Balneotherapy refers to the treatment of disease through immersion in thermal mineral waters, mud, or natural springs. It’s almost as old as time, and was a key healing tool of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.
For centuries, especially before modern Western medicine, those with chronic diseases traveled to thermal springs and baths, where there were often resort-like healing centers built nearby to cater to them. If you were well-off and feeling under the weather, you could spend a few days, weeks, or even months “taking the waters” at reputable mineral spring spa towns.
Many people around the world still make pilgrimages to natural thermal mineral springs reputed to have healing powers.
Balneotherapy for Skin Conditions
Balneotherapy can offer real symptom relief for those suffering from chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, TSW and acne.
One mineral present in many natural springs is sulfur. This can help those with acne, as sulfur promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, thereby preventing blocked pores. Sulfur also fights acne-causing bacteria.
In addition to sulfur, mineral waters often contain magnesium, which improves skin moisture levels, supports cellular repair, and neutralizes free radicals in the skin that contribute to skin-aging.
Mineral springs may also contain silica, which supports skin’s connective structure, collagen, and barrier function. Additionally, you’ll find deeply hydrating potassium, which also provides anti-inflammatory action.
Multiple research studies show real results delivered by balneotherapy for eczema relief— decreasing itchiness, redness, and inflammation, while improving skin hydration. This is important, because the prescribed treatment for so many eczema patients is topical steroid creams. Unfortunately, the steroid creams can lose their effectiveness over time, and worse, could trigger topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Adding balneotherapy to an arsenal of natural treatments that work in reducing eczema symptoms with no side effects is a true boon.
Research also shows that in cases of psoriasis, balneotherapy significantly lowered the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels for study participants.
In cases of TSW, balneotherapy can successfully improve the skin’s natural barrier function, creating favorable conditions to restore the skin’s natural microbiome. Additionally, balneotherapy can reduce itching, flaking, inflammation, and prevent infection through anti-microbial action.
Ancient Healing Springs Still Abound
For those who like to travel, it can be fun to plan a trip around visiting one or more historic healing baths. There are several around the world, with guidebooks available online and at your local library. You can visit the onsen bathsanctuaries in Japan, or ancient bathhouses in the historic capitols of Europe, or even plan a road trip to the western United States to soak under the stars. Some are free, some are accessible for a small fee, and others are part of luxury
Some mineral spring spas recommend extended courses of balneotherapy, including daily bathing or drinking mineral water over a period of weeks or months. Others may offer broader wellness programs that include nutrition, lifestyle, or complementary health consultations. While many people enjoy and benefit from these experiences, some do not. Either way, the costs can add up quickly — particularly for international visitors who are required to pay more for long-term stays. As with any health-related investment, it’s wise to research options carefully, ask questions about expected outcomes, and choose an approach that fits comfortably within your personal and financial circumstances.
Natural Mineral Water Skin Care Products
If traveling to a natural mineral spring is impractical for you, there are now skin care products that bring the benefits of famous mineral-rich waters to your corner drugstore in an array of products that you can use to refresh and soothe your skin.
Of course, you can also turn your bathtub into a mineral-rich soak with Dead Sea salts, Epsom salts, and specialized mineral infused bath products designed to mimic a natural thermal spring.
Remember, even though it may just be mineral water, like any new skin product, test these on a small patch of skin first to see if your skin can tolerate the minerals and other ingredients without sensitivity.
Conclusion
Sometimes the most effective healing methods are those based in nature. It’s uplifting that scientific research now backs the results people have claimed for years about the healing properties of various thermal baths and springs around the world. Thermal mineral springs and warm baths infused with beneficial minerals for your skin, deliver healing two ways: in addition to soothing your skin, the relaxation and warmth can also soothe your mind, body, and spirit.
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About the Author
Olivia Hsu Friedman, LAc, Dipl.OM, DACM, Cert. TCMDerm, is the owner of Amethyst Holistic Skin Solutions and treats Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, and TSW. Dr. Olivia treats patients via video conferencing using only herbal medicine. Dr. Olivia is the past chair of the board of directors of the American Society of Acupuncturists, serves on the Advisory Board of LearnSkin, and is a faculty member of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Group sponsored by the National Eczema Association.