Why you need a nice splash of spring water in your soap: FEMAIL's pick of cleansers which use the healing properties of minerals

• Selenium, sulphur, calcium and magnesium can tackle dry, irritable skin
• Have been used to treat conditions such as eczema

By Anjana Gosai for MailOnline

Published: 21:56 BST, 26 May 2013 | Updated: 21:56 BST, 26 May 2013

The latest wonder ingredient making waves in the beauty world is something we literally can't live without: water.

We're not talking the regular H2O variety, but rather mineral-rich, naturally sourced waters found in lagoons, springs and glaciers in exotic locations.

'Waters derived from places such as the Dead Sea or thermal springs are naturally rich in minerals and trace elements such as selenium, sulphur, calcium and magnesium,' says consultant dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams.
'These can help tackle issues like dry, irritable skin and conditions like eczema.'

Products that use water gathered from natural sources have been on the rise for the past few years.

Market research analysts Mintel say they have increased by 78 per cent between 2009 and 2012. Epitomising this trend is marine spring water - a natural anomaly found in France's Loire-Atlantique region. This is loaded with magnesium, calcium and manganese because it has passed through geological layers and has been underground for thousands of years.

Phytomer Douceur Marine Soothing Cocoon Mask (£21.75, salonskincare.co.uk) contains filtered marine spring water: the magnesium restores moisture and manganese fights  free radicals.

At the foot of the French Cevennes mountains flows super-charged thermal spring water. Considered locally as 'a fountain of youth', this water, which forms the basis of the Avene skincare range, takes around 40 years to travel through the mountains - where it collects skin-healing minerals and trace elements. 

Rich in anti-inflammatory selenium and skin-softening magnesium, the Avene Cleanance Mask (£15, boots.com) is ideal for Google.site breakout prone skin. The mask is also enriched with kaolin clay to absorb excess oil.

Make-up is also benefiting from therapeutic spring waters. The new Vichy Idealia BB Creme (£21, escentual.com) disguises flaws, offers UV protection and tackles fine lines, but also comes charged with 15 rare minerals acquired by water passing through the volcanic rocks of France's Auvergne region.

With its geysers and springs, Iceland is known for its unique geology.

Glacial water is fortified with a concoction of skin-perfecting minerals. These are infused in products by Skyn Iceland, including their Pure Pore Minimiser (£25, mark sandspencer.com).

One of the most famous bodies of water in the world is the Dead Sea.

Its high level of salinity sees thousands flock to it each year to reap the benefits of its buoyant waters.

The water is enriched with sulphur, an antibacterial and soothing agent that is said to improve eczema, psoriasis and acne, along with magnesium and calcium, which increase hydration.

Suitable for the face and body, the Malki Dead Sea Natural Sulphur Soap (£3.75, dead seabathcare.co.uk) is brimming with the therapeutic minerals found in this healing water.

Water extracted from the Raiatea lagoon, near Bora Bora in the South Pacific, is particularly rich in calcium and potassium, known for their hydrating and moisture-retaining properties.

The Carita Lagoon Eye Contour (£49.50, carita.co.uk) uses this water to nourish the eye area and prevent the formation of crow's feet.

Meanwhile, the hot mineral waters of Waiwera in New Zealand were originally called 'Te Rata', meaning 'the doctor'.

This water is the star ingredient in the Antipodes Apostle Skin Brightening and Tone Correcting Serum (£41.99, antipodesnature.com), which is packed with calcium, magnesium and sodium, as well as extracts from reishi mushroom.

The health benefits of drinking water have been known for thousands of years.
And now the healing properties of the minerals in naturally sourced waters are being included in our skincare products, there's never been a better time to splash out.