Monfortinho Thermal Water-Based Creams: Effects on Skin Hydration, Psoriasis, and Eczema in Adults

Abstract

The use of mineral water for therapeutic purposes has varied from century to century and from country to country. Its effectiveness depends on the individual experiences of the population and their cultural traditions. Usually, the waters recommended for dermatological treatment are hot springs that contain sulfur or more recently, silicon. The mechanisms by which mineral waters actuate in dermatological disorders are still not clear but it is believed that they involve thermal, mechanical, chemical, immunologic, and anti-oxidant reactions and enzymatic activity. The aim of this study is to characterize the thermal waters of Monfortinho, one of the oldest Portuguese spas, their potential use for the preparation of dermatological formulations (creams), and their effectiveness on the treatment of skin disorders (psoriasis and eczema). To accomplish this, cream formulations with different contents of thermal water were developed. The formulations were characterized in terms of thermal water analysis and physicochemical properties and their effects were studied by skin biometrics in adults (mean age of 54.3 years old) through skin hydration evaluation and evaluated in clinical studies on 22 patients with psoriasis and eczema. The results showed that all the formulations improved the skin hydration and have beneficial effects in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis and other disorders, but no significant differences were observed when thermal water was used (compared to laboratory ultra-pure water).

Wearable Sweat Loss Measuring Devices: From the Role of Sweat Loss to Advanced Mechanisms and Designs

“…Cosmetic manufacturers and researchers often use measurements of insensible sweat loss to support the claimed efficacy of their topical products, including product mildness and UV protection. [ 49 , 50 , 80 ] Measurements of insensible sweat loss can also be used to assess the cosmetic benefits of oral supplementation in specific ingredients. [ 79 , 81 ] In the dermatological field, elevated insensible sweat loss has been observed due to various skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis [ 21 ] and psoriasis [ 82 ] , which can be used in dermatological diagnostics.…”

Potential Benefits of a Cosmetic Ingredient Combining Thermal Spring Water and Diatom Algae Extract

“…La Solia TSW is rich in SiO 2 , which in its amorphous form, as found in thermal spring waters, has been shown to be anti-irritant and to repair the epidermal barrier [37]. In fact, emulsions made with water of very low mineralization but with a certain SiO 2 content (16 mg/L), such as Monfortinho, have been shown to be effective in hydration in cases of psoriasis and eczema [51]. Thus, putative anti-irritant properties can be expected in La Solia TSW.…”

“…With regards to this, the first analysis addressing Aquammunist smoothing effect on skin discomfort induced by capsaicin have already brought positive results (manuscript under submission). Moreover, keeping in mind the SiO 2 levels of LS-TSW, which have been described to have positive effects on hydration [51] and the lipidic composition of PtOE; the protection and improvement of skin barrier function would be another variable of interest to be investigated in the future. In any case, to translate the specific findings on the ingredient properties, the next steps forwards should also consider clinical trials including Aquammunist in complete cosmetic formulations.…”

Thermal Spring Waters as an Active Ingredient in Cosmetic Formulations

“…Monfortinho thermal spring water (MTSW) has low mineral content; sodium and silica represent more than 50% of total mineralization [44,45] (Table 8).…”