Traditionally, a skin cleansing regimen involves a three-step process, starting with an eye makeup remover, following with a foaming or exfoliating face wash and ending with an essence or a toner. This process for clear, glowing skin is tried and true, however, there is an even better way to achieve youthful, supple skin by shaking up the standard, just a bit.
Pronounced my-cell-ar, this cleansing water has long been a popular product among celebs, make-up artists and dermatologists. It’s certainly not new but all the hype around it is and much deserved.
It looks like water, has no scent, and shares similar characteristics with the life-giving element. However, micellar water feels much different than what’s flowing out of the faucet. Its unique, multi-tasking texture can be credited to the tiny particles of cleansing oil suspended in ultra-soft H2O called micelles. These little helpers can take our skincare game from functional to fabulous.
Read on to learn more about micellar water and how you can integrate it in your skincare regimen.
While there are a few reputable stories about the origins of this must-have beauty product, the majority of the beauty industry credits its origins to the French. Years ago, people would avoid cleansing their faces with tap water because considered harsh and potentially unclean in some areas. Instead, they mixed surfactants with purified water and swiped over the skin to remove dirt, grime, and makeup.
But what are surfactants, you may wonder. Surfactants are substances contained in skincare and haircare, as well as dish soaps and detergents, responsible for removing oil and grease from a surface. They are bonded molecules made up of two individual molecules that typically repel each other. A surfactant molecule consists of a hydrophilic head that loves water and a lipophilic tail that loves oil. By chemically marrying these two vastly different molecules, the hydrophilic head dissolves into the water it’s added to while the lipophilic tail goes in search of the oil that it’s attracted to. Adding surfactants to purified, soft water boosts the water’s ability to dissolve oil which usually resides on our foreheads, noses, and chins.
Not all cleansers and surfactants are equal!
Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils by using chemicals - like alcohol - in an effort to achieve clean skin. [ comfort zone ] formulates cleansers that do not contain alcohol, SLES or SLS, to achieve squaky clean while preserving its natural levels of hydrations and moisture.
[ comfort zone ]'s Micellar Water contains delicate, natural-origin surfactants in its acqueous solution. These micro-micelles trap oil, grease and grime making their removal quick and easy with the help of a cotton pad. The Betaine (a natural osmolyte) contained in the formula helps to remove make-up while also mimicking the action of a toner. The perfect “three-in-one” product for those who tend to be lazy with their skincare or want to remove make-up in under one minute!
Micellar water is unique from other skincare cleansers products in a variety of ways, but most notably, you don’t have to rinse it off and you can avoid the use of a toner before your serum or booster and your cream. Micellar water can be easily utilized on the go, post-workout, and when transitioning from a day at the office to a night downtown to refresh your skin and prepare it for a makeup touch-up.
Sometimes traditional cleansers can be a little too aggressive, removing the natural oils contained in your skin barrier, causing irritation, dryness and sensitized skin. Micellar water effectively cleanses the dirt and oils on top of your skin without affecting or damaging your skin's protective barrier.
[ comfort zone ] Micellar Water also contains Betaine, a natural osmolyte that preserves the skin's hydration for softness and silkiness.
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is a natural osmolyte extracted from sugar beets. Physiologically found in the skin, it maintains an optimal state of liquids inside and outside the cells, preserving hydration and vitality even in compromised situations (extreme temperatures, pollution, sun exposure). It makes the make-up remover gentle and respectful of the skin’s physiology.
No matter your skin type, micellar water deserves a place in your cabinet, especially if you are looking for a vegan, natural solution. Our Micellar Water has a fragrance-free formula made of 99% natural-origin ingredients and free from animal derivatives, artificial colorants, parabens and silicones.
If your skin is extremely dry and irritable use Micellar Water morning and evening as a second step after Remedy Cream to Oil. The Betaine lubricates the skin, fortifying its natural barrier and catering to a soft, supple appearance. When paired with a brightening serum and a night cream, micellar water lays the foundation for total hydration.
On the contrary, if your skin is rather oily, you should consider pairing this product with an acne-fighting cleanser and light-weight moisturizer. Micellar cleansing water is incredibly effective at dissolving dirt and penetrating clogged pores, which is helpful for those struggling with blemishes and breakouts. Also consider pairing this product with an acne-fighting cleanser and lightweight moisturizer, like [ comfort zone ] Active Pureness formulas.
Lastly, if your skin falls within the combination type, you can replace standard makeup removers - which often add oil and grease to an already dirty face - with micellar water.
Micellar water is convenient and easy to use. It can be used in a one-step cleansing routine or fit within multi-step skincare, depending on your skin’s needs.
For particularly heavy makeup, like full-coverage foundation and waterproof mascara, micellar water can be used as second step in conjunction with traditional make-up removers for a perfect Double Cleansing Routine.
The usage of [ comfort zone ] Micellar Water varies according the area of the face to be treated. Let's see how to make the most of your cleanser.
• Face and lips: apply the product to cotton pads and remove make-up with circular movements.
• Eyes: apply the product to cotton pads, place on the eyes and leave to act for a few seconds, and then proceed with removal without outward
movements.
• For deep cleansing: especially for the removal of heavy make-up, the product can be used as a second step after [ comfort zone ] Essential, Active Pureness or Remedy cleansers,ensuring the complete removal of all make-up and impurities, leaving a pleasurable sensation of freshness. The application can be repeated until the skin is completely clean, and if desired, the face can be rinsed with warm water.
Ready to add this innovative, clean formula to your beauty routine? Please check our Spa Locator to find the Spa or Beauty Salon closer to you and ask for more tips to one of our [ comfort zone ]'s professional therapists.
