I’ve long suspected that the Europeans know some thing about skincare that they’re just not sharing with us folks across the pond. One of their secrets- just recently come to America- is thermal water.

Thermal water, as it sounds, comes from natural hot springs in Europe. These waters naturally carry minerals like selenium and sulfur; and they are free of chlorine and other chemicals.

The European thermal springs have a long-lived reputation for health and healing benefits. You may have heard of the English city of Bath, which was famous for its therapeutic springs. People would travel from all over to “take the waters” for better physical, emotional, and mental health.

Similarly, in the Roman times, thermal water was prized for its various benefits.

But just because thermal water might be good for your skin, is it a skin do or a skin don’t? Professional opinion says that certain minerals can be good for your skin, serving to reduce redness and inflammation. Some of these minerals may even help in treatments of skin problems like eczema. However, at the same time, for some people, the minerals in thermal water may irritate or inflame the skin.

Your best bet? Start with a mineral water spray and work up to using mineral water lotions and creams from there. Mineral water sprays stay on your skin, and can combat skin allergies, skin irritation, and can even soothe sunburn. Sometimes, doctors even use them to calm the skin after cosmetic surgery procedures like chemical peels or micodermabrasion.

Thermal water lotions and creams may be very useful for people who live in arid climates and/or who have sensitive skin. They can be refrigerated for extra soothing and cooling benefits. Don’t spend money on thermal water bath soaks or body cleansers, as these usually rinse off the skin too quickly to provide lasting skin benefits.

Some of the best well known thermal water mineral sprays are Vichy, Evian, and La Roche Posay. Vichy Thermal Spa Water Spray is reasonably inexpensive (about $12 per bottle), and has more than 14 minerals, including calcium, silica, and sulfur. Other brands have different benefits, including the addition of skin boosting water soluble vitamins.