Throw Out Your Makeup Wipes

My skin care regiment consists of only a few things. Often I become open to new trends and the next thing you know, I'm applying ice cubes and frozen foods to my face. But the one thing I will not use? Makeup wipes.

Let's be real, makeup wipes advertise as a makeup remover, and after all the rubbing on your now very red face, there is still makeup left. That's what makes the product in itself a scam. We expose our skin to harsh chemicals and disrupt the acid mantle. The acid mantle is a very thin and slightly acidic film on the surface of the skin that acts a barricade to bacteria, dusts, toxins, etc. When we disrupt our acid mantle, we are allowing harmful products to irritate our skin, causing redness and inflammation.

Makeup wipes are not formulated to clean your skin. Their purpose is to breakdown your makeup. The surface of your skin being makeup free can be very misleading, without proper cleansing you are leaving behind residue.

Skin Friendly Alternatives

Cleansing Balms

Cleansing balms are makeup removers with a thick waxy or buttery texture. They typically melt into an oil as they’re massaged onto skin and emulsify with water during rinsing. Cleansing balms have a consistency that you can slowly work into your skin that act as a great alternative without stripping the skin from its natural oils. They are gentle and enriched with oils that keep the face hydrated and nourished.

The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a product I recommend to all my clients who want to stray from using makeup wipes. This product is non drying and can be used on all skin types.

Double Cleansing

Double cleansing is what it sounds like. You are washing your face twice with two different cleansers. The theory is that washing first with an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based one, will thoroughly eliminate all types of impurities. The oil based cleanser is used to:

• Lift excess sebum

• Unclog pores

• Removing dead skin, pollutants, and makeup

• Help balance the skin and lock in hydration

Then you follow this step with a gentle and water soluble based cleanser to:

• balance the oils on the skin

• remove the remaining residue; sweat, grime, etc.

Be mindful of the products you use to double cleanse. Over exfoliating can be damaging and possible if you are not pairing the right products together.

A gentle and less expensive product is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This water-based face cleanser feels like a huge chug of water for your skin as it contains hyaluronic acid, which retains your skin’s moisture. This product also contains ingredients that brighten your complexion.

Do your skin a favor and invest in good techniques for the best health of your skin. I get it, makeup wipes are quick and bedside friendly. But instead of waiting until you're ready to fall asleep, create a routine for mornings and nights and make time for yourself. Change the mindset and make the time you spend cleansing something to look forward to, rather than an inconvenience.

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