If you are aware of everything in the world the beautyI’m sure you’ve seen it The debate over the use of micellar water is back. This is a subject that provokes conflicting opinions and although many of us have been using this product daily for years, it seems that when and how it should be used is not entirely clear. For this reason, I contacted Dr. Morales Raya, dermatologist and aesthetic and laser medicine specialist and director of the clinic that bears his name, to tell me everything there is to know about micellar water.
© Getty– First of all, what exactly is micellar water?
Micellar water is a facial cleansing product that uses micelles, structures capable of attracting and removing impurities, makeup and excess oil from the skin. It is gentle and effective, allowing deep cleansing without being invasive, making it ideal as the first step in facial cleansing.
– Many readers ask us if it can be used daily, what do you tell them?
Yes, it is suitable for daily use. In the morning, it helps to remove excess sebum accumulated overnight, and at night it is effective as the first step in removing makeup and impurities. Its softness allows its continuous use without causing irritation as long as a micellar water adapted to each skin type is used and rinsed off after use.
– As a dermatologist, do you recommend incorporating this product into any skin type’s beauty routine?
Yes, micellar water is suitable for most skin types as long as it is used correctly. For oily skin, it is ideal as the first step of double cleansing, preferable to oil, and for dry or sensitive skin it can be combined with a gentle cleanser that respects the skin barrier.
© Getty Images– Are there any cases where you advise against using it?
Instead of not recommending it, it should not be used as the only step on skin that needs a deep cleanse. In this case, it would be recommended to use a specific cleanser depending on the skin type, such as foaming or with mild exfoliating properties, in order to clean more thoroughly. For dry skin, it can be replaced by cleansing oil as long as it is washed off with water.
– What is the correct way to use micellar water?
It should be applied with a cotton pad and gently wiped over the entire face. If used in a nightly routine, it is recommended to supplement it with a cleanser adapted to the skin type. If it is used as a single cleansing step (although this is usually insufficient for oily skin), it is important to emphasize rinsing.
– Another frequently asked question is: Should micellar water wash off?
Yes, it is recommended to rinse, especially if it is used only as a cleansing step, to ensure that there is no residue on the skin that can interfere with subsequent treatments and that can dry out or irritate the most reactive skin.
© Getty Images– It also raises many doubts whether it should be used as the first or second step of double cleansing.
For oily skin, it is recommended to replace the cleansing oil as the first step of double cleansing. In the morning, it may be enough, although it is preferable to use a traditional cleanser specific to each skin if we are going to do a single cleansing step. At night it is recommended to follow it with a suitable cleanser for a deep clean.
– Why do you think micellar water provokes adoration and criticism in equal measure?
Opinions are divided because, although it is an easy-to-use and very practical product, it is sometimes expected to replace more specific cleaners. Its effectiveness depends on how it is incorporated into the routine and each individual’s skin type.
Expert recommendation
- Combination skin: Isdin Micellar solution, ideal for balance without drying
- Oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Ultra Micellar Water, perfect for sebum control
- dry skin: La Roche Posay oil mixing water, with biphasic oil formula
- Skin with rosacea: Bioderma Sensibio H2O, specially formulated for sensitive skin
- mature skin: Endocare Hydrative Micellar Water, anti-pollution and moisturizing
