A few weeks ago, we blogged about water and skin, namely about thermal spring waters and its therapeutic benefits for skin. This week is Part II about water and skin.
Everyone knows by now that we at HDC are crazy about skincare and skincare products. Although we wish everyone were as infatuated with skincare as we are, we know that’s an unrealistic expectation. So it’s part of our job to fill you in on all the latest and greatest that can make your skincare process easier. Here’s the new buzz…
Have you heard about micellar lately? It has hit the contemporary cosmetic industry by storm, and everyone is humming about it, but only a few actually know what it truly is. If you even pay half a mind to the commercials on television over the last several months, you have probably noticed that micellar cleansing waters are sprouting up across the beauty spectrum and they are hot! Micellars are not new. The word micelle is derived from the French language, and micelles are tiny spheres of cleansing oils suspended in soothing hydrating water. Because of its unique composition, it is a makeup remover, facial cleanser, and moisturizer all in one. It hit the French cosmetic market in the 1990’s when French women needed an alternative to the hard and harsh water of Paris. Although it does not remove heavy long-wear foundation or waterproof eye makeup well (a separate makeup remover for this task is ideal), it can cleanse the face effectively and gently, leaving a hydrated finish. Since it does not contain alcohol or stripping detergents, it is especially well suited for sensitive and dry skin types.
Micellar cleansing water’s micelles contain fatty surfactant molecules that are attracted to and capture dirt, oil, and light makeup. Micellar cleansers have the appearance of water but the texture is completely different. Because of the structure of the micelles, micellar cleansers get the dirt and grime off your face without leaving your face feeling too dry or too oily. Although micellar waters do not foam, as other cleansers do, it does clean the skin thoroughly. Micellar cleasing water is essentially the lazy person’s dream, because all you need is a little bit of micellar soaked onto a cotton pad to wipe the oil, grime, and makeup off your face. With such easy application, it makes cleansing your face no longer a painstaking chore.
Micellar cleansing waters are popping up in every skincare brand from Garnier® to Gucci® to La Mer®. A favorite micellar cleanser at our office is Avene® Micellar Lotion Cleanser. We have been carrying it in our office since we opened last May. This formula quickly and gently removes makeup while leaving you feeling clean and refreshed. If you have had a treatment in the office, you have probably tried this on your face already. Adelle and the staff use it to remove the last traces of patients’ makeup before any cosmetic facial procedure in the office. That’s how you know that we love it, because we use it everyday to prep every patient’s face before an office treatment.
Avene® Micellar Lotion Cleanser is available for purchase at the office. We would love to hear from you, so let us know what you think about micellars.
–Senada with Dr. H.
Thermal Spring Water Is More Than Just H2O: Power of Water Part I
