Should you use micellar water before or after cleanser?

Why does micellar water go first?

Micellar water can serve as your makeup remover, followed by a gentle face wash. Most cleansers do not remove all makeup, so giving makeup removal its own step is practical rather than bathroom choreography. This order is especially useful in the evening, when you need to remove makeup before bed.13

How to use micellar water and cleanser together

1. 1Use micellar water first to remove your makeup.
2. 2Wet your face with lukewarm water. Apply a gentle cleanser with your hands and massage gently, without scrubbing.
3. 3Rinse the cleanser off thoroughly, then gently pat your face dry with a towel rather than rubbing.
4. 4Apply moisturizer after cleansing. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

Should you use micellar water after washing?

For makeup removal, put micellar water before your face wash rather than adding it afterward. Toner is a separate, optional step that comes after cleansing if you choose to use one. Micellar water does not need to occupy that position simply because it looks like another watery product.1

Do you need both every morning and night?

No. Reserve the makeup removal step for when you have makeup to remove, rather than automatically washing twice every morning and evening. Cleansing is meant to remove dirt, oil, makeup and sunscreen, not to create a longer attendance register for bottles. A basic morning routine starts with cleanser, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen.124

For oily skin, cleanse up to twice daily and after sweating. Choose a mild, gentle face wash rather than a strong wash intended to dry your skin out. Harsh cleansing can irritate skin and trigger increased oil production. Even oily skin needs moisturizer after cleansing, and scrubbing is not a better way to remove makeup.3

What if your skin is dry or sensitive?

An extra cleansing step is not automatically better. Too much washing removes the surface oil film, increases water loss and can leave skin excessively dry. Sensitive skin can sting during or just after cleansing. If using both products leaves your skin irritated, reduce unnecessary cleansing rather than adding more products to compensate.4

Introduce new products one at a time. For sensitive skin, test a pea sized amount behind your ear along the jawline and wait a day or two before applying it to your whole face. Avoid heavily fragranced products. If a product causes skin irritation or contact dermatitis, an inflamed skin reaction, stop using it and make an appointment with a dermatologist.12

Be particularly careful with acne cleansers if you also use acne treatments that stay on the skin: too much treatment can cause excessive dryness and irritation. If you take isotretinoin, dryness is common; apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp after cleansing and whenever it feels dry.45