The science of Micellar Water
Oil and water naturally repel each other. To get them to play nice, a molecule called a surfactant is used. Surfactant molecules have one hydrophilic (water loving, oil repelling), and one hydrophobic (water repelling, oil loving) end. When surfactants encounter oil, the hydrophobic tails are attracted and form a coating around the oil with all of the hydrophilic tails sticking out away from the oil. Adding water allows for the hydrophiic tails to be attracted to the water and "suspends" the oil drop in the water. You can example this when you drip a bit of oil in your sink and then try to wash it away. Straight water cannot get the job done, but if you add a bit of soap, the oil and soap combine, and then wash away with the water. Same thing is going on on your face using micellar water. The tiny bits of dirt surrounded by the hydrophobic/hydrophilic surfactants are called micelles, and they are washed away.
Some Micellar Water Q&A
Q: Is micellar water a deep cleansing product?
A: Micellar water is primarily designed to attract and remove surface dirt and impurities. While it can help prevent pore-clogging dirt by removing surface dirt and sebum, it may not provide deep cleansing. If your skin pores are not deeply clogged, micellar water can be used as an everyday cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, it's advisable to follow micellar water cleansing with a splash of cool water or a toner.
Q: Can micellar water replace toner?
A: No, micellar water should be used before applying toner. Toner typically does not contain hydrophobic molecules and focuses on freshening the skin and tightening pores. Micellar water, on the other hand, has some cleansing ability along with its other benefits.
Q: Is micellar water similar to oil cleansing?
A: Micellar water can be considered a lighter version of oil cleansing. It introduces the benefits of oil for skin health and cleansing. The small amount of oil in micellar water helps bind surface dirt on the skin for removal. In contrast, oil cleansing involves using a combination of oils, often with the addition of heat or steam, to thoroughly cleanse the face and keep the pores open. If you have sensitive skin, you can follow micellar water cleansing with a clean water wipe and proceed with toning and moisturizing.
Q: What benefits does micellar water provide for the skin?
A: Micellar water offers gentle cleansing and effectively removes dirt, makeup, and oil from the skin. It is non-drying as it is free of alcohol and can help promote skin hydration. Depending on the specific formula and hydrosols used, micellar water may provide additional benefits such as reducing inflammation, offering antimicrobial properties, or soothing redness.
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