Micellar water: What is it? Is it good for skin?

Choosing the right cleanser for your skin is a great first step for a healthier skin care regimen. A basic routine should begin with washing the face with a gentle cleanser followed by medications or serums, then moisturizers and sunscreen, and then makeup.¹ If the cleanser is too harsh, it can dry out skin, causing more oil production and potentially resulting in flare-ups of acne.²

For these reasons, micellar water started gaining worldwide popularity in the 1990s as a gentle skin care cleanser.³ Here's what you should know about this product and whether it may be a good fit for your skin.

En este artículo:

What is micellar water?

Micellar water is a facial cleanser that consists of water and surfactants, which are molecules that can pull in oils and external contaminants. This can help with the removal of grime from the skin's surface.⁴

Not only can micellar water be effective at removing make-up, pollutants and even pollen from skin, but it may also be gentler than other types of soap.

How does micellar water work?

Micellar water contains groups of surfactants called micelles, which are molecular clusters that have both hydrophobic (water-fearing) and hydrophilic (water-loving) properties.⁵ When applied to the skin, the hydrophobic elements attach to oils and contaminants and pull them into the hydrophilic elements, allowing them to be more easily washed away from the skin.⁶

Is micellar water suitable for all skin types?

Micellar water can help remove certain molecules that irritate the skin.⁷ Depending on the ingredients it is formulated with, it may also help improve skin hydration.⁸ Because it generally contains lower levels of micelles than other types of skin cleansing products, it can be less irritating to the skin.⁹ It can also be used by those with sensitive skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.¹⁰

If you experience redness or stinging after using the product, gently rinse the area with water. If symptoms persist, contact a health care provider.¹¹

Note that, unlike exfoliants or deeply hydrating products like ácido hialurónico, it typically does not help with the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles or age spots.¹² It might be a good idea to find otros productos for those purposes. Remember to use products as directed on their packaging.

How to use micellar water

Micellar water can be used as the first step of your skin care regime.

1. Wash your face with lukewarm water.
2. Gently apply micellar water with your fingertips (or a washcloth or cotton pad, but these may irritate sensitive skin).
3. Rinse your face again with lukewarm water and then pat it dry with a soft towel.

It's recommended to wash the face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, such as micellar water, and after heavy sweating. After cleansing with micellar water, apply a moisturizer to hydrate the skin.¹³

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.