Answer: Face wipes are appealing to most gals because they are cheap, effective and quick to use, however you are definitely doing your skin a disservice by continuously using them.
Face wipes are soaked in pretty potent chemicals - including alcohols - that can irritate the skin and cause extreme dryness and premature ageing (remember, unlike cleansing, the solution in face wipes is not rinsed away!). The rough wiping motion required to lift makeup with face wipes can also irritate and damage the skin, especially the delicate eye area. Importantly, although face wipes are a quick alternative to cleansing, they don't cleanse the skin anywhere near as well as you think - they just remove impurities from the skin's surface.
It is, however, good to have some face wipes lying around in case of an emergency. As, when you are in an environment or frame of mind that prevents you from cleansing properly (i.e. you're at a festival, you've run out of cleanser or you're too damn drunk), using a face wipe will be better than doing nothing at all. However, face wipes should not be part of your normal cleansing routine.
If you want to achieve the quickest cleanse possible, I would recommend using a balm or oil cleanser, as they remove makeup, dirt and impurities quicker than other cleansers. One of my favourite oil cleansers is the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil 200ml (£21.50 Selfridges / $28.00 Dermstore). It may be on the expensive side but it lasts forever, removes even the heaviest of makeup quickly and leaves skin super soft. As an extra little tip, I would also recommend buying seven muslin cloths, so you have a fresh one on hand each night!
Now, I know it is easier said than done, however try your best to go cold turkey with the wipes. Your skin will thank you for it, I promise!
