In the hot season, the popularity of facial sprays is growing rapidly – they instantly refresh and give comfort for a while even under the scorching sun. But to slightly cool and restore freshness to us is not their only task. We tell you what else these tools can do and what they are.
Cosmetic water enclosed in a spray bottle has many names: mist, spray, veil, mist, thermal water, and so on – they all generally belong to the same type of product, but, as usual, there are nuances.
Strictly speaking, thermal water can only be called that which is bottled at thermal springs, which, for example, European countries are rich in. In particular, there are many of them in France, and therefore good thermal water can be found in the assortment of almost all French pharmacy brands. The Russian brand Librederm produces its “thermal water” in the UK.
The composition of water, accordingly, also varies from source to source. For example, more saturated with zinc or sulfur water is suitable for people with problematic or oily skin, but for those with sensitive or dry skin, it is unlikely that they should look for an option with a more “gentle” composition that will soothe and moisturize. By the way, most brands produce thermal water aimed specifically at this effect, and are labeled as suitable for all skin types – among them Vichy, Uriage, La Roche-Posay and many others.
Sprays based on sea water have a similar effect – such, for example, can be found in the arsenal of the Thalgo brand. Another type of face spray is fruit or flower water. For example, the Caudalie spray, beloved by many, is 100% grape water – all products of this brand from Bordeaux are made on its basis.
This water is rich in antioxidants, it gently tones the skin, soothes it, relieves the feeling of tightness and increases the level of moisture. Many hydrolates, by-products of the production of essential oils from fragrant flowers and plants, which are obtained by steam distillation, have the same properties.
On the plane, you should not spray your face with thermal or flower water – moisture from the surface of the skin will evaporate with a vengeance
Pink, jasmine, linden, lavender and other variants of floral water are often used in creams, serums, but they are also produced as an independent remedy. And unlike essential oils, you can use it without fear of irritation. It “works” much softer and is suitable for frequent use.
Finally, more “complex” products can be produced in the form of a spray. Active ingredients are introduced into their composition that solve certain problems: they can moisturize, protect from the sun and adverse environmental factors, refresh and tone, charge with vitamins and other useful microelements, relieve irritation, give the skin radiance, and also fix makeup or serve base under it.
Such sprays are especially gaining popularity in recent years, as they allow you to increase the effectiveness of your usual care and are easy to use – for example, on a trip, when you don’t want to touch your face at all.
Despite their simplicity, facial sprays can rightly be considered one of the most versatile beauty products. They can additionally moisturize the face before applying serum and cream, including sunscreen, apply them over a clay mask to prevent it from drying out too quickly and tighten the skin, relieve makeup from excessive haze or excess powder, and even slightly “refresh” the styling during day.
There are, however, undesirable use cases. For example, on an airplane, you should not spray your face with thermal or flower water – moisture from the surface of the skin will evaporate with a vengeance. On flights, it’s worth stopping at special moisturizing lotions and mists. They contain ingredients that create an imperceptible film on the skin. It is she who does not allow the skin to lose moisture.
With products designed to moderate oily sheen and give the skin a haze, you should not overdo it either. If you use them too often during the day, there is a risk of overdrying the skin – in response to this, it will only produce more sebum.