It turns out that beauty is more than skin deep. The average woman lathers, slathers, rubs and sprays 10 different products on her body every day. And, since our skin acts more like a sponge than a barrier, this means that we absorb nearly 130 chemicals! Cosmetic companies maintain that these chemicals are safe, and many of them are … in small doses. This is why you should consider greening your makeup bag.
By opting for natural items, you will reduce your environmental footprint and prevent your chances of developing skin irritations, infections and disorders. Here’s how to do it …
1. Keep It Simple
Don’t let cosmetic advertising fool you. A myriad creams, lotions and potions make big promises they could never deliver on (trust me – all the fancy products in the world will never turn the tide of ageing!). For example, when it comes to formulation, eye creams rarely vary from your basic facial moisturiser. Keep it simple: all you need is a basic cleanser, toner, moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen to keep your skin in tip top shape. Everything else is just dressing!
2. Know That “Natural” Isn’t Always Natural
Toxic and synthetic chemicals are the biggest issue in the beauty industry today, so it pays to keep a keen eye when it comes to examining labels. It’s counterintuitive, but the words “all-natural” and “natural” are not regulated labelling terms. A cosmetics brand that makes use of the most delightful natural ingredients, from lavender to vanilla pods, is Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.
3. Say No To Fragranced Products
There are dozens of toxic chemicals that go into a single product’s fragrance mixture. Artificial fragrances, which usually contain phthalates, can trigger serious allergic reactions and other skin problems. Be mindful of the hidden dangers that “fragrance” or “parfum” can pose! Choose fragrance-free products as far as possible. Clinique is one brand that’s always got you covered in this regard. You can shop online here.
4. Choose Nontoxic, Recyclable Packaging
You can never go wrong with glass because it’s recyclable and has no danger of leaching toxins into the product. As far as plastics go, the chemicals they usually pose great environmental and health hazards from manufacture to disposal. Another reason I love Lush is because they take environmental sustainability seriously. Read more about their green policy here.
5. Always Opt For Organic
Organic ingredients are grown without synthetic fertilisers or pesticides, which is healthier for the planet and your body. The number of organic skincare products entering the market is increasing rapidly, which is great but my favourite place to pick up affordable, organic beauty goodies remains The Body Shop. You can check out their awesome products and find your nearest store online here.
6. Don’t Fall For Exotic Trends
Every now and then, a bizarre beauty trend promises to be the magic trick for all your skincare woes but ends up being cruel, either to your skin or the planet. The use of human and cow placenta extracts, for example, is at the top of my list of downright crazy, especially since they contain a raft of hormones. Yuck!
7. Eat Your Way To More Beautiful Skin
You don’t have to resort to a flurry of products, chemical peels or filler injections to get fresh, glowing skin. Diet and exercise should play vital roles in your natural skincare regimen! Work up a good sweat and feed yourself plenty of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates and fruit. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is also a boon for flushing out toxins that might otherwise show up on your skin.
8. Make Your Own Green Skincare Treatments!
The best way to know exactly what goes into your skincare products? Make your own! Not only will you save money and packaging, but you’ll also get the satisfaction knowing that no preservatives or toxic chemicals were used in the process. Here are some ideas:
• Raw Honey And Coconut Oil Face Mask
Mix 1T raw honey with 1T coconut oil. Rub the mixture into your skin, avoiding your eye area, to loosen makeup, unclog pores, and brighten your complexion. Leave the mask on for ten minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Organic Cucumber And Tomato Skin Toner
Toss one small organic cucumber (peeled and diced) and one large organic tomato (cut into chunks) into your blender and puree until smooth. Apply the mixture to your face and neck to minimise the appearance of pores and blemishes. Leave on for five minutes, then rinse with cool water.
• Essential Oil Skin Serum
Mix 2T rosehip seed oil, 2T sweet almond oil, 10 drops cypress oil, 10 drops geranium oil and seven drops of frankincense oil in a small bowl. Use a few drops of the mixture every day on your face for firmer, more hydrated skin. Store the mixture in a closed bottle.
• Milk And Honey Bath Soak
Combine ½ cup raw honey with two cups raw milk and five drops sweet almond oil. Add the concoction to hot bathwater then hop in, sit back and relax (with a glass of vino in hand for extra indulgence!).
• Mint And Cocoa Butter Foot Scrub
Heat 2T grated cocoa butter and mix with 2T sweet almond oil, five drops of peppermint essential and one cup raw sugar. Massage the mixture into clean feet to help with dryness and improve blood circulation, then rinse with warm water.
See how easy it is to step over to the green side? I hope I’ve inspired you to make better choices when buying beauty products in the future!
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