Chaves Thermal Spring Water Impact on Skin Health: Potential Cosmetic Application

Abstract

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.