Thermal water comes from within the ground, while deepsea water comes, well, from the sea. Cremorlab’s thermal water, however, comes from 1,100m below sea level, and its source reportedly dates back 260 million years. This water is the base ingredient for all Cremorlab’s products, and is called T.E.N. – an acronym for Thermal water therapy, Eco energy, and Natural nourishment.
Discovered in Geumjin, Gangwon, a province west of Seoul, T.E.N. water was originally the subject of a hydrotherapy project initiated by the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy. Since then, research by the Institute of Hydrotherapy at The Catholic University of Korea has shown that it alleviates atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, allergies and pruritus (severe itching of the skin).
T.E.N. water is said to have 300 times more dissolved minerals than other thermal waters in South Korea, and 30-40 more minerals than renowned thermal waters in other parts of the world. They include pH-balancing potassium; germanium to combat free radicals and maintain skin’s moisture levels; and vanadium, which is used to lower cholesterol and blood sugar. It supposedly also has a golden ratio of 1.6 parts calcium to one part magnesium, which encourages optimal absorption of its nutrients by the skin.
The brand’s key product, Cremor Mineral Treatment Essence, has selenium, a mineral whose antioxidant properties are 2,000 times more powerful than those of vitamin E, according to the brand. $58
The Most Essential Minerals for the Skin
Dr Eileen Tan, dermatologist at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, and Dr Tay Liang Kiat, dermatologic surgeon at Dermatology and Surgery Clinic, list the best six.
Regulates sebum production, helps heal wounds, and soothes skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. “It can also treat dandruff and fungal infections of the scalp. And it protects against UV damage, which is why zinc oxide is common in sunscreen,” says Dr Tan.
In the epidermis, it keeps the skin barrier healthy by balancing its oil-water ratio. It locks in moisture and maintains skin homeostasis.
Increases collagen production and aids skin regeneration. It also helps regulate melanin production and has antiinflammatory properties.
“This reduces acne and rosacea by lowering cortisol levels and sebum production,” says Dr Tan.
Antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and mildly exfoliating, sulphur helps treat acne, rosacea and red, scaly skin. “It is an age-old treatment for some of these conditions, but its use has declined mainly because of its odour,” says Dr Tay.
An antioxidant that protects against UV radiation and free-radicals, it also soothes red, itchy skin.
