Convenient, inexpensive, and extremely popular, there’s no doubt that facial wipes are now firmly part of our lives and here to stay. But are they any good for our skin?
Facial wipes are an easy and effective way to remove makeup at the end of the day or to rid the sleep from our eyes when we are rushing to get ready in the mornings. They work by dissolving the makeup on the skin’s surface, and lifting it off and onto the wipe so that the skin appears to look clean. Some wipes are enriched with vitamin C and can leave skin with a radiant glow.
However, facial wipes don’t often cleanse the skin, instead, the chemicals used to keep them moist can add to the bacteria left deep within pores, along with other impurities like sweat, oil, and air pollutants. These chemicals can also have a dehydrating effect on the skin, leading to dry patches and enhancing the appearance of broken capillaries (spider veins).
Applying pressure around our face every day to remove foundation, eyeliner, and mascara may take its toll on our skin’s elastin and cause it to sag. This can exacerbate the facial signs of ageing, particularly around the eyes where the skin is thinner and collagen production is less responsive.
Even worse, experts warn that using facial wipes on a regular basis could damage skin cells, preventing them from holding moisture and acting as a protective barrier against the elements. This can make skin more prone to irritants and allergens, which can cause soreness and breakouts.
We believe the solution is to use micellar water most days and save the facial wipes for when time is limited. Also, this should form just part of your skincare regime rather than be the highlight.
Pronounced ‘my-sell-or’, micellar water is made up of purified water, moisturisers, and surfactants. It is gentle and kind to skin, its benefits include removing acne-causing bacteria, and hydrating and soothing skin without causing irritation.
Facial wipes and the environment
Disposable wipes are not only potentially bad for our skin, but they are not great for the planet either, with some 9.3 million Top-10-Plastics-Action-Map-web.pdf of them being flushed away each day, they can block sewage pipes and end up on our beaches.
Many wipes consist of plastic in the form of non-biodegradable polyester because this material is a cheap alternative to cotton, wool, and wood pulps. Unlike natural fibres, polyester doesn’t break down at landfill sites, it can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, and it can’t be widely recycled.
When choosing a pack of facial wipes, try opting for one that not only cleanses impurities but also hydrates and nourishes your skin. Furthermore, please consider our planet by choosing a biodegradable wipe made from natural plant fibres or pulp that naturally decomposes.