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Makeup cleansing wipes have been popular all over the world for quite some time. I can definitely understand why – makeup wipes are so convenient! Unfortunately, despite their popularity and convenience, makeup wipes are not the healthiest things to regularly apply to your skin. Do you happen to use makeup wipes on a regular basis? If so, you may need to reconsider your cleansing routine as soon as possible. This article provides guidance on why makeup cleansing wipes are the absolute worst!
1. Makeup Wipes Don’t Actually Remove Everything
Without a doubt, makeup wipes can be addictively satisfying. You can easily pull a wipe out of the package and swipe it across your face to “remove” your makeup in a matter of seconds. Then, you can examine the wipe to find “evidence” that your makeup has been removed. Here’s the sad truth, ladies: makeup wipes don’t actually remove everything off of your face.
Unfortunately, makeup wipes do not effectively cleanse the skin as well as facial cleansers and water do. Makeup wipes do partially remove makeup and bacteria present on the surface of the skin. However, makeup wipes do not thoroughly break down and cleanse oil, dirt, and makeup beneath the surface. Instead of cleansing and removing the day’s grime, you can end up just smearing and redistributing it all over your face!
By failing to provide a thorough cleanse, makeup wipes can leave behind makeup, dirt, and oil that can clog pores and cause breakouts. In addition, many makeup wipes leave behind a film that can contribute to additional skin irritation.
2. Makeup Wipes Contain Harsh Ingredients
Sadly, makeup wipes contain harsh ingredients that are harmful to the skin. Most makeup wipes contain alcohol, sulfates, fragrances, and chemical preservatives that will not be rinsed away with water. These ingredients can be drying, cause allergic reactions, and be problematic to sensitive skin.
One of the most common cleansing ingredients found in makeup wipes is sodium lauryl sulfate. Unfortunately, this cleansing agent is known for being irritating to the skin and eyes.
In addition, makeup wipes contain preservatives to extend the shelf life and stop bacteria from growing on premoistened wipes. Anti-microbial preservatives such as Diazolidinyl urea can be very irritating and drying to the skin.
Be sure to look out for problematic ingredients when purchasing makeup cleansing wipes!
3. Makeup Wipes Can Cause Skin Irritation
Have you ever noticed that your face looks a bit red or rashy after using a makeup cleansing wipe? Makeup wipes contain harsh, drying ingredients that can cause redness and skin irritation.
In addition to containing harsh ingredients, makeup wipes contribute to unnecessary skin exfoliation. While exfoliation is important for healthy skin, too much of it is a bad thing! The texture of most makeup wipes is harsh enough to be considered a mechanical exfoliant. Over-exfoliation due to prolonged use of makeup wipes destroys the delicate surface layer of your skin.
4. Makeup Wipes Accelerate Aging
Unfortunately, makeup wipes can cause premature aging. When you use a face wipe, it is common to roughly rub your skin with it. Consistent abrasive rubbing can cause micro-tears that lead to wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loose skin.
In addition, consistent face wipe usage can cause dehydration, strip the skin’s natural oils, and disrupt the pH of the skin’s acid mantle. The acid mantle is a delicate layer on the surface of the skin that helps keep moisture in and viruses and bacteria out. Aging happens naturally, so let’s not accelerate the process!
5. Makeup Wipes Are Bad For The Environment
From a sustainability perspective, makeup wipes are terrible for the environment. Unfortunately, makeup wipes contain non-biodegradable plastic and synthetic fibers such as rayon, polyester, and polypropylene. Makeup wipes containing such fibers can prevent them from being recyclable or compostable. These fibers can also contaminate oceans because many wipes are unable to naturally biodegrade.
In addition, when you toss your makeup wipes into the trashcan, they can end up in landfills. The problem with landfills is that they can prevent makeup wipes (even biodegradable wipes) from breaking down.
Solution: Double Cleanse Instead
Instead of torturing your skin with makeup wipes, try the double cleansing method. Double cleansing is a super gentle approach to removing makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin. Double cleansing involves cleansing your face two times – first, with an emulsifying oil-based cleanser and second, with a regular water-based cleanser. There are so many amazing skin benefits (moisturizing, anti-aging, acne prevention, etc.) to double cleansing and I’m sure your skin will thank you!
For more information about double cleansing, please check out this post: How To Master The Art Of Double Cleansing
I hope that this article helps you better understand why makeup cleansing wipes are the absolute worst!
Love,
Miracle With Grace
