Our skin is an extraordinary organ: it protects us from the outside world, regulates our body temperature and often reflects how we feel inside. But to function properly, it needs to maintain a delicate chemical balance.
And in maintaining that balance, pH plays a key role. It is essential for the skin to retain its natural ability to protect, hydrate and defend itself against external factors.
To keep our skin’s pH balance in good condition, it is important to pay attention to the things it comes into contact with every day, such as creams, toiletries and even water.
In this regard, thermal water – rich in minerals and with a suitable pH level – can be a great ally for skin health.
In this article, we explain what the pH of thermal water is, how it affects skin health, and why the mineral-medicinal waters of Balneario de Fitero are particularly beneficial for skin care.
What is pH and how does it affect skin health?
The pH is a scale that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It ranges from 0 to 14, and depending on the value, a substance is considered:
- Acidic pH when below 7
- Neutral pH when equal to 7
- Alkaline pH when above 7
This is a very important point when it comes to skin health, because the skin also has its own acid-base balance.
If this balance is disrupted by overly harsh products, pollution or water with an unsuitable pH level, problems such as dryness, irritation or imbalances in the skin’s microbiome may arise.
If you’ve ever heard about the many benefits of thermal water for the skin, these are largely due to its pH.
The skin’s pH and the acid mantle: our first line of defence
The surface of our skin is covered by a thin protective film known as the acid mantle.
This invisible layer serves several key functions:
- It maintains the skin’s natural moisture.
- It protects us against bacteria and microorganisms.
- It prevents excessive water loss.
- It defends the skin against external aggressions.
The skin’s pH level is usually between 5 and 6.5, which means it is slightly acidic. This small detail is key to ensuring that the skin’s protective acid mantle functions as it should.
When the skin comes into contact with substances that are too alkaline, this barrier can be weakened. Conversely, when the pH is compatible with that of the skin, the skin’s balance remains intact.
This explains why many of the mineral-medicinal waters used in balneotherapy have significant therapeutic value, as their pH is usually similar to that of our skin.
The scientific secret behind Fitero: thermal water with a pH of 6.3
At Balneario de Fitero, the thermal water has a very interesting characteristic from a dermatological point of view: its pH, measured at the spring’s outlet, is 6.3. This means that it is slightly acidic, very close to the skin’s natural pH.
This affinity ensures that contact with the thermal water preserves the skin’s acid mantle and helps to maintain its natural balance.
The benefits of acidic mineral-medicinal waters for skin care
The fact that our thermal water has a pH level similar to that of the skin offers numerous dermatological benefits:
- Helps maintain the skin’s pH balance.
- Promotes skin hydration and elasticity.
- Reduces irritation in sensitive skin.
- Helps maintain the skin’s natural microbiome.
Furthermore, the minerals it contains can have a soothing and restorative effect that improves the overall appearance of your skin.
Natural protection against bacteria and external factors
Without a doubt, one of the most interesting benefits of the slightly acidic pH of thermal water is its role in protecting the skin.
When the acid mantle remains in good condition:
- Excessive bacterial growth is curbed.
- The risk of skin infections is reduced.
- The skin retains its natural defences.
That is why regular contact with thermal water can be an excellent way to keep our skin strong, protected and healthy.
Therapeutic applications
Thermal water therefore has numerous therapeutic applications in dermatology. It can help improve skin conditions such as:
- Sensitive or reactive skin
- Dry skin
- Mild dermatitis
- Skin irritation or imbalance
That’s why, at our Balneario in Navarre, we offer a range of dermatological treatments that can help improve your skin health. We recommend you take a look!
Hydrotherapy treatments in Navarre: much more than just relaxation
Almost everyone associates a spa with relaxation – and that’s certainly true – but the fact is that hydrotherapy offers benefits that go far beyond that.
At Balneario de Fitero, we combine the properties of water with a range of therapeutic techniques designed to promote your overall wellbeing.
The programme take care of your skin range brings together our best treatments in a variety of sets to restore your skin’s balance, improve its hydration and restore its radiance.
We also have our own range of cosmetics: Fluye, made with thermal water from Fitero and comprising facial and body care products, moisturisers and treatments for heavy legs, amongst others. We highly recommend giving this wide range a try if you like to pamper your skin. Do take a look in our online shop!
If you’d like to discover the benefits of the pH levels in our spa’s thermal water, don’t hesitate. We look forward to seeing you! Book your stay in Fitero.
Frequently asked questions about the pH of thermal water
What is the ideal pH level for skincare treatments?
Ideally, the pH should be between 5 and 6.5, as this is the skin’s natural pH range. This balance helps to maintain the skin’s acid mantle and protect the skin barrier.
What happens if the spa water is very alkaline?
Water that is too alkaline can disrupt the skin’s acid mantle, weakening its natural barrier and leading to dryness or irritation.
How does thermal water help prevent infections?
When water has a pH level similar to that of the skin, it helps maintain the balance of the skin’s acid mantle, which inhibits bacterial growth and strengthens the skin’s natural defences.
