Micellar water is one of the most widely used face-care products, especially for removing makeup residue. In addition to removing dirt from the face, micellar water also has a variety of other benefits that can be felt on all skin types.
What is Micellar Water?
Over the past few years, the use of micellar water has increased. Many people use micellar water as part of the double cleansing stage. Its practical use makes micellar water one of the products that is always on the dressing table to clean the face.
The term micellar water comes from the word micelle, which means a collection of many molecules. Micellar water consists of pure water, humectants such as glycerin, and mild surfactants. Humectants draw water into the skin and bind moisture to the skin, while surfactants are cleansers that remove impurities. Mild surfactant molecules attract water and oil. This allows the micelle molecules to float in the water and bind oil to the skin that comes into contact with them.
The use of micellar water is mainly to remove the remaining makeup that sticks, lift dirt on the face, and help moisturize facial skin.
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How does Micellar Water Work?
The key to micellar water is its surfactant content. Surfactant molecules have two ends, one that attracts water and the other that attracts oil. This means that surfactants can bring together water and oil that would normally be immiscible. This is what makes surfactants a common ingredient in cleansers and soaps.
The difference between soap and micellar water is that the molecules are spherical. The water-attracting end of each molecule faces outward, while the oil-attracting end faces inward. This allows the surfactant molecules floating in the liquid to attract and bind to the oils they come into contact with. In this way, the surfactant molecules can attract makeup and sebum and remove them from the skin.
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Micellar Water Benefits for Facial Skin
Face cleansing
Micellar water is commonly used as a facial cleanser to help remove makeup, dirt, and oil on the skin. It can also increase the permeability of your skin, allowing the cleanser to reach deeper layers of the skin.
Provides hydration
The humectant content of micellar water functions as a moisturizing agent that draws water to the outer layer of the skin from within the skin and the surrounding air. Humectants such as glycerin can also encourage the repair of the skin's skin barrier, which is important for maintaining hydration and protecting the body from environmental damage and infection.
Safe for all skin types
One of the reasons micellar water is so popular is that it's safe for all skin types. A 2020 study concluded that micellar water is suitable for rosacea sufferers, as it contains no irritants to the skin. Micellar water also contains glycerin, which can reduce irritation.
Keeps the skin clear
Micellar water can help keep skin clear, especially for those with acne, clogged pores, or stubborn blemishes. Acne is often caused by clogged pores that can become inflamed and turn into pimples. Double cleansing with micellar water can help minimize pore blockages that trigger blackheads and acne.
Micellar water is a skincare product that can help cleanse the skin, increase skin hydration, remove dirt and oil, help keep the skin clean, and can be used for all skin types. In addition, the packaging is also practical and lightweight for traveling. Although it is safe for the skin, if it shows signs of irritation, such as redness and itching, you should stop using it.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Yuliana Inosensia
Cleveland Clinic. Micellar Water: What It Is and How To Use it. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-micellar-water/
Ajmera, R. (2020). 5 Benefits and Uses of Micellar Water. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/micellar-water-benefits
Sherrell, Z. (2023). Is micellar water good for your skin?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-micellar-water-good-for-your-skin