Are wet wipes good for my skin?
I am really shocked at how many of you are using wet wipes daily in your skin care routine. Maybe after reading this, you will change your mind….I really hope so!
Since opening my salon, Lilyann Beauty at Acklam Hall in Middlesbrough, I have had a lot of clients saying they cleanse daily with wet wipes.
I can understand that when you have no access to water and you need to feel refreshed and clean, you will reach for a wet wipe. For instance, at camping and festivals, or to freshen up quickly at work etc but these are special circumstances
So first of all, I would like you to think about this. These wet wipes are manufactured to sit in a warm shop floor for a period of up to 18 months. The cloths are designed to be folded and to stay moist during this period. This is normally an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. In order for them to stay preserved and moist without growing fungus, they require high levels of preservatives, alcohol and anti-bacterial agents.
Methylisothiazolinone, parabens, alcohol denat (ethanol or ethyl alcohol) and triclosan are some of the toxic ingredients which you’ll find in your cleansing wipes. Formaldehyde releasing chemicals are commonly used as preservatives and yes, formaldehyde is a classified carcinogen under high exposure!
A particular ingredient to look out for is 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1, 3-Diol (this chemical releases very low levels of formaldehyde).
If you are starting to get worried, good!
Cleansing Your Skin
How do you cleanse your skin with your wet wipe I wonder? I can just picture the scene. I assume you have to rub quite vigorously to remove the 24 hour make up that most of us use today. You are in fact rubbing make up and debris into your skin along with the harmful ingredients found in the wipe. This residue is then left on your skin to be absorbed or until you wash your face. (60% of what we use on our skin is absorbed into the body)
Have you ever wiped your face with a towel after using a wet wipe, only to see lots of make up on the towel? This is because the make up has been pressed into the skin and only partly removed. The wet wipe will make you feel refreshed due to its ingredients but your skin will still need cleansing.
Using wet wipes to remove eye make-up is a particular concern, the skin around the eyes is very delicate. You usually need to use the wipe quite vigorously to remove stubborn make up and mascara, I am not even going to mention waterproof mascara! This repetitive tugging and pulling motion alone will drag the skin and cause premature ageing.
Those of you that suffer from eczema or rosacea should avoid wet wipes at all costs as even low-level irritation can cause flare ups. The ingredients and high levels of alcohol can also cause irritation and extreme dryness of the skin.
If you suffer from oily or acne prone skin you might like the feeling of dryness that a wet wipe would give you. Drying the top layer of skin is not always a good idea as it can often cause you to produce more sebum to compensate for the loss of moisture.
A gentle wipe with a wet wipe to remove excess oil is ok, as long as you rinse with clean water in the near future.
As a result of not cleansing your skin effectively, any lotions and creams that you choose to use afterwards would not be properly absorbed into your skin. Therefore the skincare products that you are using after cleansing are being wasted.
A good quality cleanser with natural ingredients can moisturize and condition the skin at the same time as removing make up and debris.
Cleansing takes less than two minutes to do; have you got two minutes for a healthy glowing skin??
If you would like a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to call for a free consultation so that we can discuss what the best products and skin care regime is for you.
Gillian 07508933225
Here are some of my recommended natural organic cleansers that work with the Ph balance of the skin:
Micellular Eye Makeup Remover 100 ml £10.90
An advanced water based formulation containing micelles which attract and gently dissolve make-up and cellular debris from the eye and lip area leaving the skin hydrated and super clean. Suitable for all skin types. Safe for lash extensions
Clear Cleanse Make up Remover 150 mls £18.90
Peach kernel oil and Sunflower oil effortlessly dissolve makeup and sebum while Argan oil and Rice bran oil provide age-defying properties. Sweet Orange, Manadrin and Grapefruit essential oils provide a fresh, zesty, uplifting aroma while Calendula and Green tea extracts soothe and calm the skin. Leaves skin thoroughly clean, nourished and supple.
Ultra Soothing Cleanser 200 mls £18.90
A rich, creamy cleanser with soothing Oatmeal and conditioning Camellia oil, gently ange line spacingcleanses as it nourishes and calms ultra dry or irritated skins. Ideal for eczma, rosacea and sensitive skin
Soothing Cleanser 200mls £14.90
A light textured cleansing lotion with cooling Cucumber and Lettuce extracts. Rich in amino acids to smooth the skin while a soothing blend of essential oils calm and nourish dry skin
Balancing Cleanser 200 mls£14.90
This light textured cleansing lotion with essential oils of Lavender and Jasmine balance and harmonise the skin. Extracts of Sage and Linden Blossom ensure a thorough antiseptic cleansing action. Creamy lotion cleanses without stripping sustaining the skin’s water and oil balance.
Natural antiseptic plant extracts guard against breakouts while herbal aroma provides soothing effect to the senses.
Prurifying Facial Wash 200 mls £14.90
A foaming soap free gel based cleanser for oily breakout prone skin. A unique blend of essential oils helps reduce skin oil while providing anti-septic, anti-bacterial properties for a clear, clean complexion. A blend of coconut tea trea and ylang ylang purify and cleanse oil rich skins. For optimal benefits, use with cleansing brushes.
