Stop washing your face with water? What is this nonsense? Are women really replacing water with micellar water in their facial cleansing routine?
Many of the world’s water sources contain mineral ions which can react with soap by leaving residue that can clog your pores. Some may find using hard water from their faucet on their face is making skin conditions like dryness, acne, and eczema worse.
Women in France have been including micellar water into their beauty routines since its development in the 90s’. At that time, the water quality in Paris was considered harsh which caused many to experience dryness and irritation. Parisian scientists developed micellar water as a gentle and effective way to cleanse the skin without the need for harsh chemicals or abrasive exfoliants and to cleanse without using harsh tap water.
What is Micellar Water and How Does it Work?
The idea behind micellar water was inspired by the chemistry of soap molecules, which have a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a lipophilic (oil-attracting) tail. When you apply soap to your skin, the hydrophilic heads attract water and the lipophilic tails attract oil, lifting dirt and impurities from the skin and rinsing them away.
Micellar water (pronounced my-sell-er) works in a similar way, but instead of using soap, it contains tiny oil molecules called micelles that attract and lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Micellar water also contains other ingredients, such as glycerin and panthenol, that help to moisturize and soothe the skin.
Benefits of Using Micellar Water
Cleanses without stripping: Micellar water is a gentle cleanser that effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It contains tiny oil molecules (micelles) that attract and lift impurities from the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.
Suitable for all skin types: Micellar water is a versatile product that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is free of harsh chemicals and is gentle enough to use daily.
Quick and easy to use: Micellar water is a convenient and easy-to-use product that does not require rinsing. Simply apply the micellar water to a cotton pad and wipe it over your face to cleanse and refresh your skin. It’s great when traveling or working late and you don’t have water nearby or the time/energy to take your make-up off.
Hydrates the skin: Micellar water contains hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin and panthenol, that help to keep the skin moisturized and supple.
Can be used as a makeup remover: Micellar water is an effective makeup remover that can remove even waterproof makeup without the need for harsh rubbing or tugging.
Protects sensitive skin from harsh water: Water from most tap faucets is typically hard water and includes mineral ions and other bacteria which can create and leave soap and other build-up on your face. Hard water can also strip moisture and be drying for sensitive and already dry skin. Micellar water will allow you to cleanse sensitive areas like your face without the use of hard water.
How to Use Micellar Water
Micellar water can be used in the morning and evening as part of a skincare routine, and it is often used as a first step in the cleansing process to remove makeup and surface impurities before following up with a more thorough cleanser.
To use micellar water, you can apply it to a cotton pad and wipe it over your face, or you can pour a small amount into your hands and massage it into your skin. Micellar water is gentle and can be used on all skin types, including dry and oily skin. Some people find that it is particularly helpful for removing makeup and cleaning the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
There are many different brands of micellar water available, and it can be helpful to try a few different ones to find the one that works best for your skin type and preferences as different products can tackle different issues.
So I Should Never Use Water To Wash My Face?
Micellar water can be effective at removing makeup, including waterproof mascara and long-wearing foundations. However, it may not be as effective at removing heavier, oil-based makeup products. It is also important to note that micellar water is not a substitute for a thorough facial cleansing routine. After using micellar water, some may follow up with a cleanser and toner to ensure that your skin is fully clean and properly balanced.
Overall, micellar water can be a useful addition to a skincare routine, especially for those who are looking for a gentle and convenient way to remove makeup and cleanse the skin. However, it is important to choose a product that is suitable for your skin type and to follow up with a thorough cleansing routine to ensure that your skin is clean and healthy.
Celebrities Who Use Micellar Water
There are many celebrities who have mentioned they use micellar water as a part of their skincare routines. Celebrities are often subjected to wearing heavy makeup regularly and are constantly on the move, making cleansing burdensome. Micellar water can definitely come in handy when you’re on the go and constantly needing to remove makeup without irritating your skin.
Drew Barrymore: Drew Barrymore has been a long time fan of using micellar water as a daily makeup remover. She’s even made a cute TikTok demonstrating the power of Garnier’s All-in-One Brightening Micellar Water.
Rihanna: The popstar beauty’s makeup artist recently spilled that she always begins Riri’s beat with a clean canvas using Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Water, Cleansing and Makeup Removing Solution. Perfect for cleansing her skin while managing heavy makeup looks on tour.
Gigi Hadid: Gigi Hadid has mentioned using micellar water in interviews and has posted about using Garnier Micellar Water on her Instagram. Her makeup artist Patrick Ta has also mentioned the use of micellar water to keep Gigi’s baby face clean without irritation.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has talked about her love for micellar water and has mentioned using La Roche-Posay and Bioderma Micellar Water to cleanse her skin. It is a drug store, beauty must-have for the blonde bombshell.
Meghan Markle: Meghan Markle has mentioned using micellar water as part of her skincare routine in several interviews. She has been seen using the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water in a YouTube video.
Natalie Portman: Natalie Portman spilled her beauty routine in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, highlighting its basic products and procedures. She stated she always uses celebrity favorite Bioderma Micellar Water as makeup remover to help protect her sensitive, porcelain skin.
Kourtney Kardashian: The eldest of the K sisters has been a long-time advocate of using micellar water as a cleanser. Kourtney always begins her night-time beauty routine using micellar water to cleanse of the makeup she has on from filming or just hanging out with her new beau, Travis Barker.
Ashley Graham: Ashely Graham is another top supermodel who swears by using micellar water. She states it’s great for removing makeup after long photo shoots, cleansing her face without causing breakouts.
Best Micellar Water Brands:
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Solution seems to be a big favorite with celebrities when it comes to cleansing their skin.
The alcohol and a paraben free cleanser is great for removing makeup without irritating sensitive skin. Bioderma Sensibio H2O respects skin’s hydrolipidic film by removing impurities and makeup while respecting your skin. It removes 99% of makeup, captures 98% fine particles, and eliminates 78% of microscopic heavy metals. It is known to be a celebrity favorite beauty product that can be bought in any drugstore or online.
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