- Makeup remover may cause irritation if not rinsed off for people with sensitive skin.
- Micellar water contains molecules that act like magnets for dirt and makeup.
- READ MORE: What is micellar cleansing water and which is the best?
Dermatologists and makeup lovers know well the fundamental rule: always wash your face before going to bed.
And few products make it easier than micellar water, an H20-based solution that works like a magnet to remove eye and face makeup with a few simple swipes of a cotton pad.
But dermatologists now say the billing of leave-in products is leaving people with irritated, blotchy skin and watery eyes.
Micellar water is made up of small spheres of molecules called micelles that attract and remove dirt from the skin.
But micelles can alter the structure of the skin, according to New York-based dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, who saying: “My recommendation is to always rinse off the micellar water just to be safe.”
Dermatologists warn that not rinsing micellar water can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin
Micellar water has become a major source of revenue for cosmetic brands. Garnier micellar water is flying off the shelves at a rate of 15 bottles per minute.
That is equivalent to 900 bottles per hour, 21,600 bottles per day, 151,200 per week and almost eight million bottles per year.
The molecules within the liquid are called surfactant molecules and are found in most detergents.
These molecules have two ends. One attracts water and the other attracts oils, which means that the product is able to bring together two ingredients that are not normally combined.
Micellar water also contains another chemical called humectant that attracts and binds moisture to the skin.
But people with sensitive skin should be careful.
Dr Nazarian said: “Although most people can tolerate surfactants on their skin (especially if they are mild), some are irritating and some people may even be allergic to them.
“If you are allergic to surfactants, your skin may become red, itchy, or swollen with repeated use.”
If a product has added fragrance, that could also increase irritation.
Dr. Shirley Chi, a board-certified dermatologist in California, saying: “There are some people who can’t leave anything on their skin because they are very reactive, so they would have to rinse with micellar water.”
Experts add that this irritation can be especially acute in the eye area.
Beverly Hills dermatologist Julia T Hunter says not rinsing your face could leave makeup residue on sensitive eye skin, potentially obstruction of the sebaceous glands of the eyelids.
This can lead to infection, which can lead to itching, swelling, dryness, and ultimately watery eyes.
Micellar water is recommended for all skin types and is very effective in removing most makeup. However, an oil or traditional cleanser and water may be necessary to remove waterproof mascara and a thick layer of foundation.
New York-based dermatologist Shereene Idriss saying: ‘If you use makeup, heavier makeup or even light makeup, if you take a white towel after using a cotton pad with micellar water, there may be some residue left. That’s why I personally use it as the first cleanse in my routine.’