Micellar water is one of the most common products in the skincare routine of many, many women, worldwide. It’s not surprising, as micellar cleansing water is a great, easy-to-use, no-rinse tool to gently and effectively remove makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin surface – while preserving its natural oils.
However, if you are dealing with acne prone skin, you are probably more careful when choosing any skincare product – including micellar waters. And, you are looking for the skincare products that will not clog your pores.
Now, micellar water contain micelles, and once you find out those are actually tiny oil molecules – little balls of oil – you get a mini panic attack. I understand, any mention of “oil” in your skincare products frightens you.
So it is completely normal if you are now wondering if micellar water will make your pores clogged, cause acne breakouts, or will it affect the inflammation related to acne?
Or, on the contrary, maybe it could be beneficial and actually remove dirt and excess oil from your acne-prone skin?
To figure the answer out, make sure you read this article. It is highly important how you will incorporate micellar water into your skincare regime – so it removes makeup and impurities in the most effective way, without causing acne or blocking pores.
What Is Micellar Water?
Micellar water is a no-rinse cleansing solution, which is made of tiny micelle molecules suspended in purified, demineralized, soft water. And these tiny micelles, which are actually oil molecules, attract and help remove dirt and oil, makeup, and other impurities, cleansing your skin.
Furthermore, it is great for everyone’s skin, as it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin types. You just need to choose it according to your skin type.
In fact, one study proved that it actually acted anti-inflammatory, i.e., reducing inflammation, decreasing the symptoms of rosacea, and calming the irritated skin1.
This study involved sixty people suffering from rosacea, who incorporated micellar water into their everyday routine in a regime suitable for sensitive and redness-prone skin.
The results, after 8 weeks, have shown visible improvements, with an enhanced clinical appearance – and (wait for it) – a decrease in symptoms associated with rosacea patients.
So, its safety is scientifically backed up in the most sensitive group.
Also, micellar waters don’t strip off your skin, meaning that cleansing with micellar water still keeps your skin’s surface natural oils, which is highly important for skin health and regulation of skin problems of any kind.
So, micellar water is something in between a regular cleanser and a makeup remover.
It is best to used it as an oil-based cleaner, as a first step of the double cleansing method2.
It’s important to remember that micellar water differs a lot from a toner. These two products are not interchangeable.
Although, as previously said, it is suitable for any skin type, if you have acne-prone skin types or oily skin, note that you should wash your face off after using micellar water, as the micellar water residue on the skin could clog pores!
Keep reading to find out more!
Micellar Water – Benefits
According to what’s already said, you can conclude that micellar water does have various benefits for your skin. But what are those?
- It is gentle and lightweight
Among other things, micellar water is lightweight and gentle to your skin. It doesn’t produce any foam, nor does it contain harsh ingredients at all. As such, it doesn’t strip your skin surface3.
Furthermore, some types of micellar cleansing water contain ingredients that help soothe your skin and prevent further irritation, such as glycerin and chamomile.
Make sure you check the ingredient list to see if your micellar water contains it.
- Perfect for double cleansing
Micellar water is a great cleanser, as it contains small cleansing oil molecules that act something like magnets that attract (and remove) dirt, makeup, and other impurities on the skin’s surface.
However, if you have acne prone skin (or oily skin), you should make sure to wash your face after it – therefore, it is a great tool for double-step cleansing method of your skin care routine.
It can easily remove makeup (maybe not the heavy makeup, though), dirt, sunscreen, or other impurities.
- Convenient to use
It is very easy to use micellar water. You just need a cotton pad!
And, as you don’t have to rinse it off (if you don’t have acne), you don’t need access to water – so you can use micellar water anywhere and clean your face or remove your makeup in a minute or so. It is very easy to use!
- Skin friendly
Besides being a cleansing water, it may also help you hydrate your skin and calm your sensitive skin4.
While it is very effective in removing skin surface grime, makeup, and impurities, micellar water does so without stripping the natural oils from your skin, which could disturb your skin’s natural balance.
Why would that be bad? Well, in that case, your skin would not be able to hold moisture anymore, and the protective barrier would be disturbed, as well – you would end up with dry skin, prone to infections and irritation.
Micellar water works the opposite way, keeping the skin’s natural moisture.
Micellar Water – Drawbacks
Being safe and effective, micellar water, like any other skincare product, still has some teeny tiny drawbacks. Let’s see what are its minuses.
- Oily
As mentioned before, micellar water contains small oil drops – micelle molecules. So, those of you with oily skin, and especially those with acne prone skin should be careful.
Why? Well, those tiny oily micelles can clog pores, unfortunately, leading to acne outbreaks. However, there is a simple solution – make micellar water the first step of your cleansing routine.
So, remove the surface residue of micellar water from your skin surface. There are also some specialized micellar waters on the market, for those of you with oily complexion, prone to acne breakouts – to prevent new acne, or not to make your acne worse.
- Not powerful enough
Being a gentle cleanser, micellar water may not be as powerful in heavy or waterproof makeup removal, as would a dedicated makeup remover or a more potent oil cleanser.
However, even if you wear some heavy, waterproof makeup, you can still use micellar water as your cleansing water, after removing your makeup with another makeup remover, and before another cleanser in your skincare routine.
Does Micellar Water Give You Pimples?
Micellar cleansing water is generally considered a safe product for all skin types, including acne-prone skin types.
Still, some people may experience acne outbreaks or clogged pores from it.
If you use it the wrong way – micellar water may clog pores are give you acne and pimples.
Yes, you read that correctly. It is, therefore, very important to learn how to use it correctly.
Breakout can be caused by certain pore-clogging or irritating ingredients, but also because you use micellar water without properly cleansing the skin afterward.
And if you are worried by the fact the micellar waters contain oils – you need to know that not all oils are bad for your skin.
Some oils, like those found in micellar water, can help you achieve skin’s natural balance and control oil production, which is actually good for your oily skin and will reduce the risk of new acne formation.
Can Micellar Water Clog Skin?
This is hard to tell, as it depends on several factors. So, it is crucial to know how to use micellar water and which micellar water is safe for your skin.
You should always – and especially if you have skin problems, perform a patch test before incorporating new skincare products into your routine.
If you don’t wash away the micellar water residue from your skin, it can definitely contribute to new blemishes formation, resulting in new acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.
Also, using micellar water which contains other pore-clogging active ingredients can result in breakouts, as well. So, choose and use wisely!
Final Verdict: Does Micellar Water Cause Acne?
Using micellar water itself is not likely to cause acne. On the contrary, it can be beneficial, by promoting natural oil production balance.
However, you need to rinse it to cleanse the skin properly5 – and you just MUST choose the micellar waters made for the skin that is acne-prone or sensitive.
Is Micellar Water Good For Acne?
Micellar waters can be good for acne! As we mentioned before, the oils present in micellar water can aid the skin in maintaining and restoring the natural balance in sebum production, which also reduces the risk of new breakouts and acne formation.
If you wonder can micelle molecules from micellar water clog pores – well, they might.
Therefore, after the micellar cleansing water, clean your face one more time with other (skin-friendly) cleansers, wash your face, and remove micellar water residue with a cotton pad.
Note that the micellar water is also alcohol-free, while other cleansers may contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals that can disrupt the skin’s natural balance and dry out your skin, leaving you with dry, sensitive skin, which in turn may still result in new breakouts.
Note that traditional soaps may do exactly the same thing to your skin. That is why traditional soaps should not replace regular cleansers.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Micellar Water?
Yes, dermatologists DO recommend micellar water for a gentle cleansing.
Although they agree it is good for any skin type, dermatologists will agree that micellar water still can not replace a regular cleansing solution,
So, after you clean your face with micellar water, make sure you follow up with another cleanser.
In fact, proper care of the skin which is acne-prone, the most important step in your skin care routine is proper cleansing, and removing dirt, oil, bacteria, makeup, and other impurities that can cause clogged pores and – in turn – acne.
If you are still worried and wonder will your micellar water clog pores – note that micellar water is a great first step in your double cleansing routine.
It is a great first make up remover, and – besides make up removal – an excellent first cleanser of any impurities and debris on your face. Did you know that micellar water can even remove sunscreen residue!
However, skin experts will always recommend any acne fighter – to follow it up with your regular cleansers. In that way, micellar water can even help you prevent acne, by keeping your skin clean and free from any pore-clogging “materials”.
Should You Wash Your Face After Using Micellar Water?
As previously explained – you should wash off the micellar water residues from your skin surface, using another gentle cleanser, like a gel, or a foam cleanser.
Micellar waters are actually great options for the first part of double cleansing.
However, in order to prevent clogged pores and (new) acne, make sure you get rid of all the micellar water residues.
Although this step is not a must, it is definitely recommended. Micellar cleansing water may leave a thin film on your skin surface, which may block your pores and disrupt the natural sebum or oil secretion.
This is the skin’s natural balance we were explaining before.
In turn, the oil may accumulate in your poor, blocked pores, which may end up in a noticeable inflammation and acne breakout.
For that reason, it is better to stay on the safe side and wash off your face with another, gentle cleanser, or simply – just warm tap water.
You probably don’t want to risk new acne (or acne worsening), right?
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
Resources:
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/
- https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/
- https://www.insider.com/
