Azores thermal water project to develop dermatological products

A 1.3 million euro project has been launched to transform the thermal water from the Caldeiras in Ribeira Grande, Azores, into dermatological products. Supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), the initiative aims to provide scientific validation for the empirical use of sulfurous thermal water in treating skin conditions.

The project is being developed by the thermal spa concessionaire, Verde Similar Termas, in partnership with the Azores Institute of Technological Innovation (INOVA) and the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Porto. The research is divided into two main areas: a deep characterization of the thermal water and a clinical study involving children, youth, and adults. The study focuses on conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, edema, and atopic dermatitis.

Following the scientific validation, researchers intend to develop products using the thermal water and volcanic resources, including volcanic mud. The project began on June 30 and is scheduled to continue until June 2028.