Grim reality of what actually happens when you wash with wet wipes for five days straight at Glastonbury

While those lucky in life are currently living it up at Glastonbury this week, many of us have been left at home forced to sit through the seemingly endless avalanche of social media posts giving us some major FOMO.

So, if you're feeling petty and want something to help you feel a little better about missing out on the UK's biggest and best festival of the year then read on.

Anyone who's ever camped at a festival will know all about the absolute state of the showers.

So, in order to stay fresh while also avoiding the cesspit of the community washrooms, many of us opt for the handy wet wipe to keep us clean.

Glastonbury is back this weekend. (OLI SCARFF / Contributor / Getty Images)

A warning against wet wipes

While they may be dubbed a festival staple, alongside glitter, SPF and dry shampoo, a dermatologist has issued an urgent warning against doing so after sharing the grim reality of what actually happens when you wash with wet wipes for five days straight at Glastonbury.

Dr. Chandni Rajani, advanced aesthetics doctor and general practitioner, explains: "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.

"Additionally, the friction from wiping can cause micro-tears in the skin, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. Over time, the residue left behind by wipes can clog pores, leading to breakouts and uneven skin texture."

Not ideal for Glasto selfies...

Many people opt to use wet wipes to stay clean at festivals. (Getty Stock Image)

According to the expert, it seems that make-up wipes not only 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.

He continued: "In actual fact all you’re doing is rubbing the grime further into the skin."

And there's also an environmental impact of using wet wipes too as UK festivals reportedly create 23,500 tonnes of waste a year, with non-degradable wipes acting as a large contributor.

So, what's the best alternative?

Well, micellar water and no-rinse cleansers are always a shout, says dermatologist Dr Eva Melegh.

She suggests: "The best way to remove make-up when you don’t have access to washing facilities is to use a water-free cream cleanser followed by a toner as a double cleanse to remove make- up and dirt from the skin."

Make-up wipes may not be the best thing for your skin during festivals. (Sunny/Getty Images)

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.

There are some plastic free, compostable alternatives on the market. "Using a gentle, antibacterial body wipe specifically formulated to cleanse the skin thoroughly offers a practical solution for staying fresh and clean in challenging environments,” notes Dr Hilary Jones. “This ensures the skin remains healthy and free from unwanted odours.”

So, simply subbing your wipes for micellar water and cotton pads may be the best solution to avoid your skin becoming dry, itchy and more prone to sun damage.

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