What does washing with wipes for five days do to your skin?

Glitter, face wipes and clouds of dry shampoo are recognisable festival staples. Yet, as the summer heat rises and festival season kicks off, dermatologists urge that packing those trusty make-up wipes might not be the best idea.

“Whilst convenient, make-up wipes often contain alcohol and other harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and sensitivity,” says Dr Chandni Rajani, advanced aesthetics doctor and general practitioner.

It seems, not only do make-up wipes cause irreversible damage to the skin’s barrier, but they may not even be doing the job at all. “Essentially, these are water wipes which will only take off a small amount of make-up and dirt from the skin,” notes Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.

“in actual fact all you’re doing is rubbing the grime further into the skin.”

CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water, £13, Sainsbury’s

M&S Collection Apothecary Revive Day & Night Cream Duo, £20

However, if you’re truly unable to part ways with your wipes, celebrity facialist Donna Ryan suggests, “when you get back to your normal skincare routine post-festival, I would advise that you book in for a facial or do a clay mask at home to help rebalance the skin.”

Opting for a gentler and environmentally friendly option is also better than nothing.

FreshWipes Unscented FreshWipes Antibacterial/Biodegradable Body Wipes – Fragrance Free, £5.99

So, simply subbing your wipes for micellar water and cotton pads maybe the best solution to avoid your skin becoming dry, itchy and more prone to sun damage. It seems 2024 is the year where wipes may no longer be a festival essential.