If you were wondering, we have the answer! These three types of water have things in common: they are all healthy and controlled. But they also have some differences. To finally see things more clearly, 20 minutes questioned Bénédicte Dallemagne, director of medical examination training at La Roche-Posay.
Characteristics of spring water
There is little to say about spring water. It is drinking water of underground origin which springs naturally. That said, it can also be collected by drilling. Like thermal water or mineral water, spring water is healthy. It is therefore not contaminated by pollution or microbes. Thanks to a security perimeter imposed on farmers, it is also protected from pesticides or all forms of chemicals. Reason why you can buy and drink it safely.
The difference ? Unlike thermal water or mineral water, spring water has no therapeutic properties and is very poorly mineralized, explains Bénédicte Dallemagne.
The characteristics of natural mineral water
Natural mineral water is pure drinking water. This water which comes from underground deposits is rich in minerals. This is what makes it unique and the origin of its name.
The difference ? Unlike spring water, the characteristics of this water are stable. In other words, its high content of minerals or trace elements, for example, will not change over time.
The characteristics of thermal water
Thermal water is a natural mineral water with various virtues. It can be classified into five categories: bicarbonated thermal water, chlorinated thermal water or saline water, sulfated thermal water, sulfurized thermal water and oligo-metallic thermal water.
The difference ? Thermal water has therapeutic and healing properties. Bénédicte Dallemagne says that when rainwater penetrates a rock, it retains its characteristics. Thus, there is no one thermal water better than another, above all they have different virtues depending on their location. “At La Roche-Posay, we use our thermal water for the skin because it is rich in micro-organisms or selenium among others. It’s ideal for nourishing the microbiome or calming inflammation,” says the medical trainer.
The therapeutic benefits of this water are recognized by the Academy of Medicine and thermal treatments can be reimbursed by Social Security.