Can Face Wipes Replace Your Nightly Cleanse?

Fiction. There are some nights where the thought of cleansing, never the less double cleansing, might seem harder to accomplish than a set of burpees. If you think slathering face wipes on the regular means you’re all good, you might want to reconsider. Certainly, using a wipe is better than not cleansing at all but tread carefully,  says N.Y.C. dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.  Overusing towelettes, as in more than once or twice a week, may cause irritation or skin allergies. “In directly comparing cleansing with a towelette to a traditional cleanser, the traditional product is likely more effective and less aggravating to skin,” says Zeichner. He suggests opting for gentle, hydrating cleansers  (try this mild version, Atoclassic Real Tonic Soothing Multi Cleanser).  You could consider using a towelette as a first step to cleansing to remove makeup but it’s important to follow up with an oil cleanser to remove any residue and lingering grime.

That said, wipes are a handy option to keep in your purse or gym bag to remove makeup before a workout or when you need a quick refresh but follow up with a full cleanse that day. While it’s okay to use them once in while (like when you just can’t muster the energy for a total routine)—it’s not recommended to use them in place of your cleanser every single day.

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For the nights where a full cleanse is non-negotiable, opt for a face wipe that doesn’t contain potential allergens like dyes, heavy perfumes, or artificial ingredients. We love Cremorlab T.E.N. Cremor Cleansing Veil wipes which pack sunflower and green tea extracts to moisturize and protect skin. Just be careful not to scrub your complexion too roughly with the wipe as it can exaccerbate skin, says Zeichner.  And when it comes to your daily cleanse, try to stick to a legit suds-and-rinse routine.

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