Micellar water is everywhere in the bathroom. However, even if it can be useful in certain situations, its formulation and method of application make it a product that can become aggressive for the skin. It is often applied with cotton pads (not always reusable), which can create micro-lesions on the skin's surface. What's more, it contains surfactants - cleansing agents - so it's really best to rinse it off. 

How does micellar water work?

Micellar water works thanks to a mechanism based on micelles, aggregates of surfactant molecules. Basically:when surfactants, also known as surfactants, are added to water, they organize themselves to form structures called micelles. Micelles are made up of molecules that have a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a lipophilic (lipid- or fat-loving) tail, hence the ability of micellar water to remove most impurities. 

Why can it become aggressive to the skin?

As explained above, micellar water can be a quick and relatively effective solution in certain conditions (for example, if you don't have access to a water source). However, its daily use is not at all ideal, as it is a very aggressive, stripping product that won't leave your skin feeling supple and comfortable. What's more, it doesn't guarantee optimal cleansing, since it cleans mainly on the surface. In addition, cotton pads tend to be rubbed relatively hard on the skin to remove all residues, which is doubly aggressive. Finally, as it contains cleansing agents, if left unrinsed, it can promote dehydration and skin imbalance. Try it out: when you shake your micellar water, it bubbles like soap! 

So how do you cleanse your face properly?

The best cleansing is double cleansing with a cleansing oil and a cleansing gel (or cleansing milk). And why is that? Because these two products have two very distinct functions: 

• Cleansing oil remov es all lipophilic residues - which are "greasy" - such as make-up, sunscreens, sebum... It acts like a magnet, since "fat" attracts "fat". On contact with water, it transforms into milk, enabling it to be rinsed off effectively,
• Cleansing gel or cleansing milk completes the cleansing process. It in turn eliminates the last hydrophilic residues - those that are aqueous - such as perspiration, dust, etc... It also helps rebalance the skin, especially if it contains soothing and calming active ingredients. 

Not only do these two steps complement each other perfectly, they are also gentle on the skin. Both can be used without cotton - which means no unnecessary aggression. Their complementary textures leave skin feeling comfortable and supple, without tightness. Give it a try, and you'll see that your skin has never looked better, and you'll never go back!