Dermatologist explains how these products can help cleanse your face
Toners and micellar waters are common products in skincare routines, but they have different compositions and purposes. According to dermatologist Paula Rahal, of Clínica Dr. Otávio Macedo & Associados, in São Paulo, toner is a liquid solution that serves a deeper cleansing, since it removes residues and impurities from the skin that are not removed during the washing phase. It also helps “restore the skin’s pH, to prepare it to receive other products, such as serums, acids and moisturizers.”
Micellar water, in turn, is a solution composed of micelles, small molecules that attract and remove dirt, oil and makeup from the skin without the need for rinsing. “Micellar water is ideal for toning and cleansing the skin, removing makeup, sebum and impurities. Being a gentle and practical option, it is especially recommended for sensitive skin, since it does not contain alcohol in its formulation,” says the doctor.
Both products can be applied to the face using a cotton pad. However, the toner can also be sprayed directly on the face, ensuring a more practical and refreshing application.
Toners for different skin types
There are different types of toners formulated to meet the specific needs of different skin types. See:
1. Oily skin
Toners for oily skin often contain astringent and mattifying ingredients such as salicylic acid, witch hazel, glycolic acid or green tea extracts. They help control excess oilinessminimizing pores and preventing shine all day long.
2. Dry skin
For dry skin, toners should be gentle and hydrating, helping to replenish moisture. “They usually contain ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera,” says Paula Rahal.
3. Sensitive skin
Toners for sensitive skin should be free of alcohol and fragrances and preferably formulated with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, cucumber extract, or rose water. This is because they help soothe irritated skin and minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
4. Combination skin
Combination skin requires a toner that balances oily and dry areas. Look for formulas that combine clarifying ingredients for oily areas, such as those mentioned for oily skin, and gentle, hydrating ingredients for drier areas. Ingredients such as algae extracts, lactic acid, or niacinamide can be helpful in balancing oil production and keeping skin hydrated.
Micellar water for different skin types
According to the dermatologist, micellar water is generally suitable for all skin types due to its gentle and multifunctional formula. However, there are specific variants for different needs:
1. Oily skin
It is recommended to opt for micellar waters that have mattifying and sebum-removing properties. Look for formulas that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, zinc, witch hazel extract, or activated charcoal. These ingredients help remove excess sebum and impurities, leaving the skin clean and fresh without drying out.
2. Dry skin
Dry skin benefits from micellar waters that contain hydrating and soothing ingredients. Give preference to formulas enriched with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, plant extracts such as chamomile or colloidal oatmeal. This is because they help remove impurities while providing hydration and comfort to dry skin, without leaving it tight.
3. Sensitive skin
For sensitive skin, it’s essential to choose micellar waters that are specifically formulated to minimize the risk of irritation. They should be “free of fragrances, alcohol, and other irritants and can contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile,” says Paula Rahal.
4. Combination skin
Combination skin requires a micellar water that balances the oily and dry areas of the face. Look for formulas that combine clarifying ingredients to control oil in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) with gentle, hydrating ingredients for drier areas. This helps maintain skin balance without drying out dry areas or stimulating excess oil in oily areas.
Integrate toner and micellar water into your skincare routine skin care
To get the most out of toner and micellar water, it’s important to know how to properly integrate them into your skincare routine. Each product has its own specific function and, when used correctly, can transform the health and appearance of your skin.
The toner should be applied immediately after cleansing with face soapboth in the morning and in the evening. “It will help balance the pH of the skin and prepare it to absorb subsequent products, which can be a serum or a cream, depending on the skin type. […]”, teaches Paula Rahal. Afterwards, she recommends using sunscreen.
Micellar water can be used to gently cleanse the skin of impurities, sebum and makeup residue. “After application, if necessary, you can apply toner to restore the skin’s pH. Then, apply serum or cream and, finally, sunscreen. It is versatile and can be used alone, for example, on days when you don’t wear much makeup,” concludes the dermatologist.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
