Monday

Welcome to Monday! We’re beginning another week of self-care with:

• If cotton rounds are harmful to your skin

• What to know about cotton rounds for skincare

• Keeping your mind sharp by learning a new language

• If you can use micellar water as dry shampoo

Are Cotton Rounds Actually Harmful To Our Skin?

Cotton rounds are a common item in many people’s skincare routines — but could they be causing more harm than good?

Many people have begun to rethink the place of cotton pads in their skincare routine as user @IamKareno shared on TikTok that their facialist said the raw spots on their cheeks were due to rubbing micellar water-soaked cotton pads on their face.

Experts told HuffPost that cotton pads may not clean the skin very well, and they can cause irritation.

Especially if you scrub or scour your skin, cotton pads may be too abrasive. This can be damaging to your skin. Over time, cotton pads could weaken your skin barrier and cause a host of issues.

Instead, experts recommend using a gentle reusable cotton fabric and using gentle motions on your skin. (As a bonus, this is great for the environment, too!)

What To Know About Micellar Water for Skincare

Micellar water is praised as a simple way to remove makeup. However, before integrating any new product into your routine, it’s important to know how it may impact your skin.

As shared by Medical News Today, micellar water works as it’s made up of micelles, or “tiny clusters of molecules” that bind to oil to remove makeup and other substances.

It can be cleansing and hydrating, and since it’s lightweight, it can be a solid option for those with sensitive skin.

However, while it can take off a large amount of makeup, it may not remove waterproof or other more difficult-to-get-off products.

You’ll still likely want to cleanse your skin after using micellar water, especially if you’ve been wearing makeup or other heavy products, to ensure your skin gets thoroughly clean as you don’t rinse off micellar water the way you would a soap.

Secondly, experts speaking with HuffPost said that micellar water can be harsh if left on the skin, which is another reason why it’s good to follow up a micellar water step with a traditional cleanser.

In summary, micellar water can be a good product to add to your skincare routine — but it’s best followed up with a traditional cleanser to protect your skin and ensure it’s thoroughly clean.

Sharpen Your Mind by Language Learning as Your Daily Brain Workout

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Thank you to Babbel for sponsoring Note To Self. 

Can You Use Micellar Water as Dry Shampoo?

Many people have begun to use micellar water for more than removing makeup — they swear by it as a sort of “dry shampoo.”

Experts told NBC that it can help refresh hair without adding on the feeling of extra products that many dry shampoos may create.

However, micellar water has not been studied for use on our strands and won’t create the same volume that dry shampoos will, Michael Medeiros, Revlon Professional stylist and owner of Brisbane’s Moxie Salon, told Elle.

If you are going to use micellar water as a dry shampoo, experts recommend using a pad as you would when applying it to your face and wiping in the direction from your roots downward. If you have dyed hair, it’s also a good idea to strand test to be sure it’s not going to affect the color.

On the whole, experts say this could be an effective way to help cleanse your strands — but it might not be as effective as dry shampoo, and may leave your hair a bit flat. However, it could be a gentler alternative if you want to give it a try.

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: A lot of dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia globosa.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Ask how you can incorporate more self-love in your skincare routine.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!