Micellar water is a very popular beauty product, and most of you probably have a bottle of micellar water at home and maybe even use it every day.
Micellar water is often recommended by the manufacturer as a facial cleanser that does not require rinsing. However, most experts say the opposite.
- Benefit or harm
- 3 types of micellar water (Yulia Gagarina)
- Micellar water - to rinse or not to rinse? (Tiina Orasmäe-Meder)
- Inspection of micellar water from the mass market
- Verdict - it’s better to wash off any micellar water!
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Micellar water - what is it?
Tap (hard chlorinated) water, aggressive composition of cleansers - all this damages the hydrolipid mantle of the skin during washing. Micellar water is known for its ability to remove makeup without skin contact with water. Gentle cleansing of the skin occurs thanks to micellar molecules that literally attract any skin impurities: decorative cosmetics, sebum, dust, etc.
Important (!):
Micelles belong to the category of non-aggressive surfactants that do not violate the protective layer of the skin.
Compound
The product formula does not contain aggressive components, therefore it is hypoallergenic and suitable for almost everyone. For example, absorbent components are found in products for oily skin, oil-based micellar water will remove stubborn makeup, and to care for particularly sensitive dermis, pay attention to micellar foam - its gentle formula has a pH level lower than that of other products.
What is micellar water used for?
Every year there are more and more adherents of facial cleansing using micellar water. This is because micellar water delicately dissolves makeup and other impurities without disturbing the skin’s hydrolipid mantle and its protective functions. The product not only cleanses, but also intensively cares for the epidermis, preserving its beauty, youth and health.
Benefits of micellar water
The main advantages of micellar water - ease of use and effectiveness in cleansing - make it an indispensable tool in your daily beauty routine.
What other advantages does the product have:
- The delicate formula does not dry out the epidermis, does not irritate the sebaceous glands and is suitable even for reactive skin.
- Helps adjust makeup throughout the day using a cotton swab dipped in the product.
- Convenient to take on trips or to the gym: the product replaces several skin care products at once and takes up minimal space in your cosmetic bag.
- Modern manufacturers produce micellar formulas for different skin types and needs, supplementing them with various ingredients: moisturizing, softening, soothing, nourishing, mattifying.
Myth three: children's cosmetics are better because there is nothing superfluous in them
There are several factors that prove this is not the case. Firstly, the acid-base balance (Ph) of children's and adult skin is very different, therefore, using baby soap to care for ourselves, we constantly disrupt our natural acid-base balance and reduce the skin's protection from harmful factors.
Secondly, children do not have developed sebaceous glands, so cosmetics for the little ones contain film-forming substances that prevent dirt and germs from getting on the skin. However, for adults, this same film creates a greenhouse effect - the skin does not breathe, loses moisture, dries out... The sebaceous glands begin to work more actively, together with the action of the film, this causes an increase in the stratum corneum of dead cells, which leads to irritation, inflammation and acne.
For reference! The sebaceous glands go into intense operation as soon as something potentially dangerous happens to the body. For example, if you are nervous, have not eaten properly, or there is a malfunction of the endocrine system, they will begin to produce more sebum, if you have used a cosmetic product that is not suitable for your skin, the glands are also activated to maintain the lipid barrier.
Thirdly, all the components that we avoid when using children's cosmetics are very necessary for the skin of an adult. Hyaluronic and other acids, vascular strengthening substances, peptides, etc. not only moisturize the skin, have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, but also prolong youth: they reduce the formation of pigment, smooth out wrinkles, and brighten the face. And fourthly, modern children's cosmetics are often very similar in composition to lines for adults. Nevertheless, the components that are important for us are still not there, therefore, we do not receive enough benefit.
Photo is for illustrative purposes only, pixabay.com
How to use micellar water correctly: instructions
Most girls know micellar water as a makeup remover product: they moisten a cotton pad with it, remove the remnants of decorative cosmetics, then wash with water. But this is not the only option for its use. Let's look at the features of using the product.
To cleanse skin without water
Use micellar water as a basic cleanser; after completing the procedure, wash your face with running water or use a toner: moisten a cotton pad with it and wipe the skin thoroughly. Pay special attention to areas with enlarged pores.
For washing
The first stage is to remove impurities from the face with a cotton swab dipped in micellar composition. The second stage is washing with water (you can use a basic cleanser: foam or gel wash).
To remove stubborn makeup from lips and eyes
To remove stubborn makeup (mascara, lipstick), moisten a cotton pad with the product, apply to the skin for 20 seconds, then remove the dissolved makeup with light movements.
How to wash your face properly
Do you need to wash your face after micellar water and how to do it correctly? After micellar water, you usually wash your face with a traditional everyday product, for example, a gentle foam for thorough washing. If the remnants of the applied micellar are removed with warm water, this will not affect the current quality of cleansing. Something as simple as constantly washing your face after treating your skin with micellar will help avoid dryness and tightness of the dermis.
Tonic after micellar water
Washing
Do I need to wash my face after using micellar water? Is toner still needed or not? Before you figure out what goes with what, you need to understand the differences between these two skin care products. Gentle micellar water is used to deeply cleanse the dermis of accumulated pollution. This product effectively removes not only accumulated dirt particles, but also makeup applied in the morning.
The main task of a cosmetic product is to deep cleanse, relax the skin, relieve puffiness and irritation. This is the main difference between a care product and an effective tonic.
Experienced cosmetologists advise that after micellar water, toner is a necessary element of everyday care. A caring tonic has a deeper effect on unprotected skin, for example, it evens out its surface and visibly tightens pores. There is a misconception that high-quality micellar water can replace a toner; in reality, this is not the case. It is necessary to periodically perform a multi-level dermatological protection procedure; a safe product with micelles in combination with a cleansing tonic copes with this task.
Important! After treating the dermis with gentle micellar water, a caring tonic spray is suitable; for sensitive skin prone to dryness, a moisturizing product in the form of milk is suitable.
How to use tonic after treatment with micellar water? It is advisable to moisten a cotton pad with a care product, only then apply it to the dermis along the prescribed massage lines.
Cream after micellar water
After we have figured out the question of whether it is necessary to wash off the micellar water, the need to apply the cream after such treatment is explained. First, a micellar product is applied along the marked lines, then you need to wash your face with a gentle foam. Once the skin is perfectly clean and dry, you can begin to apply the care product. For this purpose, it is better to choose a care composition designed specifically for a specific skin type. It is advisable that all products applicable to the face be from the same line.
Micellar water Garnier
Those with combination skin will benefit from a product with a light composition and delicate fluid texture that literally melts on the surface of the skin without weighing it down. After this, you need to wait 5 minutes until the composition is completely absorbed. This product prepares the face for applying makeup and is aimed at maintaining the natural balance of life-giving moisture and a long-term hydration process.
Interesting. There are many marketing myths surrounding micellar water: “Modern formula with micelles”, “Does not require rinsing”. One thing is clear: micellar water is an excellent dermal care product.
Features of use for different skin types
The best cleansing is what suits your skin type. Although micellar water is a universal cleanser for all skin types, its formulas also differ according to the needs of the epidermis.
For dry and sensitive skin
For this type, choose soft formulas based on intense moisturizing and moisture-retaining, soothing and restorative components. Pay attention to the “hypoallergenic” label.
- For sensitive skin on the face and eyes, choose Ultra Micellar Water, which is formulated to gently cleanse and remove makeup while soothing the skin.
- For hypersensitive skin and skin prone to allergies, Ultra Reactive Micellar Water is suitable, the formula of which will thoroughly cleanse and remove makeup, reduce redness and tightness, and also moisturize the skin.
For oily and combination skin
Micellar water for oily types contains sebum-regulating components that reduce sebum production (pay attention to the “non-comedogenic” label). The product mattifies the skin, prevents its dehydration, maintains normal pH, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. There is no alcohol or other aggressive elements in the composition.
- For oily, problematic facial skin, use Effaclar Ultra Micellar Water: the zinc in the composition controls sebum production, and glycerin moisturizes the skin.
Myth five: face cream is suitable for eyelid skin
This is a partial myth. Eyelid cosmetics are usually ophthalmologically tested, while face creams are not. Accordingly, if such agents get on the mucous membrane of the eye, they can cause allergic reactions, including irreversible ones. Do not also forget that the composition of face creams may be too heavy for the delicate skin of the eyelids and their application close to the eyelash edge will cause swelling. But, however, some creams contain useful components, for example, care products with retinol or DMAI, which can also be applied to the eyelids for a course of 1–2 months (on the recommendation of a specialist).
Take care of yourself and be beautiful!
Photo from the personal archive of Veronica Titova
Recommendations for daily use
In order for the treatment to have a visible positive result, it must be used correctly. Despite the fact that micellar water is an innovation in the field of cosmetology, it quickly gained popularity. Convenience and ease of use are the main factors influencing positive consumer choice. However, many people still have questions about the correct use of the product.
Below, La Roche-Posay experts will answer the most common ones.
How often to use?
Every day, twice a day: morning and evening. If necessary, you can perform express skin cleansing during the day.
Do I need to wash it off?
Depends on the formula of the product; most often, anhydrous use is stated by the manufacturer on the packaging.
Will micellar water replace toner?
No – these are two different cosmetic products. Micellar water cleanses the skin, tonic tones. Often, a toner is used as the final step in a waterless cleansing process.
Can it be used to remove eye makeup?
The product gently removes waterproof cosmetics from even the thinnest and most sensitive skin without damaging it.
Important (!):
Avoid using the product if there is obvious damage to the epidermis (wounds, abrasions, burns), allergies to the components of the composition, or after the expiration date.
Myth two: organic and natural cosmetics are hypoallergenic
In fact, there are no absolutely hypoallergenic products, since each person’s body is unique and even the most harmless ingredient can cause a negative reaction. Nowadays there is a boom in herbal cosmetics, many people are switching to it, and in the first months they really like the result. However, do not forget that an allergic reaction can have a cumulative effect and will not appear immediately, but after some time, causing a sharp deterioration in the quality of the skin.
This statement also applies to professional cosmetics. Even when recommending this or that product for use, a cosmetologist cannot guarantee that you personally will not be allergic to it, since everything needs to be tried. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop using the drug and contact a cosmetologist.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water: Rating of Waterless Cleansers
Below are the TOP 3 micellar products from the manufacturer La Roche-Posay.
Micellar water Ultra Sensitive
ULTRA SENSITIVE
Micellar water
It has a physiological pH level and gently removes impurities and makeup from sensitive skin of the face and eyes without damaging its lipid layer. Moisturizes the skin thanks to glycerin at a concentration of 5%.
483 rub. more details
Effaclar Ultra micellar water for combination and oily skin
EFFACLAR ULTRA
Micellar water
It has a physiological pH level, thoroughly cleanses the skin of impurities without water, and reduces oily shine on the face. Zinc stabilizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands and mattifies the skin, while glycerin allows it to attract and retain moisture in the skin cells.
RUB 1,092 more details
Benefit or harm
Micellar water
Removing makeup with micellar water
A micellar product is an excellent product, suitable even for unforeseen situations. Many manufacturers indicate that the product should not be washed off and does not require subsequent toning. All these points are controversial, moreover, they can actually cause damage to the entire human body.
So I wash my face and wash my clothes with the same substance? Horrible!
No, surfactants are different.
Some of them are aggressive and therefore suitable for laundry and dishwashing. Using them on the skin can be dangerous, which is why the cleansers are formulated with mild surfactants. They remove dirt and makeup from the face and, in theory, should not damage the skin barrier.
But sometimes damage still occurs. For example, when the composition of the product is not balanced and it contains few moisturizing components. Gels and foams without them often cleanse the skin “squeaky clean.” The epidermis is deprived of the fats necessary for protection, and the skin reacts to this with itching, redness and irritation.
The skin can also be sensitive to some components of cosmetics and react to them, regardless of the harmony of the composition.
