Micellar water isn’t just an overhyped and fancy skin care product. The transparent water-looking product is rather a must-have product for all whether the regular folks like us or the beauty and skin care gurus around the globe.
But what exactly is micellar water and should you use it?
In This Article
What is Micellar Water?
Micellar water is made up of tiny molecules of micelles and purified water. Micelles are tiny molecules of mild surfactants that help pull oil, make-up, dirt and other impurities away from the skin without scrubbing ,rubbing or even rinsing.
Gentle micellar water is a gentle alcohol-free face cleansing or a makeup remover that also hydrates your skin and reduces irritation and inflammation of the skin.
5 Reasons to Use Micellar Water
Cleanser and Makeup Remover
In simple words, micelles are anti-impurities and anti-oil. These are cleansing compounds that pull out oil, make-up, dirt and other impurities that may have accumulated deep within the skin.
Micellar water has a consistency similar to that of water. It does not necessarily require water to help cleanse the skin, making it the perfect face cleanser for late-night outings or as a quick cleansing solution.
As micellar water helps remove makeup residues from the skin pores, it is also used as a makeup remover.
With active ingredients like Niacinamide, aloe vera and glycerin, SkinQ’s Gentle Micellar Water has proven to remove even the most stubborn makeup, dirt and grime and other impurities, resulting in clean, soft and glowing skin
Hydrates the Skin
Micellar water is generally formulated with ingredients like glycerin and micelles. Glycerin is generally acknowledged for its properties of moisturizing, repairing, and nourishing the skin.
Moreover, glycerin also helps to reduce irritation and inflammation of the skin and boost the overall health of the skin.
Clears Skin & Prevents Acne
Clogged skin pores are usually the cause of acne. Sebum, dirt and grime, and dead skin cells can end up accumulating in the skin pores leading to the development of acne bacteria.
Micellar water can help remove skin impurities from the skin pores. It can be used to remove makeup before cleansing.
As a face wash, micellar water is mild in its formula and several studies indicate that a mild facewash is helpful in preventing acne development.
Suitable for All Skin Types
Unlike several skin care products, micellar water is suitable for all skin types. Its mild and alcohol-free formula makes it a befitting choice for normal, dry, acne-prone or oily and combination skin types.
As mentioned above, glycerin is a preferred ingredient among skin experts and dermatologists for calming and moisturizing inflamed and irritated skin. It is also among the key ingredients of micellar water.
The alcohol-free and glycerin formula of micellar water thus makes it suitable for almost everyone including those suffering from skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis.
The Complete Package
Micellar water, in simple words, is the complete package for your skin care routine.
It can be used as a makeup remover -the first step in your skin care regime-, as a cleanser -the second step in your skin care regime- and finally as a toner - the third step of your skin care routine.
As a mild and gentle product, micellar water does fulfil three of the most essential steps of a proper skin care routine.
When to Use Micellar Water?
Micellar water can be added to both your a.m. skin and p.m. skin care routine. Add it to your skin care routine as a pre-cleansing step or makeup remover, as a cleanser or as a post-cleansing step which is a toner.
You can also use it as a quick on-the-go make-up corrector or cleanser whether you are indoors or out working, exercising or even traveling.
How to Use Micellar Water
Makeup Remover
At the end of the day, your skin needs a few minutes to be pampered. Washing off your makeup with a cleanser isn’t enough as it leaves behind some strong makeup residues in your skin pores.
This is where micellar water comes to the rescue. Micellar water’s gentle and alcohol-free formula is perfect to remove even the most stubborn and strong makeup residue.
To remove makeup using micellar water-
- Soak a cotton ball/pad with micellar water
- Gently wipe the cotton ball/pad across your face
- In the case of eye makeup/stubborn make up, allow it to sit for a few seconds, keep the cotton pad pressed and then wipe off.
- Cleansing is optional - but in case you have oily or acne-prone skin cleansing is recommended
You can also use micellar water as a cleanser for your makeup brushes. Simply soak your brushes in a sufficient amount of micellar water and once cleaned, use a paper towel or a soft cloth to remove the excess micellar water from the brushes.
Cleanser
Micellar water can be used as a face cleanser twice a day. You can replace your face cleanser with micellar water in your morning and night skin care routine.
To use as a face cleanser:
- Soak a cotton ball/pad with micellar water
- Wipe it across your face to remove all the impurities
- Ensure that you have covered your entire face including the eye and mouth area
Face Toner
Micellar water helps hydrate and moisturize your skin. It’s also effective in calming irritation or inflammation of the skin.
To use micellar water as a face toner:
- Toner should be followed after cleansing your face
- Pour a sufficient amount of micellar water on a cotton ball/pad
- Gently pat it across your face
Allow your skin to absorb the toner before applying other skin care products.
A Few Things to Remember
Certain makeup products are much heavier than others and they may need stronger makeup removers to completely remove their residues. If skin pores are clogged with makeup residues and other impurities, it may lead to the development of acne vulgaris.
While micellar water benefits include its ability to be used as a makeup remover, in such cases, it is recommended to facial cleansers or even makeup wipes to completely remove all impurities.
People with oily or acne-prone skin may need to be more cautious as micellar water is a gentle and alcohol-free product and may thus have difficulty in removing all impurities.
If you have any prior skin issues, it is also recommended to consult your dermatologist before adding or switching skin care products in your regime.
Wrapping Up
Micellar water with its characteristics of hydrating, cleansing and clearing the skin is the multipurpose product we’ve all been praying for.
It is certainly a product worth adding to our skin care regime. But still, it is best to consult your dermatologist before introducing your skin to it, especially if you have prior skin concerns.