water has become synonymous with beauty and wellness.
But what makes this water so special, and why have top skincare brands and beauty addicts embraced it so passionately?
Let’s investigate the captivating world of French Thermal Spring Water, exploring its origin, the science behind its fame, and how you can incorporate this natural wonder into your skincare routine. We’ll uncover the soothing magic of France’s thermal springs, a beauty elixir that has transcended centuries and continues to redefine modern skincare.
What is Thermal Spring Water?
Thermal spring water is a naturally occurring mineral water that is derived from deep underground sources, where it’s heated by geothermal activity. In France, this water is renowned for its unique mineral composition, including elements like magnesium, calcium, and selenium. The thermal springs in France are found in regions like the French Alps, the Vosges Mountains, and the Pyrenées. The water’s unique composition is widely believed to have numerous skin and health benefits, even curing certain skin conditions.
French Thermal Spring Water Benefits
The benefits of French Thermal Spring Water are vast, ranging from skin hydration to the healing of various skin conditions. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce redness and irritation, making it suitable for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The antioxidants in the water provide protection against free radicals, slowing down the aging process. Its hydrating effects are also well-documented, making it a great ingredient for daily skin hydration.
In 1871, the thermal spring water from Avène, France was even transported to the USA to treat Great Chicago Fire burn victims!
What does thermal spring water do to your skin?
French thermal spring water is known to have soothing, hydrating, and healing properties for the skin. Its high mineral content is beneficial in calming skin irritations, reducing redness, and hydrating dry skin. The natural antioxidants in the water also protect the skin from environmental damage. Many skincare products incorporate French thermal spring water to harness these properties, making them ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.
Does thermal spring water really work?
Yes, thermal spring water does really work, and its effects are backed by scientific studies and dermatological practices. Researchers have found that the unique mineral content in thermal spring water, particularly those from French sources, can actively soothe, nourish, and protect the skin. It is widely used in both therapeutic spa treatments and daily skincare routines. Its efficacy can vary based on personal skin needs, but its positive effects on skin health are widely acknowledged.
Where to Find Thermal Spring Water in France
Thermal spring water in France is primarily sourced from specific regions known for their thermal springs. Many of these towns have thermal spas and wellness centers where visitors can directly experience the benefits of thermal spring water. These centers often offer skincare treatments including baths, facials, and other therapeutic services that utilize the local thermal spring water. The towns themselves are sometimes considered health tourism destinations due to the healing properties of their thermal springs.
Avène, France
The town of Avène, located in the Orb Valley in southern France at the foot of the Cévennes mountains, is the source of skincare brand Avène’s thermal spring water. Avène is famous for its natural thermal spring water which is noticeably softer than other French spring waters due to its lower mineral content. It has less of a dry residual on the skin.
The Avène Thermal Hydrotherapy Center is a spa center where people can receive hydrotherapy treatments with the local spring water. It receives over 3,000 patients each year. There are outdoor pools filled with thermal water that guests can swim in. Water is sourced from the Sainte-Odile Spring, flowing at 70,000 liters per hour through the Haute-Landuedoc Regional Park.
La Roche-Posay, France
La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water is sourced from the town of La Roche-Posay in the Vienne department, situated in western France.
La Roche-Posay is known for its thermal spring water that contains selenium. The centerpiece is the Centre Thermal, a spa where people can book hydrotherapy treatments using the mineral-rich water from the springs. There is also an aqua-aerobics pool and fitness center that incorporates the thermal water.
The thermal baths have drawn visitors since the 14th century seeking the water’s benefits. Visitors can sample the water at public fountains around town. La Roche-Posay also has a thermal water testing laboratory to analyze its composition.
The town embraces the thermal water as its identity, with numerous spa hotels and shops selling beauty products made from the water.
Vichy, France
Vichy’s thermal spa water comes from the springs in the Auvergne volcanic region, supercharged with 15 essential minerals. Vichy is renowned for its natural mineral springs and spa tradition dating back to Roman times.
Vichy’s spa expertise can be experienced inside a historic 19th-century spa facility, the Hall des Sources. The majestic Thermal Spa Hall is home to multiple indoor thermal pools for relaxation and water exercises.
You can experience balneotherapy by booking hydrotherapy treatments at Vichy Celestins Thermal Spa, which utilizes the town’s six thermal springs.
Outside, people enjoy strolling the Parc des Sources to see springs like the Lucas Spring and sampling the mineral water at free public “bubblers”. You can also indulge in the famous Vichy Celestins Spa Water by dining at restaurants serving Vichy water menus or buying bottled water from the source.
Uriage-les-Bains, France
The water for Uriage products is sourced from the Uriage-les-Bains thermal center, located at the foothills of the French Alps. Uriage-les-Bains is a spa town renowned since the 1700s for its natural thermal springs containing sulfates, chloride, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonate.
You can soak in the mineral-rich waters at the Grand Hôtel thermal spa which offers both indoor and outdoor pools. Thermal water treatments utilizing Uriage’s springs can also be booked at the Uriage Thermal Center baths.
The town and its springs provide a scenic, rejuvenating spa experience with fresh, alpine air.
French Thermal Spring Water Products
Several popular skincare brands have harnessed the benefits of French thermal spring water in their products. The brands Avène and La Roche-Posay in particular have a stronghold on the thermal spring water market in France.
Skincare Treatments
One of the most well-known brands that use thermal spring water is Avène, offering products like their XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream, which is a lifeline for people suffering from eczema and atopic dermatitis. It contains Avène thermal spring water as a primary ingredient.
La Roche-Posay is another brand that incorporates thermal spring water into almost all of its products, including its Toleriane range, designed for sensitive skin. Its best-selling Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, a face cream for sensitive skin, contains the company’s prebiotic thermal water as the first ingredient listed.
Vichy also uses thermal spa water sourced from the French volcanoes in their Aqualia Thermal line, which focuses on providing 48-hour hydration. Vichy volcanic water is the key ingredient in the brand’s cult classic Minéral 89 serum.
Uriage is yet another brand that uses thermal water from the French Alps in their skincare products such as the Bariéderm Repairing Cica-Cream, an everyday SOS cream for calming irritated skin.
Face Mists
Several popular French face mists with thermal spring water as the key ingredient sell out regularly in France.
- Vichy: Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Spring Water, which utilizes thermal spring water to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin.
- La Roche-Posay: Thermal Spring Water Face Spray, known for its antioxidant properties and suitable for all skin types.
- Avène: Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray, featuring thermal spring water for added hydration.
- Uriage: URIAGE Thermal Water Spray, enriched with spring water from the Alps springs in France and packaged directly at the source for refreshing hydration.
