Mineral Bathing is the Ultimate Hack for Dry Skin

How to utilise New Zealand’s natural geothermal assets to beat dry winter skin

Many of us know that feeling when the calendar flips to June, and the cold chill creeps in – the hydrated sun-kissed summer skin benefits are long left in warmer months, and the dry skin settles in for the winter.

This winter, in particular, is looking to be a cold one for New Zealand, and the effects of chilly weather have been long noted for the drying effect it has on the skin. The lack of humidity in the air and blustering winds can lead to dry, flaky skin, and in serious cases, even mild scales. Combine that with dry indoor air courtesy of the heat pump, and you’re looking at a bad case of the winter dries.

The warmth of a hot bath is one such way that cultures over the centuries have sought relief from winter’s cold clutches. However, plain water can be pretty dehydrating for skin and leave you reaching straight for the moisturiser to apply immediately after taking the plunge back out of the bath and into the cold.

Mineral water, on the other hand, has been long renowned for its soothing hydrating effects on the skin. Mineral water is usually high in silica, which is incredible at soothing irritated, dry skin. Bathing in acidic mineral water helps your skin by restoring the natural acidic pH balance of the skin’s protective barrier – the epidermis.

Bathing in alkaline mineral water can help to soothe irritated skin and is known for its ability to provide pain and itching relief for the skin. When you step out of an alkaline bath, there’s usually a noticeable feeling of silky smooth and hydrated skin.

Regular mineral bathing can really help combat the age-old dry winter skin issue that so many of us face. New Zealand’s geothermal bathing hotspots are world famous for a reason, so we recommend trying out alkaline and acidic mineral bathing this winter. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it.