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Hot Springs for Beautiful Skin | Bicarbonate, Chloride & Sulfate Springs Explained

Published May 6, 2026·1min read

Three spring types carry official bathing indications for xeroderma (dry skin) under Japan's Ministry of the Environment guidelines, earning the informal title "beauty springs." Bicarbonate springs act as a gentle skin cleanser, chloride springs seal in moisture, and sulfate springs tighten and soothe. Any spring with metasilicic acid ≥ 50 mg/kg also qualifies as a "beauty spring" regardless of spring type.

Applicable spring types
3 types
Analysis records
18 records
Table of Contents
  1. 3 Spring Types with Dry-Skin / Skin-Beauty Indications
  2. How to maximise skin-beauty benefits

3 Spring Types with Dry-Skin / Skin-Beauty Indications

  • Bicarbonate springs (sodium bicarbonate): Bicarbonate ions emulsify protein bonds in old keratin, gently dissolving dead skin — nicknamed the "beauty bath" (美人の湯)
  • Chloride springs: Salt forms an invisible moisture-sealing film on the skin that resists evaporation after bathing
  • Sulfate springs: Calcium ions deliver an astringent tightening action and support wound healing — known as the "wound spring" (傷の湯)

How to maximise skin-beauty benefits

  1. Sequence matters: bicarbonate spring first (cleanse), then chloride spring (seal in moisture)
  2. Don't rinse off after bathing — the mineral film is the benefit
  3. Bathe in 10–15 minute sessions × 2–3 rounds rather than one long soak
  4. Avoid strongly acidic or sulphur springs if you have sensitive or dry skin — they are better suited for skin conditions than beauty care

Related Onsen Facilities

Chloride Spring
Bicarbonate Spring
Sulfate Spring
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References

Explore Spring Types for This Condition

Bicarbonate Springs: "Beauty Waters" for Smooth, Glowing Skin →Chloride Springs: Benefits, Indications & Recommended Onsen →Sulphate Springs: "The Healing Waters" for Wounds, Skin & Digestion →

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