Once upon a time, micellar water was sold in pharmacies and was considered medicinal. And it is no coincidence: it was used to care for the delicate skin of newborns and seriously ill people confined to bed. When the production of water became widespread, some manufacturers began to violate the originally created formula with a gentle therapeutic effect, abusing the addition of various chemical additives and preservatives to the water, significantly reducing the cost of its production, but producing dubious products that have a harmful effect on the epidermis, especially the inflamed one.
Properties
Micellar water for problem skin, as a rule, has no odor or a very weak floral aroma, looks like ordinary colorless or slightly cloudy water. The difference between micellar water and other cleansers is in micelles, small particles of fat dissolved in water, which can attract dirt and excess sebum and leave them on the cleansing sponge. Products for problematic types, depending on their purpose, are divided into water for washing and removing makeup, although some companies produce products that combine these types.
You will learn more about micellar water from various brands in the video.
Varieties
Some types of micellar water, mainly for oily types, may foam a little. Other products, on the contrary, are two-phase, with oil on the surface, which are mainly used for dry epidermis, and must be constantly stirred.
The composition of products that are good directly for removing makeup includes oils, propylene glycol, glycerin, panthenol and often preservatives. This water can remove makeup well and quickly, but it is recommended to wash it off, otherwise it may leave a feeling of discomfort on the face.
Cleansing micellar is often prescribed for problems with the face in addition to medicinal medications. It is usually made on the basis of purified natural thermal or floral water, the so-called hydralates, which contains medicinal herbs that promote the healing of cracks, have a mild antiseptic effect and natural plant extracts that moisturize the skin such as aloe. Cosmetologists recommend such products as auxiliary products even for acne.
Problem skin
For skin with pimples, comedones, inflammation and acne, micellar water must be chosen especially carefully so as not to aggravate the problem. The usual composition is not suitable for such skin. In these cases, special products are used that contain small amounts of alcohol, antibacterial substances and medicinal herbs. Additionally, a micellar product containing a complex against acne on the face may contain minerals such as sulfur, copper, zinc, which soothe the epidermis and help dry out inflammation.
However, such products are not recommended for use around the eyes.
Fat type
As a rule, this type of face is shiny from oily secretions and also has large, unsightly pores on the face. For this problem type, the polysorbate contained in the composition will help, which gently removes fatty contaminants. Even oily skin simply needs micellar water to contain substances that mattify problem areas and tighten pores on the face.
Alcohol is also added to the products in small quantities to remove oily shine, and essential oils, which will help saturate the epidermis with beneficial vitamins and microelements.
Dried epidermis
Such skin looks dry and lifeless: it constantly flakes and a network of wrinkles begins to appear on it early. This type needs special nutrition and comprehensive care, one of which is cleansing with the right micellar water. Therefore, you should choose products that do not contain alcohol or aggressive surface cleaning agents.
This type of skin needs to be hydrated, so micellar cleansers should contain components that prevent moisture loss, such as hyaluronic acid.
Complex combined type
This type of skin means that its owner is characterized by opposites in the most extreme manifestations. In the area of the forehead, nose and chin, the so-called T-shaped zone, the face is shiny and has a characteristic oily sheen, and in other places it is dry to the point of flaking. It is very difficult to take care of her, because care for normal skin is not suitable for her, products for oily skin are partially suitable, only for the T-shaped zone, in other places they will dry out the skin and cause peeling. If you use care for dry epidermis, there will be a comfortable feeling for the skin of the cheeks and around the eyes, but the products can cause acne and oily shine on the nose and forehead.
In this case, experts recommend choosing two different products for each zone or neutral micellar water made from thermal water.
It is made from purified natural water extracted from geothermal springs. Its peculiarity is the presence of nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide in its composition. Therefore, micellar with such a composition not only delicately removes impurities, but also eliminates swelling, moisturizes and refreshes the epidermis, and also normalizes water balance.
Too sensitive skin
Delicate as a rose petal, the type of face may be prone to redness, rosacea, and allergic reactions. Therefore, the composition of the water is the simplest and most concise, no “chemistry”, preservatives or alcohols: the most natural ingredients containing micelles and decoctions of herbs such as chamomile, calendula, which will help soothe the epidermis, which is prone to irritation. We will consider such products using specific examples, based on reviews from consumers and cosmetologists.
Garnier
pros
Micellar water from this popular brand is available for different face types. In a green bottle - for combination skin. For oily and problematic skin, the company has developed a special product “Clean Skin” with a new formula; it differs from others in the bluish color of the bottle and composition. According to reviews, both products have a good cleansing and mattifying effect.
The 3-in-1 product for sensitive skin comes in pink packaging. Among the advantages is a relatively low price, it removes makeup well, refreshes and tones the skin and, according to reviews, does not leave a feeling of stickiness or tightness. True, it is not produced in France, as most women believe, but in Poland.
Minuses
In the first place in the composition of water is hexylene glycol, which is not recommended for skin with inflammation and comedones. In addition, micellar contains preservatives and other “chemicals”: it is no coincidence that it foams, so it requires mandatory rinsing. This fact casts doubt on its use for sensitive epidermis. To summarize, we can say that this brand of water can be used for some skin types, but with caution.
New
It is impossible not to note the new product in the Garnier series - micellar water "Express lotion "2 in 1" in a 125 ml bottle of purple tones. A specially developed product is used for effective makeup removal, while it cares for eyelashes thanks to the arginine contained in the composition. By reviews, it really strengthens the structure of the eyelashes, making them healthier; after a few weeks of care, the eyelashes become stronger, thicker and stronger.
Micellar water for acne has been used by cosmetologists for quite a long time, but this product became widespread relatively recently. If previously it was prescribed as a remedy for allergic manifestations on children's and sensitive skin, now it is a common means for removing makeup and cleansing the skin, which gently but thoroughly removes impurities. How micellar water helps against acne, what it is and how to use it correctly, we will consider below.
What is the mechanism of action of the micellar product?
The main active ingredient of micellar water is micelles. They are water-insoluble microparticles. They are very light and small, so they do not precipitate, forming a colloidal solution. Lyophilic colloids of surfactants have been created for washing. Micelles, due to their structure, deactivate many chemicals on the surface of the epidermis, remove even the smallest impurities, break down and remove sebum, dead keratin scales, and at the same time moisturize the skin. All these properties mean that micellar water helps in the treatment of acne.
Different brands of micellar water may contain additional components: extracts, essential oils, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, panthenol. In most cases, the product is odorless and colorless, does not contain aggressive surfactants and alkalis and is therefore ideal for sensitive and problematic skin.
Washing with micellar water is suitable for people with any skin type, since the product is non-comedogenic, does not dry out the skin, unlike most cleansers, and does not irritate. The cosmetic product has a positive effect on dry, dehydrated and aging skin. And thanks to its high cleansing properties, micellar water helps fight rosacea, teenage acne and acne of any etiology.
Initially, washing with micellar water was recommended for children prone to allergic dermatitis, and also for adults with serious skin diseases:
Micellar products undergo ophthalmological control and are approved for removing makeup from the eye area. If there is no other way to fully wash your face due to the lack of clean water for toilet procedures, properly selected water with micelles, which does not require rinsing, will help clean and refresh your face in the most extreme conditions. This is especially important for people with problematic skin that requires special care.
Action against acne
Acne treatment with micellar water
Acne is a problem that can appear at any age and with any skin type. Comedones and acne are formed as a result of clogging of pores with excess sebum and keratin scales. Often the contents of the pores oxidize and turn black. Under the influence of pyogenic bacteria, comedones are transformed into purulent acne. The causes of acne can be hormonal problems that provoke seborrhea, metabolic disorders, infections, inflammatory processes in internal organs, including the digestive and reproductive systems. There may be other health problems. Proper cleansing of the skin in this case is the basis for solving problems with it, regardless of the reasons for their appearance. Proper care is effective only in combination with specific therapy for underlying diseases.
The first step towards getting rid of acne is proper washing. If you have acne, it is important to choose a product that will gently and thoroughly cleanse the skin without drying it out. It is known that excessive dryness stimulates the sebaceous glands, which will further aggravate skin problems.
Micellar water, which helps thoroughly remove oil and dead cells and also unclogs pores, is an ideal daily cleanser for problematic facial skin. Microparticles of the product penetrate deep into the pores, the ability of micelles to reject impurities and dead tissue from the surface of the skin allows you to painlessly remove comedones. In addition, additional components can have a moisturizing, soothing and anti-inflammatory effect. It should be taken into account that ingredients such as essential oils, extracts and others may cause an allergic reaction.
There is an opinion that you can wash your face with micellar water more than 2 times a day. But this is wrong: excessive cleansing will destroy the skin's protective barrier and worsen acne. The cosmetic product itself has a neutral environment. This allows you to thoroughly cleanse the skin without disturbing the living conditions of beneficial microflora that provide local immunity.
The advantages of this product are as follows:
- Does not dry or irritate the skin when used correctly.
- Does not cause microdamage.
- Does not leave a greasy film feeling.
- Removes decorative cosmetics efficiently.
- Deeply cleanses the skin.
Using micellar water for acne
Sometimes doubts arise whether water with micelles helps with acne. This question may arise if the product is chosen incorrectly. There are different types of micellar water:
- No additives, no foam. This is the best option for sensitive, irritated skin with areas of inflammation and acne.
- With additives. If you are not allergic to the components of the product, you can choose water with additional caring, anti-inflammatory or moisturizing components, for example, with aloe, cucumber, chamomile, calendula extract, vitamins A and E, tea tree or citrus essential oils.
- Foaming. It is better to wash your face with this water if you have very oily, seborrhea-prone skin or to remove waterproof cosmetics. This product cleans more thoroughly. Under no circumstances should it be left on the skin.
The waters also differ in composition. The most gentle products that can be left on the face are made on the basis of poloxomers. Washing with micellar water based on low-irritating glycosides is also acceptable if you have acne: they do not dry out the skin, are non-toxic, and do not cause irritation. After using this product, it is better to wash your face with clean water. But you can also leave it on your face in emergency cases. After using this micellar water, you may feel a sticky film on your face.
Micellar water based on classic emulsifiers must be washed off. These products are quite aggressive and can cause irritation. If they are left on the skin, they will destroy the protective lipid layer, which will cause acne to worsen - inflammation and irritation will increase. Most dermatologists and cosmetologists recommend washing off the product regardless of its composition: micelles collected in skin folds can cause drying, irritation and even inflammation of the skin. In addition, do not forget about the feeling of stickiness, which is unacceptable for many.
Washing with micellar water is a simple and convenient process. A cotton pad should be generously moistened with the product and wiped across the face. For additional effect, you can move the disc along the massage lines.
Do not rub your eyes with a cotton pad. You need to moisten your eyelashes and eyelids with the product and let it act for 10-15 seconds. When water dissolves mascara and shadows, they can be removed with soft, gentle movements. It is best to rinse this area with clean water even after using the safest product. You can use thermal or mineral water without gas.
Micellar water can be found on almost every woman’s shelf. Everyone knows that this cosmetic product is used to quickly cleanse the face of dirt and makeup. Does micellar water help with acne, does it get rid of blemishes and redness? Or should we not expect more from her than careful facial care? You will find detailed answers to these questions in our article.
Composition and properties of micellar water
Micellar water was originally used as a means to soften facial skin, as well as to combat redness and inflammation. It carefully removes dirt without harming the hydrolipidic membrane or causing irritation. Many manufacturers include natural ingredients in its composition, which enhances its positive properties. For example, cucumber extract is popular, which relieves inflammation, refreshes the face after a working day, and also soothes the skin.
Micellar water is used for makeup removal, including in the area around the eyes. Unlike milk and foam for washing, it does not leave an unpleasant greasy film on the surface of the skin. If you regularly wipe your face with this product, its appearance will noticeably improve. In the summer, this product gives freshness and also helps to quickly get rid of unwanted oily shine.
Advantages of the product
The properties of micellar water are explained by the action of natural particles - micelles, which upon contact with water form surfactants. It has the following effect:
- fights inflammatory processes and irritations that appear after using cleansers;
- deactivates the influence of chemicals that enter the skin from the external environment;
- effectively destroys fat, so it is suitable for oily skin and cleansing the face in hot weather.
The products are available in small bottles, which are convenient to use while traveling, on a train or on an airplane.
Minuses
This remedy is not without its drawbacks. But these are rather minor disadvantages that you need to remember:
- sticky feeling after application;
- individual components in the composition can cause allergies through individual intolerance;
- slight shine after use in some women, depending on the characteristics of the epidermis.
It is undesirable to allow micellar to get into your eyes, so you need to wash off cosmetics from your eyelids very carefully. If it comes into contact with the mucous membrane, the product may cause an unpleasant burning sensation. Please note that micellar water may cause acne if used frequently. This happens due to the destruction of the living layer of the epidermis.
How does micellar water work on problem skin?
Skin with acne, rashes and comedones is called problem skin. To eliminate these defects, you will need a micellar solution containing a small amount of alcohol, substances with antibacterial effects and plant extracts. It is not advisable to use a specialized product for wiping the delicate skin around the eyes. They treat exclusively problem areas of the face.
Micellar water is unable to become a complete cure for acne. But it will serve as a good additional therapy.
Micellar water against acne helps if blemishes are caused by:
- irregular cleansing;
- using alkaline cleansers;
- an incorrectly selected product for your skin type
Micellar water is also used as a remedy against blackheads. Blackheads are pores clogged with waste products of the epidermis. Remnants of makeup and dust often get there. The fat accumulated in the pores oxidizes and turns black. However, micellar water is not completely capable of removing blackheads, as it has a mild effect. Therefore, in this case, it is more correct to use it to regularly wipe the face, and remove blackheads with the help of intensive cleansers.
Keep in mind that pores get clogged even with your favorite foundation creams. And this leads to inflammation and acne formation. That's why it's so important to cleanse your face properly in the evenings. To do this, makeup removal is carried out in several stages. First, wipe the face with micellar water, and then wash with a foaming gel.
How to use micellar water for acne correctly
The key to solving the problem is proper washing. To get rid of acne, you need to buy a product that cleanses your face without drying it out. If the product dries out the dermis, the sebaceous glands will begin to produce more oil.
When cleansing your face with micellar water, the micelles penetrate the pores, rejecting impurities and dead skin particles. Natural components moisturize the dermis, saturate it with useful substances and soothe. You may have heard that micellar water can be used to wash your face more than twice a day. You can't do that. If you overuse the product, it will destroy the protective skin barrier and increase acne. The product itself has a neutral environment, but frequent use can harm the face by destroying the beneficial microflora that is responsible for protecting the skin.
How to choose a product for your skin
In order not to aggravate the problem and quickly get the desired effect, choose the right product.
For oily skin
Those with oily skin have larger pores, and the entire epidermis is covered with an unpleasant oily film. In this case, you need to choose products containing polysorbate, natural oils, and a small amount of alcohol. Alcohol will remove fat well, narrow pores, and oils will saturate the epidermis with essential microelements.
For dry skin
Dry skin often causes wrinkles, even in very young women. The face looks lifeless, dry and dull. Such women need products without alcohol and aggressive surfactants. It is also important to pay attention to the presence of hyaluronic acid in the composition, which will protect the skin from moisture loss and maintain its youthful appearance.
For combination skin
Such women have oily shine and enlarged pores in the forehead, nose and chin areas. In this case, peeling is often observed on the cheeks. In this case, cosmetologists advise choosing two products - one for caring for the T-zone, the other for dry areas. Or buy micellar water with the addition of thermal water.
For problem skin
The composition must contain alcohol, antibacterial components and medicinal herbs. The presence of zinc and copper is also allowed, which soothe the skin and dry out pimples.
What do we recommend for acne?
If you have acne or comedones, then pay attention to the products of Bioderma, Effaclar Ultra from La Roche-Posay, Garnier, Normaderm 3-in-1 micellar solution, Vichy. The micellar with calendula extract Real Flower Cleansing Water Calendula from Neogen Dermalogy also beneficially removes redness.
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.
Reviews
What do girls say about the effectiveness of this product against acne and blackheads? We suggest reading the reviews:
Veronica, 25 years old:
I fought acne and subcutaneous skin with the help of Garnier 3 in 1 micellar. I washed off my makeup with it, and then used Nivea Aqua Effect gel. I also treated my face with Clarens lotion. All of these products helped me reduce my acne. The consumption of micellar water is very economical.
I use Garnier Clear Skin. It mattifies the face and prevents the formation of blackheads. It saves me in the summer, when there is dust everywhere and my face gets more oily. I use it morning and evening to remove dirt after walking around the city.
I use Real Flower Cleansing Water Calendula. I often got acne from tap water, and this is a typical problem when traveling - this is how many people react to unusual water. But thanks to this product, my face remained beautiful without any breakouts.
Effaclar Ultra from La Roche-Posay is the best I've tried for my problem skin. Doesn't dry out, cleans well, has an unobtrusive scent. Removes fat without damaging the dermis.
I had a lot of rashes, acne, and later subcutaneous pimples appeared. I used Garnier for years, but nothing improved. Then I switched to Bioderma and after a month I noticed that redness did not appear. No new rashes were observed. Apparently, there are no components in the composition that clog pores and cause acne. And although it costs more than Garnier, I now only buy Bioderma.
Conclusion
Micellar water can become an effective assistant in the fight against acne and blackheads if used together with gels, scrubs, and peels. As an independent treatment, it will not completely eliminate defects. Problem skin requires special components in the product - natural extracts, antibacterial substances, copper and zinc, which will relieve inflammation and dry out rashes. We recommend that you read the label carefully and also use the products correctly - wipe your face no more than twice, and be sure to rinse off so as not to disturb the natural balance of the dermis.
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