A popular skincare step may be doing more harm than good, according to dermatologists. While micellar water has become a go-to for quick and easy makeup removal, experts are now advising against skipping a follow-up rinse. The seemingly harmless shortcut could be disrupting skin health and hindering the effectiveness of your broader skincare routine, and a growing number of dermatologists, like TikTok’s Dr.Shereene Idriss, are sounding the alarm.
The Skincare Step Many of Us Are Getting Wrong
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When time is short and fatigue sets in, a thorough skincare routine can easily fall by the wayside. Micellar water often seems like the perfect quick fix. A saturated cotton pad sweeps away makeup and daily grime before heading to bed, and many products are marketed as “no rinse” formulas. But dermatologists are increasingly cautioning against skipping a crucial step.
What appears to be a time-saving shortcut may not be ideal for skin health. Shereene Idriss, a dermatologist with a significant following on TikTok where she shares science-backed skincare insights, explains why this common practice can lead to problems. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential for overall skin health, and seemingly small habits can have a big impact.
A Residue Left Behind
To understand why rinsing is important, it’s helpful to know what micellar water actually is. It’s not simply scented water, but rather water infused with micelles. These are tiny clusters of molecules that act as surfactants, or cleansing agents. They have a water-loving (hydrophilic) head and an oil-loving (lipophilic) tail, allowing them to attract and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup like a magnet.
While this technology is effective at dissolving impurities, those cleansing particles remain on the skin if they aren’t removed. Dr. Idriss compares it to using a mild soap. You wouldn’t typically wash your face with a cleanser and then leave the foam sitting on your skin. Leaving these substances behind can disrupt the skin barrier over time, potentially leading to dryness or irritation.
When Rinsing is Key
According to Dr. Idriss, the impact of skipping the rinse depends on your routine and skin type. If you’re only using micellar water to remove a light day cream and aren’t wearing makeup, the risk is lower, but even then, a quick rinse is advisable.
However, if you wear makeup or have sensitive skin, that extra step with lukewarm water is practically essential. Residual dirt can mix with the remaining cleansing agents, potentially causing clogged pores. Additionally, serums and night creams absorb more effectively when applied to truly clean skin, free of an invisible film left by the cleanser.
The Ideal Routine
Does this mean you should discard your micellar water? Absolutely not. It remains one of the most effective ways to remove the initial layers of dirt and makeup. The key lies in the follow-up.
Think of micellar water as the first step in your cleansing routine (the “first cleanse”). Afterwards, rinse your face with water or, even better, use a gentle water-based cleanser to thoroughly remove everything. This allows you to benefit from the convenience of micelles without unnecessarily stressing your skin barrier. It may take an extra thirty seconds, but your skin will thank you.
