Micellar Water vs. Thermal Water
Photo by Amy Hamerly
Dear Friends and Readers,
As we wade deeper into the summer, and with my recent journey to Geyserville CA, I had started to think again about: what is the difference between Micellar Water and Thermal Water? Yes I know, not necessarily earth shattering, time sensitive information - but I wanted - dare I say it: needed to know!
First let’s define what the two really are:
Micellar Water: Micellar water has tiny balls of micelles (tiny oil cleansing mollecules) that are suspended in water. Can be used as a type of cleanser or toner for sensitive skin and is non-drying.
AND
Thermal Water: Water that comes from a hot spring, deep in the ground which is heated because of thermal-dynamic activity in the earth. As it rises from deep in the earth (up to a geyser or spring ) it passes through rocks and soil which dissolve to add minerals to the water.
Now why would we use either of these two products?
Let’s start with Micellar Water:
The micellar water that we know today was created by French pharmacy skincare brand Bioderma in 1995, but originally the idea of micellar water, dates back to around 1918 when there were water shortages all over France due to the WWI.
Since the 90’s when it was reintroduced to the French masses it has become one of the foundation products of the French women’s beauty regime . Formulated originally because the water in Paris was so hard, Micellar water has become a national favorite of the beauty loving French - and now it has started to catch on state-side. Micellar waters are super-gentle, so they won’t strip or irritate the skin while cleansing and all skin types can benefit from using it, but it is especially recommend for those with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Some brands are even fortified with vitamins. Another benefit is that the oil droplets in the water can be very hydrating and won’t disrupt the skin’s natural pH like cleansers might.
Cons:
Some people in the beauty industry believe that this should be a pre cleansing step (i.e. the double cleanse method) because the micellar water is not really cleansing the skin, just moving dirt around the face. To get the most beneficial use out of this type of water: pre cleanse with it, and then follow up with a non oil cleanser: (suggestion: Waleda Gentle Cleansing Foam), to really cleanse off both the micelles and the residue of makeup and dirt so that you can have a clean canvass to apply serums, and moisturizer.
How to Use:
Pour some on a cotton ball and gently wipe over the skin. Think of this product as the French version of a toner that rids the skin of light dirt/or refreshes the skin for the day! Follow with sunscreen and moisturizer, foundation and the rest!
Some brands that are loved by French Women:
Thermal Water:
Look in any professional makeup artist's kit and you're bound to find one thing in common: a spray can of Thermal Spring Water. Artists use it to prep skin before application and refresh makeup once it's done. It's an all-natural potion that does some of everything: soothes inflammation, calms redness, and even heals painfully ripped off skin from a waxing gone awry. And thermal water has a celebrity fan club that includes Diane Kruger, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Rita Ora.
Hot springs have long been thought to have therapeutic effects, with people bathing in them to help with all kinds of illnesses. Called: Balneology this is the study of the art and science of baths and bathing in natural mineral waters for health and wellness purposes. Balneology has it’s origins in ancient Egypt, Greece, Roman, Germany, France, Russia, Arabia, China, Japan.
Thermal water from hot springs has a much higher mineral content than regular tap water, although the mineral content of a specific beauty brand’s thermal water is determined by where the water originates. Some of these minerals can include: chlorides, sodium, selenium, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Cons:
But like most things one can over do it. Some dermatologists believe that spraying too much thermal water on your skin can be drying - similarly to washing your hands too much. There are definite benefits to thermal water usage - but it is a fine line between how much spraying is too much. As I have said before: you know your skin. Probably two times a day is plenty with thermal water usage. If you are flying and want to spritz yourself in the air - do so….but just don’t do too much.
How To Use:
I have incorporated using thermal water in my morning toilette - (I am trying to be ‘French’ here!) I usually use a hydrosol, followed by a serum and then spray on my thermal water….I am partial to La Roche Posay! I can’t tell you how wonderful it feels on the skin. After spraying I gently press the thermal water into my face using the palms of my hands and follow with a sunscreen. That is my method - experiment and find a sequence of steps that works for you.
Some brands loved by French Women:
As always stay safe and enjoy!