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You probably hear the term often, and perhaps you have even seen different brands offer this product, but really, what is micellar water? Or perhaps, the better question is: what is micellar water going to do for your skin?
Simply put, micellar water is a cleanser that is effective for removing dirt, oil, and makeup from the face. This unique cleanser is a French drugstore staple for a good reason. It is actually an incredible product that - believe it or not - can save your skin!
Sure, there are lots of other types of skincare products that are considered to be "holy grails" by different people. But micellar water is pretty gentle on the skin, and it wouldn’t hurt to try it. Here are some important pieces of information that will tell you more about what micellar water is.
First of all, micellar water is not just some sort of processed tap water. “What is micellar water made of?” you might ask. This water-like substance is loaded with micelles, which are small, cleansing molecules that are dispersed and suspended in water.
These micelles have hydrophilic (water soluble) and hydrophobic (water-insoluble) characteristics. Micelles pretty much work like magnets, in that they attract and trap the dirt and excess oils on your skin. This is why the water removes makeup, grime and cleanses your skin. Most types also remove waterproof makeup and mascara as well -- no need for extra products cluttering your cabinets!
Apart from knowing what micellar water is, it would also be good if you are aware of how it came to be. Micellar water was the brainchild of Parisians. They use this skincare product as a substitute for water (at least in terms of cleansing the skin).
During the time of the micellar water’s invention, water in Paris was really harsh on the skin, to the point that it would cause breakouts. That’s terrible, but as usual, necessity is the mother of invention, and that’s the reason why micellar water exists now. This skincare product can take off dirt, makeup, and oil, with no need to use any water. It's also more gentle than harsher products like alcohol.
What makes micellar water a great choice is that it is gentler on the skin compared to other cleansers. According to this study, micelles have a larger size and hence are not able to penetrate the skin. The study also mentioned that structures that are less likely to penetrate the skin result in cleansers that are less aggressive.
This means that gentle cleansers, like micellar water are able to maintain the skin barrier’s integrity. Harsher products like toners with alcohol can disrupt the skin barrier and over-dry sensitive skin. On irritated skin, strong cleansers can further exacerbate problems. Harsh rubbing to remove makeup and stubborn oils also disturbs skin.
If you're looking for a cleanser that is easy to use and will remove face makeup without leaving any residue, then micellar water is the skincare product for you.
It has actually become one of the staples in fashion shows and a favorite of makeup artists. This is because it is able to take off makeup without the need for rinsing. It's also perfect for traveling, your gym bag, or any other time you want to clean up quickly on the go.
Well, it must be noted that since micellar water is so gentle and hydrating, it is good for people with sensitive and dry skin. Some cleansers have harsh chemicals that can further damage and dry sensitive skin.
This is supported by at least one scientific study, which says that harsh surfactants in cleansers can cause irritation, barrier damage, dryness, tightness, and even itch. Unlike these cleansers and other products like toners, micellar water does not sting since it does not contain alcohol or drying surfactants. It won't leave your skin feeling tight or dehydrated.
For people with oily skin, micellar water can also be beneficial, and it can serve as the first part of their cleansing routine. However, if you are someone whose skin tends to get too oily, you might find that micellar water does not clean your face as well as you’d want it to.
If you want your skin to feel fresher and cleaner, you may want to supplement the micellar cleansing water with another gentle facial cleanser. The ideal routine would be to use a cleanser, then follow up with micellar water to balance ad deeply clean before using serums and creams. The benefit is that micellar water removes residues the cleanser leaves behind or misses, helping to protect skin pH balance.
Aside from makeup removal and cleansing the face, micellar water can offer you more benefits. In fact, it just might be the all-in-1 product that you are looking for!
One more important thing to know about micellar water is that it is definitely a multitasker. With this product, you probably won’t have to use a separate face wash and makeup remover anymore (unless, as we said above you have oilier skin or you want your skin to feel squeaky clean). That’s one great advantage if you tend to fall asleep with your makeup still on because you’re too tired to wash your face.
To use micellar water, you just have to put some of it on a cotton pad or ball, and then use it to wipe the makeup off your face. What’s even better is that you won’t necessarily have to slather on a different moisturizing product after, since micellar water also has the ability to moisturize the skin! Micelles are tiny lipid molecules that are suspended in soft water. And according to this study, emollients such as lipids and oils are able to hydrate the skin, as well as enhance its flexibility, smoothness, and softness.
No matter where you are or what time of the day it is, you won’t have any excuse anymore for not being able to cleanse your skin. You won’t even need a sink to be able to use micellar cleansing water!
It is an ideal product no matter if you intend to use it at home, or if you’re planning to use it on a vacation. In fact, you can also bring it with you to the gym and give your face a quick cleanse after your workout. All you need to pack is micellar cleanser and your face lotion, and you're good to go.
This is certainly an awesome benefit – who doesn’t want to look glowing, right? Here’s a tip for glowing skin: keep it hydrated! Hydration is an integral part of skincare no matter what your skin type is, and this hydration is offered by micellar water.
The results of this study show that the more hydrated the skin is, the more translucent it looks. That is synonymous with looking luminous! Overall, hydration simply makes the skin look healthier, and with healthy skin, you won’t even have to use makeup anymore.
Here is the quick answer: YES, IT DOES! But what is micellar water all about and how does it help acne? As this study explains, when dead skin cells, as well as dirt and oil build up at the pore’s opening, the sebum (produced by the skin to act as a natural moisturizer) will not be able to leave the pore. It then builds up in the sebaceous gland, which leads to the development of a whitehead or a blackhead.
When this blackhead or whitehead becomes inflamed, it turns into an annoying pimple. Because micellar water helps remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells from your face, it helps lessen the chances of your pores being clogged, which is the reason that acne forms.
As mentioned earlier, micellar water is gentle on the skin. It doesn’t cause dryness like other cleansers, and in fact, it even helps moisturize the skin. Micellar water’s moisturizing property is one more factor that makes it ideal for acne-prone skin. Most of the time, acne-prone skin is oily. Some people think that drying out the skin and stripping off every bit of oil from it can stop breakouts. But the truth is that it actually does the opposite!
According to this study, washing the face too often can dry the skin out, which can irritate it even more. And dryness or skin irritation can produce inflammation. That is why physicians recommend that acne patients use moisturizers. By switching to micellar water for at least part of your daily cleansing, you may be able to lessen irritation.
If you want to be able to find the best micellar water for you, you first need to consider your skin type. While micellar water seems like a pretty simple skincare product, it actually has several different formulations. Some hydrate and soothe, some mattify, while there are also those that aim to purify the skin.
As with all skin care products, if you prefer to go natural be careful to steer clear of sulfates and parabens.
If you have normal skin that doesn’t get too oily, and if it also doesn’t react badly to most skincare ingredients, then you can pick pretty much any type of micellar water that you like.
However, you have to make sure that you choose a formula that will maintain your skin’s balance. That means that you have to pick one that will easily cleanse your face and remove your makeup, as well as keep it hydrated and nourished.
Meanwhile, if your skin is dry, you have to avoid something that will dry out your complexion even more. But really, there’s no need to worry about that when it comes to any micellar water because a micellar water product should already be free from astringents and alcohol (double-check just to be sure).
It will be best though, to still choose a formulation that moisturizes and soothes the skin. A formula with glycerin and ingredients that hydrate offer an advantage. That will help maintain your skin’s texture and ensure that any dryness will be addressed.
If your skin is always shiny – whether on your nose and chin, forehead, or all over your face, you should look for micellar water to help regulate excess oil. Of course, the first thing that you should look for is the micellar water’s ability to cleanse impurities. But you should also look for its ability to remove extra oil and mattify your skin while leaving it smooth and soft.
Micellar water is generally gentle to the skin and hence will help you if you have skin that is prone to acne or other imperfections. However, for the best results, it is recommended that you look for one that offers other skin care benefits, such as treatment of problem skin.
Look for a formula that can decrease excess oil, since excess oil can lead to breakouts and pimples. Also, choose one that can help prevent and combat imperfections while effectively drawing out the dirt from your skin. Soothing ingredients like cucumber and aloe would also be beneficial.
If your skin is quite picky when it comes to skin care ingredients, and if it is reactive, you will have to find micellar water that is gentle and fragrance-free. Aside from that, you should also make sure that it can easily remove dirt and oil, without you having to wipe or rub excessively. This is so that the chances of irritation will be minimized.
It’s not enough that you know what micellar water is. If you want to get the most out of this wonderful skincare product, you’ll also have to know how to incorporate it into your skincare routine. Aside from removing makeup, there are other ways you can use micellar water:
Wondering what micellar water is supposed to do in your morning routine when your skin’s not really dirty? Well, you ought to know that your skin may appear clean when you wake up, but oil has still built up on your face overnight.
Cleansing with micellar water can remove this oil build-up. Moreover, if you are always in a hurry and you don’t have the luxury of time to spend on a morning skincare regimen, micellar water can definitely help you out. Simply put some of it on a cotton pad and wipe the pad across your face. Quick and easy!
If you want to give your face a deep cleanse, you can first use micellar water on your skin and then wash with a rinse-off cleanser after. This is especially helpful if you have oily skin and to remove traces of eye makeup.
Micellar water is good not only for your skin but for your makeup brushes as well. Micellar water is formulated to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, and it only makes sense that it’s able to clean your brushes in a pinch, too.
What’s great about using micellar water as a makeup brush cleaner is that you won’t have to worry about getting allergic reactions. If you use brush cleaners and soaps, and if you are not able to rinse your makeup brushes properly, the soap residue may irritate your skin. You can avoid that by using micellar water to quickly clean your brushes in between deep cleansing sessions.
Whether you want to stop using harsh cleansers and switch to a gentler alternative, or you simply want to add another cleansing step to your skincare routine, micellar water is the way to go. Go ahead and try it out if you haven’t yet.
