A dermatologist warns against thermal water face mists during a heatwave
Every summer, the reflex is the same: you reach for your water spray to cool your face the moment the heat becomes unbearable. Yet this seemingly harmless habit could actually be damaging your skin rather than protecting it. Dr Patricia Lüdtke, dermatologist and aesthetic physician, is sounding the alarm about the use of thermal water face mist during heatwaves.
What your thermal water face mist is really doing to your skin
The problem isn’t the gesture itself, but how often you do it and the way you use it. When the heat is crushing, you tend to spray generously, then reach for the bottle again the moment that cool sensation fades. And it’s precisely that repetition that causes the damage.
The reason is chemical. The pH of most thermal water sprays sits between 7 and 8.5, making them more alkaline than skin, whose natural pH ranges between 4.5 and 5.5. According to Dr Lüdtke, using them too frequently can disrupt the hydrolipidic film and weaken the acid mantle that protects the skin. In other words, the skin barrier gradually breaks down when repeatedly exposed to a product whose pH doesn’t match its own.
As a result, the effect you were hoping for backfires. Instead of soothing overheated skin, the spray ends up drying it out. The dermatologist also points out that misted water evaporates quickly in open air, triggering transepidermal water loss and worsening skin dehydration. Put simply: the more you spray, the more moisture your skin loses.
The mistake almost everyone makes after using a water spray
Given this, Dr Lüdtke has a clear recommendation: apply a moisturiser immediately after every misting. This creates an occlusive effect that locks moisture into the skin and prevents evaporation from doing its damage. In practice, it’s a step almost no one follows outside of their morning skincare routine.
And if the idea of swapping thermal water for tap water has crossed your mind, the dermatologist rules that out too. Spraying tap water on your face carries the same flaw: it evaporates quickly and accelerates dehydration, without delivering any beneficial actives to the skin. According to the specialist, the classic thermal water face mist and tap water share the same fundamental problem: the mere presence of water simply isn’t enough.
What ingredients to look for to replace your thermal water face mist
Dr Patricia Lüdtke’s recommended solution is to switch to a cosmetic facial mist rather than a classic thermal water spray. The distinction matters: a cosmetic mist contains hydrating actives that help retain water in the epidermis, whereas a plain spray simply wets the surface before evaporating.
To choose the right formula, the dermatologist recommends checking for certain functional ingredients in the product’s composition.
- Glycerin, which draws moisture in and holds it within the skin’s upper layers.
- Aloe vera, recognised for its soothing and hydrating properties.
- Panthenol, which helps strengthen the skin barrier.
- Sorbitol, a humectant that limits water loss.
- Ceramides, which contribute to rebuilding the skin’s protective film.
- Squalane, which nourishes and protects without weighing the skin down.
These ingredients actively compensate for the water loss triggered by misting, something a traditional thermal water face mist cannot do on its own. The beauty journalist behind this article also mentions Curél’s Intensive Moisture facial mist as a product she tested during the worst days of the June heatwave, with satisfying results for her skin’s hydration.
How to use your skincare mist safely this summer
Dr Lüdtke isn’t asking you to give up refreshing sprays altogether, but to take a more considered approach. First, a thermal water face mist shouldn’t be used purely as a cooling tool, since its formula isn’t designed for that purpose. Second, if you do continue using one, always follow it immediately with a moisturiser to limit evaporation.
Beyond that, reaching for a cosmetic mist enriched with hydrating actives remains the best alternative for enjoying a cooling effect without compromising your skin’s condition. During a heatwave, your skin is already under serious strain, there’s no need to make things worse with a poorly executed habit. A thermal water spray used sparingly, followed by an occlusive treatment, is far more beneficial than repeated misting with no protection.
