03 April 2023 , 10:24
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Skincare and having a full skincare routine has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years, with celebrities and make up artists releasing entire brands built for your skin.
Many of us can't afford to have multi-step routines, taking up time every evening that our busy lives can't spare - so we turn to trusty micellar water to remove our makeup then hop into bed, feeling clean.
It turns out this might not be the best method after all as TikToker @IAmKareno shared her skin barrier had been damaged by cotton pads and micellar water, according to her facialist.
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Skincare expert Rachel says you're unlikely to be cleaning your skin well enough (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Kareno said: "I just came out of a facial and the facialist said that I have these raw spots on my cheeks because my skin barrier is so weak there because I've been using micellar water and a cotton pad to rub my face.
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"Don't do that, I've learnt the hard way. It's raw."
Pink patches are visible on her cheeks where the skin is irritated but a damaged skin barrier can lead to complaints like dry patches, soreness, and acne breakouts.
Skincare specialist, Rachael Robertson, explained: "I like to think of the skin barrier in the same way as you would the body's immune system. It's there to protect us and keep the bad stuff out and the good stuff in.
"If you have an impaired immune system, you are less protected from infection than if you had a fully functioning one. It's the same for the skin that if your barrier is impaired, you’re more likely to experience skin concerns.
"In addition to this, the way that medicinal treatments work more effectively on a person with a functioning immune system, and you see a better result, it's the same for our barrier and our skincare. Products cannot work to their full potential if it's impaired."
Your skin barrier can be damaged by a variety of things from pollution to lack of SPF but Rachel, who founded Bedew Skin, warned that abrasive or harsh topical products and tools can also be a problem.
This includes both cotton pads and micellar water if not used carefully and the expert doesn't recommend using the popular makeup removal method at all.
"While I don't recommend micellar waters, if you do like to use them use them as a first cleanse, make sure you remove it all with your second cleanse," she said. "Cotton pads are ok as a first removal step if you have to, however you won’t get a thorough cleanse with one."
Micellar water is designed to break down the oils, dirt and makeup sitting on your skin and "the ingredients to do that can be a bit harsh" so it's always best to wash your face after using it anyway.
Rachel added: "Cotton pads do not have the texture needed to clean skin effectively especially if you wear SPF and makeup. What you'll tend to find is that you'll use more and more pads with more and more micellar water because you keep seeing dirt on the cotton pad - it's going to take a very long time to get your skin anywhere near clean!
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"This excessive cleansing over and over is what can cause the skin barrier damage."
She recommends swapping micellar water for an oil based cleanser and using cotton pads sparingly if at all - although they are helpful for removing any eye makeup, just be gentle.
Rachel added: "Strip your routine right back to basics and come from a place of hydration and nourishment. During the day, cleanse with a gentle oil cleanser and remove using a cleansing cloth, use a hydrator, seal with moisturiser and wear SPF.
"In the evening the same routine without SPF will be best to get your skin barrier happy and healthy. From here you can start to expand your routine again if you want to, just be careful not to overdo it."