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Since ancient times, thermal spring water has been proven to be beneficial to the skin and to improving dermatologic disorders, explaining its incorporation into cosmetic formulations as an active ingredient. Chaves thermal spring water, from northern Portugal, has been used as a local spa since Roman times, and its customers are satisfied with its medicinal quality. Despite the lack of published evidence on its specific effects on the skin, this study evaluates the potential of using Chaves thermal water as a cosmetic ingredient. The physiochemical composition demonstrated that Chaves thermal spring water is low-mineralized water, and its major components are sodium, potassium, silicon, and calcium. In vitro experiments demonstrated that this low mineralization might explain the absence of antioxidant and antiaging potential, and the maintenance of collagen and fibronectin levels. The quantification of the IL-6 levels showed that Chaves thermal spring water could be used as an anti-inflammatory product, suggesting its use by individuals with skin diseases. In agreement with this result, in vivo experiments revealed that Chaves thermal spring water improved the integrity of the skin barrier and preserved the skin microbial community. Overall, the present work suggests that Chaves thermal spring water might be used as a cosmetic product.

Sensitive skin has a great impact on the quality of life of subjects. In this research, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerance of a cosmetic treatment for facial skincare, consisting of a cleanser, serum and cream. A clinical-instrumental study was carried out on 30 healthy female participants with sensitive and reactive skin and slight-to-moderate wrinkles using a new cosmetic regimen based on a new technology. Skin moisturization, skin barrier function, erythema, elasticity and firmness, and wrinkle depth (skin profilometry) were evaluated at basal time (T0), and after 14, 28 and 42 days of treatment (T14, T28 and T42). All the evaluated variables showed significant improvement at T42 when compared to T0. Moisturization, erythema, firmness, and elasticity had significant improvement at T14 and the other attributes after T28 (transepidermal water loss, wrinkle depth). A high level of tolerance and satisfaction reported by subjects were achieved. This treatment regimen combining the cleanser, the daily cream, and the nightly serum, showed a statistically significant improvement in all of the parameters evaluated, demonstrating its effectiveness as an anti-aging regimen while improving the sensitive skin condition. This regimen was well tolerated by all the participants.

The role of thermal spring waters (TSWs) in the treatment of dermatological disease has been described by several authors, as have their benefits in treating certain skin conditions, among which atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and sensitive skin can be cited. It has been postulated that the mechanisms involved include chemical, thermal, mechanical, and immunological effects, and the chemical composition of thermal water is crucial in its skin effects. Thus, in this review, the effects of the different anions, cations, trace elements, and other compounds present in TSW were investigated, showing that the benefits of TSW can be mainly linked to its content of chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate anions; calcium, sodium, and magnesium cations; and, among its trace elements, boron, selenium, strontium, manganese, and zinc, which are those with greater influence. Other compounds such as SiO2, sulfur anions, and CO2 can also exert specific effects. As a whole, the specific effects can be summarized as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing improvement, skin hydration, and skin barrier recovery activities.