The Moisturizing and Soothing Effects of Makbanseok Hot Spring Water on the Skin

In this study, 22 female subjects in their 30s to 50s were tested for the effects of using cosmetics containing minerals such as sulfate and chloride ions from the hot spring water of Maekbanseok on moisturizing the outer skin and improving the immediate soothing of skin damaged by external stimuli. When changes before and after use were measured, significant changes in both immediate moisturizing and immediate soothing were observed. First, in the experimental group measuring skin hydration in the cheek area, the score significantly increased from 21.95±5.30 to 54.86±4.59 after one use (p<0.001). The skin improvement rate before use of the experimental product increased by 149.93%, demonstrating its effectiveness in immediately moisturizing the outer skin (p<0.05). The experimental group with damaged skin induced by external stimulation showed a score of 25.19±3.19, which significantly decreased to 17.65±2.49 after one use (p<0.001). The test results after physical stimulation showed a change in skin soothing, increasing from 13.87% to 42.72% (p<0.001). A statistically significant difference was found in the immediate improvement of skin damaged by external stimuli (p<0.05). The cosmetics used in this study were found to suppress TEWL and provide immediate soothing and improvement in areas of skin barrier damage. This suggests that the mineral components of hot spring water effectively improve the skin barrier by increasing hydration in irritated skin and protecting skin cells.