Modern cosmetology is constantly updated with new tools. Each of them is perceived differently: something remains for many years in women's cosmetic bags, and something quickly becomes uninteresting. There are also cosmetic preparations that companies are actively promoting to the masses. One such remedy is micellar water. She entered the cosmetology market recently, but quickly took a leading position among cleansing cosmetics.
What are micelles?
The study of micellar water should begin with micelles, from which the name came. Micelles are particles formed from surfactants (surfactants) at a certain concentration in water. Among micellar products, various cleansing cosmetics are most famous - for example, facial cleanser. When micelles fall into water, hydrophobic components are attracted to each other.
In fact, micelles seem to be trying to stay away from water. The main properties of these particles are to attract particles of fat, as well as residues of cosmetics. At the same time, micelles also envelop these substances. Surfactants are the connecting bridge between water and fats.
Surfactant molecules form components that look like spherical crystals. Some of their peaks are directed towards the center, while others are directed towards water molecules. The breakdown of fat by surface-active substances occurs due to the fact that drops of fat penetrate and end up inside the micelles, and then are easily washed off with water. Soap solution has similar properties, but it is not suitable for the skin.
In cosmetology, micelles are loved because they reduce irritation from cleansers. It is worth noting that at low concentrations of a substance such as sodium lauryl sulfate, the irritation from the cleansing preparation will be more severe.
This is due to the fact that a small amount does not allow micelles to form, while the activity of some substances also decreases.
The toxic effects of the components are reduced due to the formation of micelles around their molecules. But it’s worth remembering that some substances can still be beneficial for the skin, and a positive effect from them in this case will not be achieved. However, the main property of micelles is that they allow you to remove even the smallest particles of fat, which means they can do great with makeup removal.
The advantages of micelles and micellar water are quite numerous:
- beneficial effect on the skin and saturation with various beneficial components;
- good cleansing of pores of dirt and waste products produced by the sebaceous glands (as a result, acne will practically not appear);
- removal of makeup (including waterproof) or makeup correction;
- high hypoallergenicity;
- excellent skin hydration;
- removal of irritation and healing of microcracks.
However, do not get involved in these miraculous particles if the skin is oily and abundant rashes may appear. Also micellar water is not suitable for women with sensitive skin, pregnant and lactating ladies.
What does it consist of?
The composition of micellar water may be different. You should not choose cosmetics in which there is alcohol, propylene glycol, soap, cetrimonium chloride. All these components have an adverse effect on the skin. However, there are certain components that can be found in all types of this drug.
- Purified water - an important component in a micellar agent. It is best to choose options with melt or glacial fluid, which is an excellent soothing and nourishing agent for the skin. Moreover, the effect of such water is milder.
- Thermal fluid filled with a variety of minerals that have a very beneficial effect on the skin. The flower water obtained during the processing of plants has a cleansing, tonic and moisturizing effect. However, it is well suited to people with problem skin. Sea water is able to cope with edema, smooth out small wrinkles, and give a bactericidal effect.
- Hydrolates heal and heal the skin. This component is an herbal tincture, which differs depending on the type of skin.
- Tenzins are surface active substances. They are necessary for fat molecules to stick together.
- Panthenol and glycerin have a healing and moisturizing effect, fight the feeling of tightened skin. Glycerin is preferably of plant origin.
- Plant extracts you need to choose according to your skin type. For example, normal or oily skin responds well to rosemary, calendula, lavender, mint and various citrus fruits. For owners of dry or hypersensitive skin, chamomile, ginseng, aloe vera, rose, thyme, and sage are suitable.
Women with mature skin should pay attention to the presence of extracts of plants such as lotus, mallow, rose, cornflower, linden, cedar in micellar water.
Types of micellar water depending on the basis
Micellar water is based on various components, and depending on this, the product is divided into the following types.
- "Green chemistry" basically implies the content of nonionic surfactants. Most often you can meet them under the name Coco Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside and others. They help bond dirt and sweat particles without causing damage to the skin. They are often supplemented with coconut oil and sugar.
- Synthesized Poloxamers in the composition are designated as poloxamer 188, 407 and others. Micellar water with such a component has a good interaction with fat particles and does not need to be washed off.
- Polyethylene glycol or PEG - A classic emulsifier that prevents oil and water from exfoliating. However, a safe concentration of this substance is only 20%. In this case, PEG can make the skin dry and irritated or cause contact dermatitis.
Therefore, it is better to rinse the skin with plain water after such micellar water, and then apply a caring cosmetic product on it.
Comparison of formulations of funds of different brands
Before choosing the appropriate micellar water, it is worth considering the compositions from different brands. Indeed, the names of well-known brands may not always contain pleasant surprises. For example, Garnier has alcohol in all types of micellar water, which overdries and tightens the skin. A component such as hexylene glycol may not be suitable for girls with very sensitive skin. Despite these shortcomings, in general, products of this brand do an excellent job of cleansing the skin.
Remedies from Bioderma Sensibio do not contain alcohol, but they contain propylene glycol harmful to the skin, as well as toxic Cetrimonium Bromide. Given the high cost, micellar cosmetics from this brand are clearly inferior to similar preparations from Garnier.
L`oreal creates micellar water based on poloxamer 184. In this case, the most dangerous substance in the composition is hexylene glycol. The tool does an excellent job with makeup and has a sedative effect. Suitable for owners of sensitive skin.
Micellar cosmetics from "Clean Lines" copes well with the removal of dirt and decorative products, but does not fit sensitive skin. Of course, among the positive aspects, it is worth noting the presence of plant extracts and healing allantoin.
Among the harmful components, attention must be paid to the carcinogens DMDM hudantoin and sodium benzoate, as well as sodium methyl paraben. Judging by the composition, the most harmful substances do not exceed the permissible concentration, but not everyone will decide to check it on their skin.
Micellar water from the "Black Pearl" not always able to cope with makeup the first time, while it is notable for its rigid composition. Among the undesirable components are propylene glycol, diazolidinyl (causes eye irritation), Disodium EDTA, DMDM hudantoin preservative, propyl paraben, sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide. A pleasant moment is the presence of extracts of kelp and rose.
Nivea offers a micellar agent with panthenol and almond oil. They do a good job of cleansing and nourishing the skin. The composition does not contain preservatives or perfumes, which allows the use of this water for sensitive skin.
It is worth noting that such a tool can not be washed off.
About what micellar water is and how to use it correctly, see the next video.
