No matter how sophisticated your skincare regimen may be, there’s one simple product that should be a part of it: Thermal spring water. Rich in antioxidants and minerals, these hydrating mists come in handy morning, noon and night (and all points in between). You can find them at a variety of price points and my favorites include those by La Roche-Posay, Avene and Vichy. If you prefer something a little more fancy, you can scoop up Evian in a can, or Caudalie’s version (although it’s grape water, not thermal spring water, it’s worth the splurge). The most obvious use is as a toner after cleansing (which can also offset the side effects that hard water can have on your skin) but that’s just the beginning. Once you have your thermal spring water, there are countless ways to use it. Here are the first 5 that come to mind…
Skin refresher
I have a can in the bathroom closest to my office so I can
mist my face throughout the day. The spray is so fine that a few squirts
revives your makeup rather than making it run down your face (just be careful
not to overdo it). I also keep a can in the fridge during the summer for a
quick cool-down when I come in from outside. And if I’m going to my son’s
baseball or football game, I throw a travel-sized can in my bag to help beat
the heat.
Skin soothing
There’s absolutely nothing in these mists that can irritate
your skin, which is why they’re great for soothing compromised skin. Perfect
for after a laser treatment or peel, these sprays alleviate redness and burning
(stow one in the refrigerator before your head to the office), and also come in
handy in the event of a sunburn.
Set your makeup
It may sound counterintuitive, but a light misting when your
makeup is complete can help it stay in place. You can also spray a bit on a
makeup sponge and pat it over your face to ensure even coverage.
Finish your DIY facial
After cleansing, exfoliating, treating and moisturizing your
skin, seal the deal (so to speak) with a spritz of thermal spring water. It
really helps end your self-pampering on a high note.
Between your shower and skincare
Everyone’s
post-shower routine is different, but it often takes me about 5-10 minutes to
get out of the shower and into my skincare routine (that’s when I self-tan or
moisturize my body and get the hair-styling process going). Sometimes my face feels
tight before I can get to the moisturizer, and a light misting holds me over.