Using Thermal Water is not just a great way to give yourself freshness on a hot day. This the most important part skin care programs. Vichy thermal water of high mineralization makes the skin stronger and strengthens it natural beauty. We will tell you in detail about the mineralizing procedure that is practiced at the Vichy Institute.
#1: Apply thermal water generously
Use Vichy High Mineral Thermal Water in the morning before starting your skin care routine and apply it in the evening after removing makeup to well cleansed skin. Apply generously, don't skimp.
Start from the right jaw, moving towards the left eyebrow.
- Spray your forehead from left to right.
-Then go down to the left jaw.
#2: Gently remove excess
Remove excess water from your face with a napkin using light dabbing movements. After this action, your skin will still remain moist. You can then use your regular day or night skin care products. Their active ingredients in combination with thermal water minerals will act even more effectively, protecting against negative factors.
water application 2#3: Get a facial massage
Since your skin care routine should include time for pampering moments, the experts at the Vichy Institute recommend a soothing massage, which is ideal for sensitive skin. They call it "skin to skin" and practice it with very cold hands. Put your hands on a short time into cold water, then wipe them and perform stroking movements on the forehead and cheeks.
It all started 2000 years ago in the heart of the Auvergne volcanoes.
Water worshiped during the times of the Celts and Gallo-Romans
A unique source of water: pure, healing, saturated with 15 minerals. Water that is as mineralized today as it was thousands of years ago. The water that comes out of the depths of the French soil.
The Celts created a ritual in her honor. The Gallo-Romans recognized its healing powers, and their ladies used the thermal water to soften the skin and remove red spots. They dedicated the precious spring to the goddess of beauty. Decades have passed, but this water, naturally saturated with minerals, has not lost its strength.
Marquise de Sevigne: first female ambassador of Vichy Thermal Water
In the seventeenth century, the city of Vichy became a key healing center. Representatives of the aristocracy flocked there regularly, thus giving the spring social and medical significance. The Marquise de Sevigne, when she was tired of receptions in the salons at the court of the Sun King, also went to Vichy. There she was treated for rheumatism. We even examined her notes, in which she described the virtues spring water: “Instead of burning and roughening your skin, this water leaves it soft and smooth.” Beautyta was ahead of her time and left historical trace.
When Vichy became the first thermal spa in Europe
In 1861, a decree signed by Napoleon III, who suffered from rheumatism, Vichy sources were declared in the public domain. At that time, Vichy-les-Bains became the first medical resort in Europe and received about 20,000 tourists a year.
Vichy Mineralizing Water: the history of a French natural resource_2Vichy and the emergence of dermatocosmetics for the skin
In 1931, Dr. Allaire (a French doctor from the city of Vichy) discovered the incredible power of Vichy water for healing wounds. Inspired by this extraordinary effectiveness, he began exploring the benefits of water and its minerals for the skin, creating the Vichy brand. Iron, calcium, magnesium... Even a few of the 15 different minerals confirm regenerative, soothing and restorative properties Vichy thermal water. In 1996, Vichy introduced its thermal water for the first time in a spray bottle, allowing consumers to use it outside the city of Vichy.
Since then, Vichy Thermal Water has become a true ally of the skin, refreshing it during periods of extreme heat, as well as natural product beauty product for the whole family. Today it is the basis of all Vichy ranges of products for stronger and more beautiful skin.
One light press on the cap, and your skin is enveloped in a gentle mist of tiny drops, and in a moment it is already glowing with youth and beauty. No wonder that business women, fashion models and actresses never part with a bottle of thermal water. Let's figure out where thermal water comes from, how its different types differ from each other, and why its properties are so remarkable.
Thermal springs are usually those in which the water temperature is warmer than the surrounding air temperature. Cosmetics created on the basis of thermal water allow you to solve a large number of dermatological problems. They have a healing, pronounced anti-inflammatory and cleansing effect, and also fight dehydration and emerging signs of aging.
Thermal water erupted from the depths of the earth can be very different depending on the source: from slightly salty hydrocarbonate or fresh to oily hydrogen sulfide and nitrogen-methane. The properties of each source are influenced by a combination of its unique mineral composition and temperature. In the production of cosmetics, the thermal waters of the world-famous French thermal resorts have rightfully taken a leading position.
Thermal water Uriage
One of the most famous thermal resorts in France, Uriage, is located in the small town of Uriage-les-Bains at the foot of the French Alps, not far from Grenoble. Its waters travel many kilometers through a variety of crystalline rocks, before breaking free in a deep grotto, protected from external pollution. Thanks to this, thermal waters remain clean from bacteria and are saturated with the richest composition of vital important to a person minerals.
The first health resort based on thermal water was organized in Uriage-les-Bains at the beginning of the 19th century, after the publication of a scientific treatise by the doctor Jules Wulfranck-Gerdy about the unique composition of the thermal water of this source and its unique therapeutic effects on the skin. Today, on the basis of the thermal water source, Uriage is born medical cosmetics with the same name, produced by the Biorga laboratory.
Composition of Uriage thermal water
This is the only thermal water with isotonic properties (in fact, it is a physiological solution, similar in composition to the composition of human blood), which is used in dermatology. Uriage thermal water has a neutral pH level.
Properties of thermal water Uriage
Soothes, moisturizes, protects the skin from the adverse effects of sun and wind; stress and negative environmental factors, gives it radiance, and also increases local (local) immunity.
Application of Uriage thermal water
Thermal water is suitable for inflamed, irritated and sensitive skin of children (even newborns) and adults. After irrigating the skin, there is no need to blot excess thermal water with a napkin - it will have the most beneficial effect if you let it absorb into the skin on its own.
Vichy thermal water (VICHY)
Not far from Paris in the heart of France lies the resort town of Vichy. This true haven of tranquility, surrounded by green gardens and parks, is nestled on the banks of the Allier River. The thermal waters of Vichy are saturated with carbon dioxide, sodium bicarbonate and 17 more mineral salts and 13 trace elements. All this rich stuff comes to the surface through volcanic rocks in 15 thermal springs in the Auvergne hills, famous for their blue cheeses.
Since ancient times medicinal properties this thermal water - here the warriors of Ancient Rome treated their wounds and restored their strength.
Since the 16th century, this was the residence of the King of France, Henry IV, who was convinced from his own experience of the healing effects of thermal water. After that long time Treatment with this miraculous water was the privilege of members of the royal family. The decoration of the parks, the architecture of the buildings and the magnificent landscapes still remind us of the times of the reign of the emperors.
In 1931, L`Oreal first released a line of medicinal cosmetics based on Vichy thermal water.
Composition of Vichy thermal water (VICHY)
Vichy - sodium bicarbonate thermal water. There are up to 5.1 g of minerals per 1 liter. Since the concentration of salts in water is above 1 g/l, it belongs to the class of waters with high mineralization.
Properties of Vichy thermal water (VICHY)
Promotes the process of skin cell renewal, soothes, enhances its protective properties. Water is known for its ability to improve metabolic processes at the level of cellular metabolism and, as a result, effectively remove various toxins and waste from the skin.
Applications of Vichy thermal water (VICHY)
Used for youthful skin problems, dehydrated sensitive skin. It is recommended to blot off excess water with a napkin half a minute after spraying onto cleansed skin.
Thermal water of La Roche-Posay
The small town of La Roche-Posay is located in a wonderful, quiet location not far from two world-famous attractions in France - the castle of Laura and the vineyards of Bordeaux. Among the pine forests and sand dunes, which annually attract a large number of tourists with their clean air and mild climate, there is the healing thermal spring of La Roche-Posay and the balneological center created on its basis.
From the thermal water of this source, since 1989, the La Roche-Posay company has been producing its medicinal cosmetical tools, which are very popular not only in France, but throughout the world.
Composition of La Roche-Posay thermal water
No other thermal water can compare with the water from the La Roche-Posay spring in terms of selenium concentration. Selenium is a natural antioxidant - it protects the body's cells from the process of lipid peroxidation, which is responsible for aging.
Properties of La Roche-Posay thermal water
Thanks to the selenium contained in La Roche-Posay thermal water, which neutralizes free radicals, the skin is protected from the first signs of aging. State mature skin with its use it improves significantly.
In addition, La Roche-Posay thermal water has a calming, anti-inflammatory, decongestant effect; protects against such irritants external factors, How increased dryness air, ultraviolet radiation, sudden temperature changes, unfavorable ecology.
Use of La Roche-Posay thermal water
If you or your children have skin prone to allergic reactions or just very sensitive, then this thermal water is for you. Thanks to its properties, the skin is cleansed. With its help you can easily refresh your face or fix your makeup.
Thermal water Avene
In the medieval village of Aven in the south of France, in the picturesque valley of the Orbe River at the foot of the Cevennes, there is the thermal spring of Sainte-Odile. It has been widely known since 1736, when the owner of these lands, the Marquis de Rocozel, discovered that water from the spring accelerates the healing of skin ulcers. In 1874, the Baths of Aven won the main prize at the World Exhibition in Paris and were recognized as a national treasure of France. And 100 years later, in 1975, the Pierre Fabre pharmaceutical group founded a scientific center to study the properties of Aven water and developed a series of cosmetics based on it.
Composition of Avene thermal water
Avene thermal water is slightly mineralized, rich in silicon and has a neutral pH level.
Properties of Avene thermal water
Rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin. Has a softening, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect. Reduces skin sensitivity to external influences.
Application of Avene thermal water
The Avene laboratory specializes in creating therapeutic creams for dry and very dry skin. Thermal water, which is the main active component of the brand's products, provides gentle cleansing and care for sensitive and irritated skin.
Thermal water of Cauterets
The pearl of the Western Pyrenees National Park, separating France and Spain, is the Cauterets thermal spring. The healing properties of its water have been known since ancient times. It is also mentioned in the notes of the famous 17th century French surgeon Ambroise Pare, who noted the ability of this water to cleanse and heal the skin.
On its basis, since the 70s of the 20th century, the Cotre cosmetic line has been produced by the Galenic laboratory, part of the Pierre Fabre pharmaceutical group.
Composition of Cauterets thermal water
The thermal water of Cauteret is rich in sulfur, silicon, silver and magnesium.
Properties of Cauterets thermal water
Regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Eliminates greasy shine and tightens pores.
Uses of Cauterets thermal water
What else you need to know about thermal water:
Water from thermal springs is poured into bottles in a completely sterile environment. Therefore her healing properties are stored in a sealed container for several years.
Cosmetics based on thermal water are cosmeceuticals and can only be purchased at a pharmacy.
In addition to the thermal water itself, cosmetology uses an extract of thermal plankton, an active element of a source located in the south of France. This component is patented by the Biotherm brand.
Refreshing and toning facial sprays may contain other active ingredients: natural essential oils, extracts of medicinal plants, as well as vitamins and minerals.
France is not only Paris, the Cote d'Azur and Courchevel. These are also charming small towns with their slow pace of life and old bourgeois spa hotels.
For the first time in years of traveling to France, my destination was not Paris, but the French province of Auvergne, a pristine paradise of wild nature, active volcanoes and bustling rivers. It is there that the town of Vichy is located - a world-famous balneo-resort, where you can combine pleasant things - excursions and walking, with useful things - massages, wraps and detox.
What is balneo
The word “balneo” means treatment with mineral waters and mud. In the town of Vichy there are thermal springs from which healing water is taken for the production of the famous Vichy cosmetics.
All kinds of therapeutic and cosmetic procedures. Hotels and sanatoriums have been built around the springs, each of which offers its own program based on thermal waters.
I'm at a spa hotel
Of all the hotels, I chose the Sofitel Vichy Les Celestins. I arrived there tired, late in the evening, and at first I even doubted my choice, but when I woke up in the morning, I realized that I was not mistaken.
I opened the window of my room and felt real grace: before me was a view of a sun-drenched park and a lake, where gray ducks were swearing about something in their own bird language. A local old lady, in a beret and heels, despite early time, was walking a lap dog in the park.
I went down to breakfast dressed in my ordinary clothes and was surprised to find that all the foreign vacationers were drinking their morning coffee and reading newspapers in their bathrobes.
It turned out that immediately after breakfast, foreign tourists flocked to balneo treatments, but I had to go change clothes, because they are only allowed into the atrium (a spa under a glass dome) in bathrobes.
Procedures!
I spent the whole day in the hotel's SPA center. There are treatments here for every taste, including a weight loss program with a separate dietary menu and, of course, massage: Thai, Californian, shiatsu, volcanic stone massage and lymphatic drainage.
On the first day, I wanted to be torn apart and at the same time get into all the procedures: try a sauna with aromatic oils, a tonic shower, and a special bath that promotes weight loss.
From the entire list, I ended up choosing facial care. After a half-hour modeling massage, my reflection in the mirror looked clearly fresher.
To end the evening, I tried a local specialty - Vichy carrots - at a gastronomic restaurant called N3, which is located right in the hotel. Probably nowhere else in the world will you be offered seven courses, each of which, including dessert, is based on carrots.
Definitely try it
You can choose any treatment, but I would definitely recommend taking the famous Vichy shower, where you lie under warm streams of water and enjoy a synchronized four-hand massage.
And, of course, drink at least a liter of local mineral water a day. In general, I’m not a fan of drinking water, but this one turned out to be so tasty that it was impossible to tear myself away from it.
And if you try all the herbal tea that is offered in the bar immediately after visiting the hammam or jacuzzi, you can feel like a real mermaid.
Life in slow motion
Literally the next day, after splashing around in the thermal waters and trying the most interesting procedures, I went to explore the city. And I found there a complete absence of cars, silence, peace and smiling passers-by.
In Vichy, almost all the attractions are located in the center, and the architecture is very interesting - here you can find medieval Gothic buildings and Art Deco houses. The highlight of the city is the passages that connect the quarter where the springs are located with the busy streets of the commercial center. Winding through the alleys, you can explore the city and buy something in local shops.
Here they are - thermal springs
In the city center it is worth taking a walk through the thermal springs park, which looks like a long gazebo. The springs are valuable not only for health, but may also be of interest to architecture lovers.
Almost all of them are covered and located inside specially constructed buildings: some in oriental style, others like Roman baths, and some like music stalls.
It is for these springs that tired tourists from all over the world come to Vichy, thirsting for healing and detox. Today Vichy is the largest balneological resort in France, and I was lucky enough to try its thermal waters of different composition and temperature from various sources.
Where to live
You can choose a hotel to suit every taste from 2 to 4 stars. In Vichy, it is better to stay in a hotel that has a SPA center, since a swimming pool, sauna and gym are included in the room price.
Best hotels in Vichy
- Sofitel Vichy Les Celestins: 4 stars, SPA center, restaurant, bistro, piano bar, luxurious garden;
- Novotel Thermalia Vichy, a three-star, but very good hotel with a huge wellness center and a large list of treatments.
Transport
From Paris to Vichy you can travel by train from Gare de Lyon. Travel time is 4 hours.
Its warm mineral springs were known to the Romans. The Great Hydropathic Bath is the largest mineral baths in Europe. Vichy cosmetics are known all over the world.
Vichy mineral waters belong to the category of sodium bicarbonate waters. In total, there are 15 springs in Vichy, six of which contain drinking mineral waters, the healing properties of which are highly valued by specialists around the world. The water temperature in the springs ranges from 16 to 75 degrees Celsius.
An endless view of greenery: fields, forests, lakes... The largest natural park in France invites you to relax in nature and go for a walk, bike or along the river. Feel all the charm of a holiday in Vichy and its mineral waters alone, with friends or with family.
The city was built on the initiative of Emperor Napoleon III on the shores of Lake Allier, surrounded by 140 hectares of parks and gardens, which provide opportunities for relaxation, reading, sports and observing rare species of wildlife. Do you know that two thousand trees in the Allier parks are listed as historical monuments?
In July and August, the fine sand beach "Célestins" opens: beach cabins, volleyball area, picnic tables, bar with drinks and ice cream... . This swimming area, supervised by lifeguards, has a small bathtub and a shallow pool for children. Also, throughout the season, the beach offers an entertainment program for the whole family.
Travel time: train Paris – Vichy (Vichy) about 3 hours, from the station in Vichy to the hotel – 5 minutes. by car. The price of a train ticket is about 2,801 rubles. * per person one way in second class and about 3,602 rub. * in 1st grade. Transfer Vichy station – Celestin hotel 800 rub. * (net price).
Nearest airport: Clermont-Ferrand
Resort Features: one of the world's most famous thermal resorts, rightfully bears the name “The King of French Resorts”. Developed infrastructure: opera house, casino, hippodrome, tennis courts, luxurious parks, many shops, bars and restaurants. Vichy is home to one of the oldest golf clubs. Currently, Vichy is the capital of beauty and slim figure. Over the past two years, in Vichy, through the joint efforts of nutritionists, doctors and sports trainers, Weight Loss and DETOX programs have been successfully developing.
Indications for staying at the resort
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in children and adults (peptic ulcer, chronic hepatitis, chronic colitis, biliary dyskinesia)
- Diseases of the spine and joints
- Chronic fatigue, stress.
- Breast cancer (outside treatment).
- Increasing body weight, preventing aging.
- Metabolic diseases (gout, increased blood cholesterol).
Vichy mineral waters belong to the category of sodium bicarbonate waters. The water temperature in the springs is 16° -75°.
Modern Scientific research have proven that sodium bicarbonate does not cause an increase in blood pressure in patients with hypertension. In addition, bicarbonate waters increase the water content in the skin by 7.5% and significantly reduce muscle fatigue during training by reducing the acidity of the entire body. The high lithium content in Vichy waters helps normalize sleep, regulate mood swings, and general relaxation.
Cultural season of the Vichy Opera: The stunning Art Nouveau opera hall offers a program of operas, theater performances and a variety of concerts.
Vichy -- new wave: Célestins beach and the city center offer a series of recreational activities throughout the summer (program for the whole family).
Thematic excursions in Vichy: "The Belle Epoque of Vichy", "Palaces and Hotels", "Napoleon III", "History of the Springs, 2000 Years of Thermalism", "Trees and Fragrances" (botanical or historical tour of the parks), "Vichy Art Deco", "Vichy through poetry and prose" etc.
