How to Make Your Beauty Routine More Eco Friendly

by Maria Harutyunian

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Photo by Sarah Chai from Pexels

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Is switching to a green beauty routine difficult? Nope! Surprisingly, it is very doable. As with starting anything new, making simple changes instead of doing a sudden overhaul is the way to go. To make it easier for you, start with an intention that with a green beauty routine, you create a positive impact on your overall health and the planet.

Here are different ways to help you adapt to a green beauty routine in no time.

CONSERVE WATER:

There are so many benefits of conserving water. Even though the planet is mainly covered with water, only a tiny percentage is available for human use. As a finite resource, being mindful of our water use will help ensure supply not only for us but also for future generations.

Additionally, the process of water distribution takes up other resources such as energy. When we use water wisely, we reduce pollution which helps the environment.

Whenever possible, take shorter showers or wash your hair less often. Make sure to turn off the tap while lathering up or brushing your teeth. You can also avoid leaving the tap running by using reusable cups when you rinse or gargle.

Turning off the tap may not look like much. But, the simple act of turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save up to 200 gallons of water and 6 gallons per day during handwashing.

RECYCLE JARS AND CONTAINERS:

Recycling saves natural resources and conserves energy. You can recycle empty moisturizer glass jars and plastic bottles such as shampoo and lotion bottles. Some brands also have recycling programs, so you can easily return jars and containers to them.

Alternatively, repurpose containers if you can. For example, you can turn empty perfume bottles into a flower vase. An empty small jar can be repurposed and added to your travel kit. If you're feeling extra creative, you can turn shampoo bottles into phone holders, charging docks, toys, or hanging bathroom storage.

KEEP IT SIMPLE:

Perhaps you don't need five different exfoliating products or three brands of facial moisturizers. According to a skincare expert, different products have different active ingredients that may affect skin barrier function leading to skin irritation and other sensitivities.

To achieve a green beauty routine, keep it simple. You can start with buying and using what you only need. Avoid hoarding personal care, makeup, and skincare products that you might not even use and end up as waste. For instance, unopened products may be kept for up to two years if stored properly.

Moisturizers, sunscreens, and anti-aging beauty products may have a shelf life of six months to one year. The same goes for makeup products like lipsticks and mascara.

TRY NATURAL MULTIPURPOSE SKINCARE AND MAKEUP PRODUCTS:

Ready to take another step towards a simpler green beauty routine? Consider trying eco-friendly multipurpose products like a natural cleanser. Natural cleaners are organic and can be used as a facial cleanser, body wash, and shampoo.

To complete your everyday look, you can also opt for organic lip and cheek tints which are made from eco-friendly and natural ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals. These have all the good stuff like jojoba oil and vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated. Aside from being multipurpose, you will love how pigmented and long-lasting they are.

USE LOW-IMPACT BATH TOWELS:

Single-use tissue products such as toilet paper, facial tissues, and paper towels are considered to be essential in our daily lives. In skincare, we use facial tissues for cleaning and drying our skin. But as disposable products, these add up to waste.

A great alternative to single-use tissues? Eco-friendly towels. You can choose towels that are sustainably made under fair trade practices and ones that are made with organic cotton.

These organic bath towels are free from harsh ingredients that may harm your skin. They are also softer on the skin and have better absorption. You will also love how plush these feel too!

SWITCH TO REUSABLE COTTON ROUNDS:

The use of cotton balls or pads seems to be indispensable to every skin routine. We need it for cleansing, applying products, and even for medical use. There are, however, downsides to single-use cotton balls. One is the thousands of liters of water needed to produce one kilogram of a cotton ball. Next is the amount of waste produced that ends up filling our landfills. Switching to a zero-waste alternative to cotton rounds can replace 1,750 single-use cotton rounds. Brands like LastObject, Waste Less Shop, and TruEarth offer cotton rounds that not only make this simple switch economical but also better for your health and the environment too.

Regular cotton balls might seem gentle on the skin, but some are bleached, which can trigger sensitive skin. Eco-friendly cotton rounds are made of 100% natural materials that are sustainably sourced and won't harm your skin. They work and feel just like your regular cotton balls.