We’ve all heard of the usual suggestions to become eco-friendlier like turning off the lights, reducing food waste and rethinking your method of transportation but have you ever thought about making your skincare routine more sustainable?
We spoke to skincare specialist at Glo Skin Beauty, Amanda Von Hagen, to discuss how to keep your skincare regime just as luxurious, but more eco-friendly.
1. Make reusable zero waste makeup remover pads
Quite possibly one of the easiest switches you can make is to deluxe, reusable cotton pads! Conventional cotton wool pads are so readily available, most people don’t think that about the impact it has on the environment every time they use them. When cotton is not organically sourced, the chemicals produced can cause pollution, harm wildlife and really damage our ecosystem. Therefore, it is best to use ultra-soft, plush and reusable cotton rounds. As well as doing your bit for the environment, this will be a comforting and soothing way to remove your makeup- especially if you have sensitive skin.
2. Skip drying lotions that are bottled in plastic. Use carrier oils
Unfortunately, our expensive skincare and beauty regimens are the number one culprit when considering ocean-damaging plastic. Instead of using lotions which are bottled in plastic, opt for brands that offer plastic-free solutions instead. Alternatively, go zero-waste and use carrier oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil or aloe vera gels instead to moisturise your skin. The essential oils from carrier oils are derived from aromatic leaves, bark or roots of plants and can be so beneficial for the skin, as well as the environment.
3. Try zero-waste face masks
Making zero-waste choices should never mean you have to sacrifice on your skincare. Not only are you making an environmentally friendly decision by using homemade face masks, but natural products contain fantastic antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which can enhance blood circulation, reduce anti-ageing and remove any dry, dead cells of your skin.
4. Recycle jars and containers
Sometimes we can’t avoid using products in packaging, especially when it’s our skincare secret from our favourite luxury brand, so it is important to recycle and reuse whenever we can. Recycled material is a valuable resource which massively cuts down the need for extracting and processing raw materials, which is a huge cause of pollution. A simple act like recycling will reduce our need to consume energy and limit the waste in landfills- so recycle whenever you can!
5. Don’t leave the water running
Typically, in our skincare regime we are removing makeup, dirt and grime from our skin via the use of products and water. However, with our rising population the amount of water we are using is affecting oceans, rivers and lakes- alongside the wildlife in them. A simple act such as not leaving the tap running can help conserve water and our eco-system. Consider washing your face with a damp probiotic bamboo muslin cloth instead to save water, and try stick to cold water in order to save energy.
6. Seek out refillables
Reducing our use of excessive or unnecessary plastic packaging is essential for doing our part in this climate crisis. Increasingly, we are noticing our favourite luxury brands switch to easily recyclable materials such as glass and aluminium, as well as offering refillable products. Luxury beauty brands that offer refillable products include Hourglass, Guerlain, Suqqu, Decorte and Clarins – with more increasingly emerging on the market. If you can’t find a refillable, opt for products in glass bottles, pouches or with pop-out holders so you can reuse the packaging and ask for a refill.
7. Use compostable sponges to exfoliate when needed
Ever wondered what happens to makeup wipes once you use and dispose of them? Well, they are likely to end up in a landfill damaging and trashing our planet. A biodegradable alternative is to use compostable sponges which are not only eco-friendlier alternatives, but a fantastic way to exfoliate and cleanse in one simple step. This plant-based skincare solution will get rid of any excess makeup, dead skin cells and leave your skin soft and supple.
