What is micellar water: the whole truth about the “miracle” remedy

Micellar water - a hit in the cosmetics industry. Beautiful packaging with transparent liquid attracts the eye, and the advertisement whispers “take it!” But it’s not that simple—you need to know what you’re buying. To do this, let’s arm ourselves with knowledge about micellar water and what should not be in its composition.

Micelles - what are they?

So, let’s answer in detail the question, what is micellar water? It got its name from micelles - particles that are formed from surfactants (in other words, surfactants) when their concentration in water reaches a certain level.

Micellar products include foam for washing, various cleansers, etc. When micelles get into water, the lipophilic components are attracted to each other, staying away from the water. Micelles attract both fat particles and cosmetic residues, enveloping them.

Surfactants serve as a kind of bridges from water to fats. From their molecules, components are formed in the form of spherical crystals. They have lipophilic (fat) tips that point towards the center, and hydrophilic ones that tend to reach the water molecule.

Surfactants are able to break down fats: their droplets are “hidden” in the center of the micelle, which allows them to be easily washed off. The structure of a soap solution is similar, but the effect of micellar water is softer and does not dry out the skin.

To complete the review of the issue, what is micellar water, we note that micelles are characterized by the following features:

• reduce the irritating properties of cleansers. Paradoxically, irritation from sodium lauryl sulfate is greater if it is contained in a low concentration in the cleanser (insufficient to form micelles);
• deactivate some substances. The formation of micelles occurs around molecules, i.e. an obstacle to the toxic effects of ingredients is created. However, the downside is that they can inhibit substances beneficial to the skin, and cosmetic products may not give the predicted result;
• wash away the smallest particles of fat, which is why micellar water is the optimal makeup remover.

What can be replaced?

You can replace water obtained from thermal springs with ordinary mineral water without gases. In this case, you need to choose a drink with a minimum amount of salts, since a high content of them can adversely affect the condition of the dermis.

Washing with cold water helps improve the condition of the skin, perfectly toning it. However, this method is not suitable for everyone, since such water, instead of being beneficial, can cause rashes. This especially threatens the sensitive dermis, as well as people who are allergic to cold.

Dermatologists cannot come to an opinion about what water is best to wash with. Some argue that warm water opens the pores, which means it allows for better removal of impurities. Others say that warm water provokes the active work of the sebaceous glands, as a result of which a large amount of sebum begins to be released.

Which water to give preference will depend on the physiological characteristics of the dermis. Wash at a temperature that is most comfortable for your skin.

Composition of micellar water

Micellar water may contain:

• purified water. Melt and glacial water soothe and nourish the dermis, their effect is very gentle. The thermal liquid contains many minerals, which is why it is more effective than the first two types. Flower water is obtained by processing plants; it tones, cleanses, helps with problem skin, and moisturizes dry dermis. Sea water - an analogue of blood plasma - soothes, has a bactericidal effect, relieves swelling, smoothes out a fine network of wrinkles;
• hydrolates. They are actually herbal tinctures. They have a healing effect and contribute to the healing of the epidermis;
• vegetable oils. They should be selected depending on the properties and type of skin;
• tensins. Plant surfactants. They create an obstacle to the adhesion of fat molecules so that a sediment does not form and the suspension is stable;
• glycerin and panthenol. These 2 components have a healing effect, moisturize the skin, and prevent the feeling of tightness. You should choose a product in which glycerin is of plant origin and not synthetic;
• plant extracts, aloe. For normal and oily skin, dispersed water with rosemary, lavender, calendula, mint, and citrus fruits is suitable. For dry and hypersensitive people, the ideal option would be water with the addition of chamomile, aloe vera, ginseng, jasmine, rose, sage, and thyme. Mature skin will benefit from micellar with extracts of mallow, lotus, cornflower, rose, linden, and cedar.

The micellar solution should not contain alcohol, soap, propylene glycol and cetrimonium bromide - a preservative that prevents decomposition into oil and water. It is not safe to leave these substances on the skin without rinsing off.

Thermal water producers

Today there are many manufacturers that produce thermal water. The most popular of them are:

Vichy is a thermal water supplied from a French spring that has been famous for a long time. It perfectly moisturizes the dermis, saturating it with all the necessary microelements. The liquid inorganic compound also has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. The product, donated by nature itself, contains 17 minerals and 13 microelements, which not only enrich the epidermis, but also increase its barrier functions.

Evian thermal water is melt water from the Alpine mountains that has undergone a high degree of purification. It helps to effectively not only moisturize the epidermis, but also relieve irritation. Evian recommends treating your skin before applying makeup and can also remove makeup.

“Ya Samaya” is produced by a domestic manufacturer, so it is in a more affordable price category, but this makes it in no way inferior in its healing properties to expensive analogues.

Kenzo perfectly moisturizes and cleanses the epidermis, filling it with life-giving moisture. Its regular use helps to effectively relieve inflammation and also improve the appearance of the face.

“Black Pearl” is thermal water from a Russian manufacturer, which is extracted from Alpine mountain springs. Its benefits for the epidermis are invaluable.

"Yves Rocher" can be used as a tonic, as well as a base for makeup, and can also be used to remove evening makeup perfectly.

Types of means

There are 3 types of micellar water depending on its base.

1. Based on “green chemistry”. They are made from nonionic surfactants (lauryl glucoside, cocoglucoside, etc.), which highly effectively bind particles of dirt and sweat without damaging the skin. Contains sugar and coconut oil.
2. Based on poloxamers. These synthesized substances (poloxamer 184, 188, 407, etc.) are perfectly soluble and interact with fats. This micellar does not need to be washed off.
3. Based on polyethylene glycol. PEG is considered a classic emulsifier that interferes with the separation of oil and water. If its concentration does not exceed 20%, it is safe, but it can lead to irritation and dryness of the skin, leading to contact dermatitis.

The harm of frequent washing

Washing procedures are usually carried out in the morning and evening. If you wash your face less often, this risks the occurrence of inflammatory processes in the epidermis. During washing, the skin is cleansed not only of sebaceous secretions, but also of dead epidermal cells. If the stratum corneum is not removed in time, this leads to numerous development of bacteria.

In addition to the benefits, frequent washing also threatens severe skin irritation, as well as active sebum production. This in turn can lead to profuse rashes.

Indications and contraindications

This article provides a detailed answer to the question of what micellar water is made from. What is it used for? Its scope of application is due to the following advantages.

1. It has a beneficial effect on the epidermis, saturating it with useful substances.
2. Cleanses pores of impurities and waste products of the sebaceous glands, minimizing the risk of acne.
3. Micellar water can help remove makeup and correct it (by moistening a cotton swab in it, you can easily remove excess cosmetics, including waterproof ones).
4. Characterized by a high level of hypoallergenicity.
5. It is a good moisturizer and prevents skin from drying out.
6. Helps relieve irritation and heal microcracks.

The following conditions are considered contraindications for the use of micellar water.

• An allergic reaction to a certain type of plant contained in the solution.
• Oily skin prone to breakouts. Some types of dispersed water contain silicone; it covers the skin with a film, preventing oxygen from reaching it.
• Pregnancy. The product sometimes contains preservatives and fragrances, so it is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women to use this micellar to remove makeup.
• Greater skin sensitivity. If the composition contains artificially synthesized glycerin and bromides, peeling and itching of the skin is possible.

Ingestion

Many doctors claim that if you drink a lot of water, the skin will soon begin to cleanse itself. This happens due to the fact that the liquid is able to expel from the body all the harmful substances that have accumulated in it.

For effective therapeutic effects, drink at least two liters of purified liquid daily. You need to drink water in small portions throughout the day.

It is also useful to cleanse the skin and restore water balance and drink herbal teas prepared with purified water. Decoctions based on mint, chamomile and thyme are especially useful.

No doctor can guarantee that acne will go away by drinking large amounts of fluids. In addition to internal use, local use in the form of lotions and tonics, which can also be prepared independently using water and antiseptic herbs, is also necessary.

How to choose micellar water

Skin sensitivity to various cosmetics is an individual factor. Therefore, before purchasing a large bottle, it is advisable to purchase a sample. Sometimes a negative reaction to the product may appear after 2-3 weeks of use.

Manufacturing companies show miracles of ingenuity, indicating on the bottle that it contains the “elixir of youth.” You should carefully read the label on the back of the bottle to see what the solution contains to see what your skin will interact with.

You should consider which brand of products you use when caring for your facial skin daily. Cosmetologists recommend purchasing a dispersion solution of the same series to minimize the risk of conflict between formulas.

Also pay attention to the volume of the bottle. Most high-quality micellar solutions can be stored for no more than six months after opening the bottle. Analyze how much skin care liquid you can use during this period.

Features of using micellar water

To remove makeup, thoroughly moisten a cotton swab or disk with micellar water, and then carefully wipe your face along the massage lines. To remove eyeshadow and mascara from your eyelids, apply a damp cotton pad to them for a few seconds without rubbing the liquid. Change the cotton swab and repeat this several times. When it remains clean, the procedure can be considered complete.

After washing your face in the morning, micellar water will help “wake up” the epidermis. The acids contained in it will help get rid of traces of remaining fatigue.

The benefits of thermal water

Thermal water is widely used in the treatment of numerous acne. It is extracted from natural sources located at great depths. It contains a large number of microelements that play a huge role in the health of the epidermis. Its beneficial properties are as follows:

• relieves even severe inflammation;
• normalizes water balance in dermal cells;
• deeply cleanses the skin.

Thermal water does not contain any chemical impurities, and therefore is completely hypoallergenic.

Popular brands

Let's look at several popular premium and budget cosmetics.

Premium class

• L'Oreal Paris "Absolute Tenderness" micellar water has a gentle effect and cleanses the skin even from waterproof cosmetics, is suitable for removing eye makeup, and is not addictive.
• Sebium, Sensibio and Hydrabio H2O from Bioderma are suitable for skin that is prone to irritation, for the treatment of acne and blackheads. These pharmaceutical products are based on fruit extract and micelles.
• Normaderm Micellar Solution from Vichy and Posay Physiological Micellar Solution from La Roche usually do not cause negative reactions, they moisturize and cleanse well, and they contain natural ingredients.

A budget option

• Micellar solution “3 in 1” from is a Russian analogue of a foreign product. It contains extracts of rose petals and chamomile, so it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
• BIO AQUA produces several types of budget micellar water with vitamins, plant extracts and mineral supplements.
• Nivea 3-in-1 micellar water is a natural product for normal to combination skin that contains vitamin E to help nourish and moisturize. It contains no silicones, parabens or fragrances, natural composition.
• Skin Naturals from Garnier does not cause allergies, moisturizes the skin well, and absorbs oil like an exfoliant. Suitable for dry, depleted and combination skin.

What water is good for acne?

It is known that salt water helps to eliminate rashes. It has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. To prepare a medicinal solution, it is best to use sea salt, because it is much healthier for the epidermis. This product not only perfectly removes excess sebum, but also exfoliates dead cells.

Regular use of the solution helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, thereby eliminating shine. You can also make lotions with it.

If you have acne all over your body, then it is very useful to take baths with water and sea salt.

Useful tips

Micellar water is necessary in the following cases.

1. If you don’t have time to remove makeup before going to bed. After purchasing micellar water, this problem can be solved - the procedure for removing makeup from the face will take 10-20 seconds.
2. For sensitive skin. Micelles have a mild cleansing effect, which compares favorably with products that contain soap. Micellar wash is suitable for removing makeup around the eyes. 3-in-1 products usually contain panthenol to soothe and heal the skin.
3. If you are concerned about the environmental friendliness of cosmetics, you can rest assured: a high-quality solution does not contain silicone, parabens or fragrances.
4. If you strive for minimalism when purchasing cosmetics. Micellar water will not replace full-fledged care, but it can cope with cleansing, moisturizing and regenerating the skin.
5. If you are looking for a universal skin cleanser, you should consider that cosmetologists assure: micellar is suitable for the face (including eyes and lips), neck and décolleté.

How to protect yourself from acne?

It is better to avoid any problem than to deal with it later. As mentioned, the appearance of acne is often caused by improper care. Here are the rules you should follow to keep your face beautiful:

• Wash your face in the morning using the gel. During the night, dust and dirt accumulate on the face and sebum is secreted. It will not be possible to completely remove all this with ordinary water. Accumulated pollution will inevitably lead to acne, blackheads and inflammation.
• Avoid washing with soap. Alkali is very dangerous for the face; it kills beneficial microflora, which leads to problems.
• Exfoliate regularly. It is necessary to get rid of keratinized skin particles, because, remaining on the surface of the face, they prevent beneficial substances from penetrating deep into the dermis.
• Use tonic. Whatever gentle cleanser you buy will change the pH balance. The tonic helps restore it. With tonic, the activity of creams increases.
• Wash your face after using micellar water. Micelles mixed with dirt residue on the skin can cause acne. Therefore, you need to wash your face after using this product.