Why Face Wipes are so bad for your skin

Facial cleansing wipes have revolutionized the skincare industry, with almost every major brand developing their own variety.

They are, however, the one thing the majority of Pai customers simply cannot tolerate, with many reporting stinging, burning or redness after use.

In fact, a close friend of mine who isn’t prone to sensitivity at all recently woke up with flakey, inflamed and itchy eyes after using a well-known brand of ‘gentle’ wipes nightly.

Why are face wipes bad for your skin?

While they are super convenient, by their very nature facial wipes have to be soaked in some pretty potent ingredients.

Moist cloths packed on top of each other are a breeding ground for bacteria.

They sit on shelves for up to 18 months on a warm shop floor, and so require high levels of preservatives, alcohol and anti-bacterial agents to keep them usable.

These harsh synthetics are then rubbed vigorously into the skin, particularly around the delicate and extra-thin eye area.

As well as irritation, high levels of alcohol can also cause extreme dryness and premature ageing.

Particular ingredients to watch out for are:

–    Propylene Glycol and Dipropylene Glycol (irritants)
–    Parabens (controversial ingredients, here’s why)
–    Phenoxyethanol (irritant)
–    2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1, 3-Dio (potent anti-microbial agent that carries the highest hazard rating, 8-10, on the Skin Deep Ingredients database. Read more here).

Why cleansers are better

Face wipes only remove impurities from the skin’s surface, and so have no other meaningful skin benefits.

A high-performance oil cleanser, like our NEW Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil removes every last trace of makeup, without any stinging or irritation. And because it contains our wonder-ingredient Rosehip Oil, skin is left feeling nourished and radiant too.

If a cream cleanser is more your thing, our bestselling Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is completely chemical, irritant and alcohol-free, and its high levels of Omega 3, Vitamin A, B, C & E keep skin soft and supple. Depending on how much makeup or SPF you wear, you might even like to use them both, as part of a double cleanse routine each evening.

Remember every part of your skincare regime contributes to a clear, glowing complexion, so there’s no point investing in a premium moisturiser and then using face wipes!