In contrast, we believe that more is better when it comes to skincare. Understanding your skin’s demands and streamlining your beauty routine are the keys to having healthy skin. In a similar vein, consideration of the environment is crucial. Each year, the cosmetics sector alone generates 120 billion packing units, most of which are discarded in wastelands. Our modest efforts are the first step in addressing climate change, which is a reality. Because it’s never too late, we should surely practice more mindfulness and move to a low/zero waste beauty regimen, taking care of both our skin and the earth.
Adhering to a Basic Skincare Regimen
The skin, the body’s biggest organ, is mostly composed of water, protein, lipids, and other compounds and minerals. Since it regenerates, it continuously loses old skin to show freshness. The dead cells maintain the moisture intact and serve as a barrier against bacteria, parasites, fungus, viruses, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. That is, your skin doesn’t require much to be healthy. The skin barrier is less stressed when there are fewer products.
Quality over quantity is a phrase that also applies to skincare. Each year, beauty businesses release hundreds of items, generating a desire for things that are completely superfluous. Using only the skincare products that are really necessary for your skin, in this case, implies skipping the rest. For this reason, be aware of your skin’s demands and choose cosmetics accordingly. For instance, it has been demonstrated that substances like retinol, vitamin C, etc. are effective for the skin. Such items might be incorporated into your skincare routine.
There is a fourth R for refuse in addition to the three Rs of reduce, recycle, and reduce. Refuse the products that are unnecessary for your skin. Your everyday skincare routine should be quick and efficient. This helps you save time and money.
Low-Wastage Approach
Making some adjustments to your skincare routine is another method to lessen your influence on the environment. Morning face wash, which conserves product and aids in skin moisture retention, is entirely optional. After exercising, you don’t need to cleanse; a sprinkle of lukewarm water will do.
Limit your exfoliation to twice a week. Excessive exfoliation removes the barrier from the skin, which needs time to repair. For the skin to heal between exfoliations, let 48–72 hours. The items have to be kept in cold, dark locations to extend their shelf lives. especially heat-sensitive substances like oils, retinol, and vitamin C that are subject to oxidation.
Oil washing is used to gently and thoroughly clean the skin. Choose the oil that best suits your skin type and apply it all over your face. After giving it a thorough massage, wipe it off with a soft, damp washcloth. Apply it again and wipe it off on a different side to repeat the process. Keep the extra for moisturizing purposes. Without altering the skin’s pH, it aids in removing makeup and hydrates the skin.
Other tricks include using rose water in place of toners, oil or aloe vera as a moisturizer, and oats in a homemade exfoliating scrub.
Multitasking and Long-Lasting Products
Waste results from using and discarding items. Utilizing things that are durable and multipurpose is an easy solution. Replace single-use items like sheet masks, cotton swabs, and cosmetic wipes with eco-friendly substitutes.
Makeup wipes are disposed of away in landfills for about 7.6 billion pounds. A makeup eraser might be used to stop this. A makeup eraser is a washable and reusable makeup removal cloth. Get it from sites like eBay.
Similar to this, multitasking goods encourage consumption reduction and cost savings.
Packaging-Free or Recyclable Products
Beauty goods are presented in attractive packaging, but after the product is finished, the container is discarded, adding to the plastic waste issue. The best options are using recyclable packaging or not using any at all.
A few green firms have developed biodegradable packaging that helps create zero waste. Ethique is one of these companies, offering zero-waste shampoos and conditioners for all hair types. The zero-waste firm packs its items in biodegradable paperboard or leaves them unpackaged so that they are portable and long-lasting.
Packaging that is recyclable can be used in place of biodegradable packaging. Glass and aluminum are two recyclable materials. The use of such bottles for shampoo, body wash, conditioner, etc. makes them refillable and recyclable. The “fill stations” where you may replenish the needed items are an excellent option to replace disposable by bringing your own container.
Listening to your skin and attempting to lessen your carbon impact are two qualities of the optimal skincare regimen. Small adjustments to your skincare routine may make a big difference.
The Silent Scribbler 