What is the difference between a tonic and micellar water and which one is better to choose?

Facial toner and micellar water are two skin care cosmetics that are often considered interchangeable, however, they are not. Both are solutions, but their compositions and functions are nevertheless different. Let's talk about what such cosmetics are intended for and how to choose them.

The toner is used to tone the skin of the face. Cosmetologists consider this procedure to be an integral part of good skin care. Toning should follow immediately after cleansing., that is, the tonic is used after all impurities have been removed from the skin with the help of other means: for this purpose, cosmetic cream, micellar solution, gel for washing, etc. can be used.

The toning solution is used in the second stage of skin care: after cleansing it, but before applying moisturizing or nourishing cosmetics, and in this way the toner differs from micellar water for the face, which is designed to remove makeup and remove impurities, and therefore is used first. These cosmetic products serve different purposes.

In order to clearly show the difference between these two cosmetics, we will compare their compositions, methods of application and principles of action.

The main active component of micellar water is surfactants (surfactants), presented in solution in the form of micelles - spherical groups of molecules.

The molecules that make up micelles have two parts: hydrophilic ("loving water") and hydrophobic ("hating water"), but lipophilic (attracting fat).This property of the molecules allows surfactants to effectively remove impurities.

As additional ingredients, plant extracts, glycerin, zinc and other components with a moisturizing, tonic or sebum-regulating effect can be included in micellar water, but the main task of this cosmetic product is to remove impurities and make-up.

The composition of the face toner depends on the type of skin it is intended for.

So, among the ingredients of tonic solutions for oily and problem skin there may be:

• zinc (gives anti-inflammatory and matting effect);
• tea tree essential oil (has antibacterial properties, reduces inflammation);
• witch hazel extract (removes oily sheen);
• extract of calendula (has a bactericidal effect, soothes the skin);
• BHA-acid (salicylic) (evens out microrelief, exfoliates dead cells);
• alcohol (has an antibacterial effect);
• glycerin (has good moisturizing properties), etc.

Sensitive skin toners often contain the following ingredients:

• allantoin (soothes the skin, promotes its healing);
• thermal water (eliminates irritation);
• chamomile extract (anti-inflammatory);
• almond oil (removes dryness and irritation);
• rose extract (has moisturizing and anti-aging properties), etc.

The components of toners for normal skin can be:

• aloe extract (restores and moisturizes the skin, eliminates irritation);
• hyaluronic acid (has excellent moisturizing properties);
• glycolic and other AHA acids: lactic, citric, tartaric (have an exfoliating, brightening, softening effect), etc.

The principle of action of micellar water is to dissolve and remove cosmetics and impurities from the face. Micellar water is also available for different skin types and for different types of makeup, so it may contain additional ingredients: zinc for matting, glycerin for moisturizing, plant extracts for toning, oils for removing persistent decorative cosmetics.

The specific action of the tonic depends primarily on the ingredients that are in its composition. The composition is determined by what type of skin the cosmetic is designed for. That is why it is recommended to select a tonic with this factor in mind.

The action of tonics for the face is calculated:

• to complete the process of cleansing the skin (removing from it the remnants of cleansers, salts and other impurities that may be present in the water);
• restoration of normal skin pH;
• elimination of problems such as dryness, inflammation, oily sheen (depending on the type of tonic).

When traveling and traveling, cleansing the skin with a micellar solution can be a substitute for washing your face with water and another cleanser. Micellar water is also used in cases where the skin does not tolerate regular washing. Besides, the micellar solution easily removes makeup from the eyes and lips, which is not always possible with other cosmetics.

Make-up is removed with a cotton pad dipped in a micellar solution. First, a cotton pad must be applied to the skin of the eyelids for a while, after which, with light movements, remove cosmetics from the eyes. After that, you should wipe other areas of the face. If necessary, you should use several cotton pads.

At the end of the cleansing process, you need to wash to remove the remnants of the micellar solution from the face.If this is not possible or the skin does not tolerate ordinary water, then after using micellar water, you should immediately go to the use of a tonic.

The toner should be used after cleansing the skin, regardless of what cosmetic product was used for this: a gel for washing with water, milk or a micellar solution. If cleansing was carried out with a micellar solution, then after it you still need to use a tonic, which is also applied to the face with a cotton pad. Toners are usually not intended for use in the eye area.

The main difference between micellar water and tonic is that these products are used at different stages of skin care. Micellar solution - at the stage of cleansing, tonic - at the stage of toning, which comes after. Micellar water removes makeup and impurities from the skin. The tonic prepares her for the action of moisturizing and nourishing cosmetics.

The question of which is better to choose: tonic or micellar water is not correct. Micelle water and tonic are not mutually exclusive, but complementary.

Toning is considered an indispensable component of competent facial skin care, regardless of what product was used for cleansing: cosmetic milk, solution with micelles, or something else. So the question of what to prefer is more relevant in relation to those cosmetic products that are used to cleanse the skin or remove make-up: for example, you can choose between cosmetic milk and micellar water, between gel and powder for washing, etc.

For information on the difference between tonic and micellar water for the face, see the video below.