Search

Background Methods Results Conclusions Sensitive skin is a highly prevalent problem. The objective of the study was to assess whether the tested products are effective and safe in terms of improving the symptoms of sensitive skin.A clinical randomized split‐face study was carried out on 24 healthy female subjects. Three cosmetic combinations were tested versus vehicle: product A (Solía Thermal Spring Water–TSW–from Cantabria, Spain + diatom algae–P. tricornutum–extract), product B (Solía TSW + diatom algae extract + Annona cherimola Fruit Extract) and product C (Solía TSW + diatom algae extract + Annona cherimola Fruit Extract + niacinamide). Prior to each application of the study Product (A, B, or C)/vehicle, 10% of aqueous solution of capsaicin to induce skin irritation was applied, mimicking the symptoms of sensitive skin. Stinging and burning sensations were evaluated at different time points.All three tested products A, B, and C showed to act better in calming the symptoms induced by capsaicin when compared to the vehicle.The tested products would be an interesting option for treating stinging and burning sensations in sensitive skin patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Chaves thermal spring water, due to its potential anti-inflammatory and antipollution properties, has the potential to be incorporated into a cosmetic formulation. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This work aims to find a well-tolerated and effective therapeutic regimen option as an anti-aging treatment in subjects with sensitive skin for which skincare routines can be challenging when trying to achieve high tolerance and efficacy. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Florence Thirion,1,* Susie Guilly,1,* Sébastien Fromentin,1 Florian Plaza Oñate,1 Anne-Sophie Alvarez,1 Emmanuelle Le Chatelier,1 Nicolas Pons,1 Florence Levenez,1 Benoît Quinquis,1 Stanislav Ehrlich,1 Joel Doré,1,2 Richard Martin,3 Sophie Seité4 1University Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MGP, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France; 2University Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France; 3Mercurialis Biotech, Rochecorbon, France; 4La Roche-Posay Dermatological Laboratories, Levallois-Perret, France*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Sophie Seit&#x00E9La Roche-Posay Dermatological Laboratories, 62 quai Charles Pasqua, Levallois-Perret, 92300, France, Tel +33 1 49 64 33 40, Email sophie.seite@loreal.comIntroduction: Balneotherapy (BT) is the treatment of disease through the use of thermal spring water (TSW). It has been used for centuries and remains a popular form of treatment for dermatologic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD). Recent findings highlighted the role of the gut microbiota in AD and the possible crosstalk between gut and skin microbiomes in this pathology. Nevertheless, changes in the composition of the gut microbiota after balneotherapy remain to be elucidated.Methods: A total of 96 patients, with moderate to severe AD according to the SCORAD, were enrolled. Stool samples were collected prior and post a 3-week balneotherapy at the thermal care center of La Roche-Posay (France). Composition of the gut microbiota was assessed by shotgun metagenomic sequencing.Results: Species associated with high gut microbiota richness tended to correlate negatively with disease severity (SCORAD) and positively with SCORAD reduction, while species associated with low richness displayed the opposite pattern. Relative abundance of 23 species was significantly altered during BT, these changes being significantly associated with SCORAD reduction during BT, suggesting that gut microbiota composition and AD progression were associated through the treatment. Microbial functions related to gut-brain axis such as GABA and tryptophan metabolism were also altered by the treatment. Long-standing AD patients exhibited a better gut microbial profile than recently diagnosed patients, with higher MSP richness and species associated with SCORAD reduction.Conclusion: In patients with AD, clinical disease parameters such as SCORAD or disease duration are intricately linked to the gut microbiota composition. SCORAD reduction occurring during BT was also associated with gut microbiota. The gut-brain-skin axis via neurotransmitter such as GABA should be further studied in diseases such as AD.Keywords: atopic dermatitis, balneotherapy, gut microbiota, shotgun metagenomics, thermal spring water

Presently, thermal spring water, as a rich source of mineral colloids (MCs) and other elements, has been used for treating various diseases. However, its therapeutic effects on different types of cancer including breast cancer (BC) have not been reported so far. In this study, we analyzed the characterization of nanoparticles presented in MCs of thermal spring water in Rabor County, Kerman Province, Iran. We conducted the present study using X-ray fluorescence spectra, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray powder diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy methods. We compared the oxidative evaluation of MCs with the control group using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test. Also, the anti-cancer influences of MCs against BC cell lines (MCF-7) were assessed and compared with the human fibroblast cells (hFCs) using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. Finally, we investigated the impact of MCs on the liver and kidney tissues of normal rats. Results of this study confirmed the presence of various oxides, including SiO2, Al2O3, and CaO, as well as elements, such as Sr, V, and Cr, in MCs. Moreover, our results showed that with an increase in the concentration of used MCs, the cell survival of cancer cell lines significantly decreased compared to hFCs. Also, no histologic change was observed in normal tissues exposed to MCs; however, MCs that existed in thermal spring water showed a considerable anti-cancer effect against BC cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Thermal spring waters (TSW) are commonly used as active ingredients in cosmetics. Their biological activities directly depend on the ionic composition of the spring. However, in order to exhibit beneficial properties, the minerals need to reach viable skin layers. The present study addresses the incorporation of marketed TSW in model cosmetic formulations and the impact of the formulation on skin absorption of magnesium and calcium ions that are known to improve skin barrier function. Methods: Marketed TSW was introduced into five formulations. Liposomes were prepared using saturated or unsaturated phospholipids mixed with cholesterol by the thin layer evaporation technique. Emulsions water‐in‐oil (W/O), oil‐in‐water (O/W) or double: water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W/O/W) were prepared by high‐shear mixing. Skin absorption of Mg2+ and Ca2+ from those formulations was studied in vitro using static Franz diffusion cells under infinite dose condition and under occlusion of the apparatus. Results: Mg2+ and Ca2+ penetrate skin samples from TSW. Encapsulating TSW into double emulsion (TSW/O/W) increased skin absorption of both cations of interest and kept the Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio equal to that of TSW in each skin layer. The dermal absorption of Mg2+ from the double emulsion departs from both single emulsions. Application of liposome suspension improved the skin absorption of Ca2+ while keeping constant that of Mg2+, leading to unbalanced Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio inside skin. Conclusion: The beneficial effects of TSW are not only due to their action on the skin surface. Their active components, especially Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations, reach viable skin layers in a formulation‐dependent manner. The distribution of ions inside skin depends on the type of formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sophie Seité,1 Hana Zelenkova,2 Richard Martin3 1La Roche-Posay Dermatological Laboratories, Asnières, France; 2DOST, Private Clinic of Dermatovenereology, Svidnik, Slovakia; 3L’Oréal Research and Innovation, Tours, France Background: We speculated that an emollient supplemented with a biomass of nonpathogenic bacteria such as Vitreoscilla filiformis (Vf), grown in a medium containing thermal spring water (LRP-TSW); (LRP-Vitreoscilla filiformis biomass [LRP-VFB]), could have a beneficial effect for patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Patients and methods: This double-blind, randomized, comparative study was conducted with 60 patients with moderate AD. Before starting the study, participants were pretreated for 15 days with drug therapy to improve their SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) by at least 25%. On Day 1, the eligible patients were randomized to either the emollient containing LRP-VFB associated with mannose (Product A) or another emollient (product B) and were treated twice daily for 1 month. Recurrence of flare-ups and microbial communities were characterized from swabs taken at Day 1 and Day 28, under axenic conditions, from affected (AF) and proximal unaffected (UAF) skin areas. Results: At Day 1, the average SCORAD of each group and the microbial communities of AF and UAF areas for each participant were similar. One month after the end of the therapeutic treatment (Day 28), the average evolution of SCORAD at Day 28 compared to Day 1 of patients treated with product A was significantly lower than that of the patients treated with product B. A significantly increased level of Xanthomonas genus was noticed in the group treated with product A (versus product B). On the other hand, the level of Staphylococcus genus increased between Day 1 and Day 28 in the group treated with product B, but not in the group treated with product A. Interestingly, these differences were more pronounced for patients in relapse, and the associated SCORAD worsening was less in the group treated with product A versus the group treated with product B. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a specific emollient containing a biomass of non-pathogenic bacteria Vf grown in a medium containing TSW and associated with a selected carbon source is able to normalize skin microbiota and significantly reduce the number and severity of flare-ups compared with another emollient. Keywords: skin microbiota, atopic dermatitis, emollient, Vitreoscilla filiformis, thermal spring water, Xanthomonas genus

Abstract: Objective: To study the effects of the very high minerality Vichy Thermal Spring Water (VTSW) on human keratinocytes grown in vitro. Methods: The effect of VTSW was monitored by full genome transcriptomic technology and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results: In the presence of 50% VTSW, the expression of a number of skin homoeostasis‐related genes is increased, specifically with respect to dermal‐epidermal junction, epidermal cohesion and communication, keratinocyte proliferation–differentiation balance, antioxidant mechanisms and DNA repair. Conclusion: This work suggests that VTSW could be considered as an ingredient of potential interest to address some of the deleterious effects of skin ageing exposome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work was to evaluate four thermal spring waters from Ourense and a Sargassum muticum extract as cosmetic ingredients for the preparation of a suncream. The thermal spring waters were tested for their suitability as an aqueous phase main component, and the algal extract was added as an antioxidant instead of using synthetic preservatives in the cosmetic formula. The emulsion was tested for lipid oxidation during a period of 9 months and for consumer acceptance by performing a sensory test on controls and blanks. Further, color parameters were considered, and a pH determination was performed. The S. muticum extract protected from primary and secondary oxidation as efficiently as Fucus sp. or α-tocopherol extracts. In addition, the sensorial test revealed that consumers preferred suncreams prepared with the S. muticum extract and with thermal spring water from O Tinteiro and A Chavasqueira. The pH of the suncreams varied with the selection of the ingredients, and no oscillations in colorimetric values were visually observed. Our results indicate that the algal extract and the thermal spring waters from Ourense are potential cosmetic ingredients, since they showed effectiveness as antioxidant ingredients, and the suncreams were well accepted by consumers.

Sun protection creams were formulated with a commercial rosemary extract and with thermal waters from different springs in the Northwest Spain. A six month stability study was carried out and microbiological and chemical stability, as well as sensorial characteristics, were evaluated. In all creams, the mesophilic count always remained low (under 10 cfu/mL) and most of them showed greater antioxidant stability than the control cream formulated with distilled water. Color was stable during storage in almost all creams. Sensory analysis showed a quite similar valoration of the creams regardless the sex of the panelists, and small differences were found between consumers aged 30–40 and >40. Formulations elaborated from Outariz and A Chavasqueira thermal waters were preferred to those prepared with distilled water as a control.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of oral spray based on thermal spring water (Buccotherm®) versus commercial saliva substitute (Xeros®) and marshmallow root on the quality of life in patients with hyposalivation. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients with unstimulated salivary flow rate <0.2 ml/min were randomized into three groups. In the first group, 30 patients were using Buccotherm®; in the second group, 15 patients were using Xeros®; and in the third group, 15 patients were using marshmallow root. Therapy lasted for 2 weeks; everyday, patients used one of the products four times a day. Quality of life was measured by the Croatian version of Oral Health Impact Profile 14 questionnaire, and visual analog scale was used to determine the intensity of dry mouth before and after therapy. Statistical analysis was performed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Standardized effect size was calculated for OHIP following treatment. Results: Buccotherm® has shown the biggest effect on quality of life in patients with hyposalivation. Intensity of dry mouth was lower after the applied therapy whatever substitute patients used. Conclusions: We recommend the use of all three saliva substitutes for decreasing the intensity of dry mouth symptoms as well as improvement in the quality of life. Clinical relevance: Although all tested agents showed beneficial effect in alleviating hyposalivation symptoms, it seems that Buccotherm® was superior to Xeros® and marshmallow root. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a molecule dissolved in many thermal spring waters at variable concentration. The H2S effects of thermal waters treatments have long been studied, for dermatological and clinical treatments, but its role in recreational waters was never investigated. The use of sulfur spring waters in pools raises concerns related to disinfection by oxidants. The aim of this work is to evaluate the survival rate of microbial species in waters with different titers of H2S. Four selected thermal waters collected from Italian springs, belonging to different chemical categories, have been tested in comparison to Tyrrhenian sea water and natural mineral bottled water. Results show inhibition properties on bacterial proliferation that seem related to H2S concentrations. To further asses this phenomenon H2S was added to thermal and natural mineral waters. The results strongly support a bactericidal role of H2S in thermal spring waters used for recreational purposes. These observations open up new perspectives for a disinfectant role of H2S in pool treatment and management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The curative use of thermal spring water is well known, but further investigation of its biological properties and therapeutic benefits is necessary. This present article reports all available scientific data concerning La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water and provides a better understanding of the biological mechanism of action of this water in regard to its composition and physicochemical properties and its clinical benefits for patients. These data justify the use of this selenium-rich water as an active or "cosmeceutical" ingredient in topical formulations to increase quality of life and compliance in patients with chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poly(acrylamidoxime-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) (PAMSA) hydrogel was prepared by copolymerization of acrylonitrile and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid as monomer, N,N′-methylenebis(acrylamide) as crosslinking agent and potassium peroxodisulfate as initiator. Amidoximated copolymer network was prepared by the reaction of copolymer network with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. A batch procedure was used for the determination of the characteristics of the U(VI) solid phase extraction from the amidoximated hydrogel. The determination of U(VI) was performed by spectrophotometric method using arsenazo-III as complexing agent. Optimal pH value for the quantitative preconcentration was 3, and full desorption was achieved with 3molL−1 HClO4. The adsorption process can be well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the equilibrium adsorption isotherm was closely fitted with the Langmuir model. A preconcentration factor of 20 and the three sigma detection limit of 2.8μgL−1 (n =20) were achieved for uranium(VI) ions. The PAMSA hydrogel was used for separating and preconcentrating the uranyl ion existing in sea water samples, thermal spring water samples and the certified reference materials (TMDA 64; fortified lake water sample). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Spring thermal water from different origin and mineral composition was evaluated to prepare the culture media for Thermus thermophilus HB27. The growth and lipolytic activity was evaluated and analyzed as function of ion concentrations in the culture media. Mineral composition of the water does not affect the maximum growth of T. thermophilus HB27. Nevertheless, the lipolytic activity was strongly enhanced when Burgas and Laias spring thermal water were used. This improvement cannot be obtained formulating culture media by adding to distilled water the main ions present in Burgas water separately. Thus, Ca2+, Mg2+ neither affect growth nor enzyme production and HCO3 − inhibits maximum biomass and intracellular lipolytic activity productions but had a clear positive effect on extracellular lipolytic activity. These results suggest that a different or more complex ionic composition in the culture medium (as the present in the Burgas hot spring water) is necessary to enhance the lipolytic activity production in T. thermophilus HB27. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Thermal springs from the eastern Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt were studied • Three water types were identified: Na-Cl, Na-Ca-SO 4 -HCO 3, and Na-HCO 3. • High concentrations of B, Li, As, and F− were detected. • The presence of geothermal brine and rock-water processes control water chemistry • The geothermometry indicates reservoir temperatures between 90 and 190°C. This study was aimed at investigating the hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics of low-temperature hydrothermal springs in six study sites located in the eastern portion of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in order to evaluate the source of the thermal water, rock-water interactions, and reservoir temperature. In addition, based on this, possible similarities and differences among these thermal springs were explored. Samples of thermal waters (12 samples) and non-thermal waters (6 samples) were collected during dry and rainy seasons. Stable isotopes (18O, 2H) as well as major, minor, and trace ions were analyzed for, and saturation indices and reservoir temperatures were estimated. Thermal water temperatures ranged from 33 to 55°C and the pH was slightly acid (and slightly basic in only one case). The electrical conductivity ranged widely, from 0.2 to 27 mS/cm, although most samples had > 8 mS/cm. Using a Piper diagram, three hydrochemical facies were identified: Na-Cl, Na-Ca-SO 4 -HCO 3 , and Na-HCO 3. The notable minor and trace elements and ions were B, Li, As, and F−. δ18O and δ2H values plot very close to the meteoric water line, although samples from three of the study sites showed a possible isotope exchange between water and minerals at high temperatures. By estimating reservoir temperatures using solute geothermometers and saturation indices, it was possible to determine similarity among the values obtained (90 to 190°C). These data indicate that the hydrochemistry of the thermal waters reflects a water source that is related to geothermal brines in some cases, and with the mixing of a thermal fluid and a recently infiltrated water in other cases, as well as water-rock interactions (mostly with silicates) and carbonate precipitation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Thermal spring waters (TSW) are commonly used as active ingredients in cosmetics. Their biological activities directly depend on the ionic composition of the spring. However, in order to exhibit beneficial properties, the minerals need to reach viable skin layers. The present study addresses the incorporation of marketed TSW in model cosmetic formulations and the impact of the formulation on skin absorption of magnesium and calcium ions that are known to improve skin barrier function., Methods: Marketed TSW was introduced into five formulations. Liposomes were prepared using saturated or unsaturated phospholipids mixed with cholesterol by the thin layer evaporation technique. Emulsions water-in-oil (W/O), oil-in-water (O/W) or double: water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) were prepared by high-shear mixing. Skin absorption of Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ from those formulations was studied in vitro using static Franz diffusion cells under infinite dose condition and under occlusion of the apparatus., Results: Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ penetrate skin samples from TSW. Encapsulating TSW into double emulsion (TSW/O/W) increased skin absorption of both cations of interest and kept the Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ ratio equal to that of TSW in each skin layer. The dermal absorption of Mg 2+ from the double emulsion departs from both single emulsions. Application of liposome suspension improved the skin absorption of Ca 2+ while keeping constant that of Mg 2+ , leading to unbalanced Ca 2+ /Mg 2+ ratio inside skin., Conclusion: The beneficial effects of TSW are not only due to their action on the skin surface. Their active components, especially Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ cations, reach viable skin layers in a formulation-dependent manner. The distribution of ions inside skin depends on the type of formulation., (© 2020 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.)

Background: The treatment of different skin conditions with spa waters is a long tradition dating back to at least late Hellenism. Interestingly, independent scientific examinations studying the effect of spa waters are scarce., Objective: In the present in vitro study, we compared the effect of culture media supplemented with (a) thermal spa waters (La Roche-Posay, Avène) and (b) two natural mineral drinking waters (Heppinger, Adelholzener) on physiological parameters in HaCaT keratinocytes., Methods: The different medium preparations were investigated with regard to cell proliferation and cell damage. Moreover, the impact on inflammation parameters with and without ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation was examined., Results: Two popular thermal spring waters were found to suppress cell proliferation and cell damage. Moreover, these waters reversed the induction of interleukin-6, as measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and promoter transactivation, and the formation of reactive oxygen species after UVB stimulation. Of note, the two natural mineral waters, which are distributed as drinking waters, had some effect on the above-mentioned parameters but to a lesser extent., Conclusion: In summary, our results show that spa waters, and particularly those derived from thermal springs, reduce parameters associated with inflammation. It seems likely that trace elements such as selenium and zinc are critical for the observed effects.