# Potential Possibilities of Using Peat, Humic Substances, and Sulfurous Waters in Cosmetology
###### Abstract  
Baineology is one of the oldest fields of medicine related to the use of natural raw materials (medicinal waters, medicinal gases, peloids, climatic values) in the treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of many diseases but also increasingly in cosmetology. Currently, balneotherapy (spa therapy) combines tradition and modernity. The interest in spa treatments, the popularity of a healthy lifestyle, as well as the constant search for active substances of a natural origin for cosmetics make peloids, medicinal, and mineral waters very popular in the cosmetics industry. The main aim of this review was to present current, scientifically proven knowledge about the potential use of peat, huic substances, and sulfurous water in cosmetology. The work describes the potential possibilities of using medicinal waters, especially sulfurous waters, as well as peats and humic compounds, which are the source of active substances with biological activity e.g., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, and possess a positive effect on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or acne. The therapeutic effects of these substances have been well documented in the literature; however, the validity of their use in cosmetology requires further confirmation. p 2024 14 6912 14 6912 [color=black!10,color=black!The tradition of using hydrotherapy and peloidotherapy dates back to ancient times and Greek, Roman, and Egyptian civilizations [2; 6; 7]. Hydotherapy (also known as water cure) is a stimulus treatment using the external therapeutic effects of water in the form of baths, showers, pours, and other treatments. Hydrotherapy uses the thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects of water to increase the general resistance of the body, reduce stress, or treat a number of conditions (e.g., the musculoskeletal system, circulatory system, heart system diseases, injuries, etc.). Hydotherapy procedures are mainly used in spas and physiotherapy facilities. Local and general water treatments are also an excellent preparation for massage and other cosmetological procedures [6; 8]. Peloid (from Greek pelos--mud) is defined as \"a mature mud or mud suspension or dispersion with curative or cosmetic properties, consisting of a complex mixture of fine grained materials of geological and/or biological origin, mineral or sea water, and organic compounds commonly arising from some biological metabolic activity\" [9; 10]. In Poland, peat, called \"black gold\", is very popular as a balneological raw material due to the large resources of the raw material and the long tradition of use in spa treatment. In 1968, the International Peatland Society (IPS) was founded in Quebec (Canada). IPS is an organization of individual, corporate, and institutional members dedicated to the responsible management and wise use of peatlands and peat. It is currently based in Finland and brings together individual, corporate, student, institutional, and NGO members from 38 countries. The main goal of this association is to promote peatlands and peat, collecting, exchanging, and transmitting knowledge and experiences through events and projects addressing key issues, including climate change, biodiversity, the need for responsible use, and restoration. The IPS regularly organizes conferences, symposia, and workshops and publishes the results of scientific and industrial research [9]. Another element of balneotherapy involves the use of natural gases, ranging from usual gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide, to gases like nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide. CO\({}_{2}\) balneotherapy is a non-invasive, highly effective, and inexpensive treatment whose effects are related to its effect on the release of free radicals and the reduction in oxidative stress.