The Effect of Geothermal Water on Skin Condition and Body Fat

Balneotherapy for therapeutic purposes has been used since ancient times, and was based on empirical experience carried forward from generation to generation. There is scientific evidence about the positive effects of the thermal water on the skin and on body weight, but studies with the mineral water from a borehole are missing.

Objective: To investigate the effect of high mineralization geothermal water on the skin and body fat.

Methods: The study included 50 women who received geothermal water baths for 15-20 min (34°C, 27,6 g/l mineralization and a pH of 7,24). The participants’ subjective and objective skin state and body fat were assessed after the procedure, as well as 1 and 4 months after the procedure. The statistical software package SPSS 20 was used for the analysis.

Results: There were reductions in the overall number of skin complaints (p=0,001), usage of skincare products (p=0,001), limb volume (p<0,05), skin ridge thickness (p<0,001), and BMI (p=0,015); whereas there was an increase in the moisture content of the skin (p=0,047) after a 15-minute balneotherapy treatment. After 1 month following the treatment, there remained a reduction in the skin ridge (p<0,05), limb volume (p<0,05), itching, networks of veins, cellulite (p=0,046), and usage of skincare products (p=0,001). After 4 months following the treatment, there remained fewer skin complaints (p=0.01), itching and cellulitis (p=0,046); and furthermore, a positive impact on the volume of the limbs was observed (p<0,05), and the skin ridge was significantly lower than before the treatment (p<0,01). After 20 minutes of balneotherapy treatment, there were fewer skin complaints (p=0,003), a decreased BMI (p<0,001) and a lower body fat percentage (p=0,017); as well as greater skin moisture (p<0,05) and skin elasticity (p=0,016).

Conclusions: High mineralization geothermal baths of a duration of 15-20 minutes will improve the skin condition and reduce the amount of fat in the body; the effect lasts up to 4 months after the treatment. As a result, geothermal water treatments should be integrated into the treatment programs for skin diseases and should take a significant place among beauty procedures.