After a long hard day at work, or a big night out a lot of us tend to jump into our PJ's and reach for the most convenient thing to remove our makeup - a wet wipe. But at what cost does convenience come at? We often hear about the damage single use plastics such as straws and cups are causing to the environment. But one of the biggest pollution problems in the UK comes from wet wipes.
Why we need to bin the wipe:
Most wet wipes are single use plastics, which means out of the 11 billion wipes sold every year in the UK, 90% contain plastic. But why are they bad for the environment? Because wipes are not biodegradable they will not break down in the environment, or in water. And with the majority of wet wipes being flushed down our toilets we are causing more and more problems to our sewage systems.
Did you know that 93% of blockages in the UK are caused by flushing wet wipes. These blockages can lead to floods in our streets, and sewage backing up into homes and gardens. And of course the effect this is having on our marine life is detrimental with plastic overflowing into our seas and oceans putting these species at risk. So please if you do find yourself reaching for a wipe or two, make sure you bin it rather than flushing it!
From a skincare perspective too, wet wipes aren't particularly good for your skin. Wipes usually contain a long list of chemicals which Dermatologists have stated can cause dry skin and irritations, as well as not entirely cleansing your skin from makeup, dirt and oils. I know for me, when I have used wipes to remove makeup when I was younger I have had several irritations from wipes which often left my skin looking worse for wear. With so many fantastic alternatives out there that are not harmful to the environment or our skin, there really is no need for us to be continuing to use wet wipes.
What are the Alternatives?
1. Cotton Pads
Although you may thing cotton pads are a great alternative, sadly this is not the case. Regular cotton pads don't biodegrade due to the bleaching and mixing processes used to create them. So what's the alternative? Well more and more brands are now creating eco friendly cotton pads which are made from 100% natural cotton, with no added chemicals. You can also purchase reusable cotton pads which are usually made from Bamboo and can be washed and reused after every use. So don't worry you can still use your usual micellar water to cleanse your face!
2. Makeup Eraser Towels
Another great option which is a new discovery for me are Makeup Eraser Towels. Again these are washable and reusable. The difference here is, they are made to remove makeup with just water. Sounds too good to be true right? Well I have to admit I was even sceptical when I first heard about these, but oh my god they work so well! The soft towel is a pleasure to use and doesn't require any harsh scrubbing so is super gentle to your skin.
3. Muslin Cloths
If like me, you enjoy using a cleansing balm then you're probably going to want to purchase some Muslin Cloths. When removing my makeup I like to make sure I'm giving my skin a deep cleanse rather than just a surface clean. Well, Muslin Cloths are perfect for that! They gently exfoliate your skin whilst cleansing to ensure there's no dirt and residue left in your pores. The breathable fabric also means they dry super quickly so won't harvest any bacteria. And the best part? They're reusable! Simply cleanse, and wash!
4. Cleansing Brushes
If you're a skincare junkie and really want something that is going to deep cleanse those pores, it's worth investing in a good cleansing brush. The vibrating motion of the brush heads ensure every ounce of makeup is being remove, while at the same time exfoliating your pores and skin. They often come with plenty of different size brush heads that can be reused by washing them. Yes cleansing brushes are a pricier alternative, but they are fantastic for looking after your skin!
For more information you can visit the Northumbrian Water website.
Which wipe alternative do you find most effective?