Environmental issues are the order of the day and the concern with the planet is growing. From recycling to reducing the use of fossil fuels, people are adopting greener lifestyles and making more sustainable choices for the environment.
And in addition to the familiar and usual measures – such as preferring products with less plastic, opting for bamboo toothbrushes, using metal or silicone straws, or choosing ethically responsible clothing brands – there is another aspect of our life that we can change to be even more environmentally friendly: the skincare routine.
For many women, taking care of the skin is a task that requires a lot of steps and, consequently, generates enormous waste, either because they choose products that come in packaging that cannot be recycled, or because of the products they use. single. Thus, we show you five steps you can take to make your routine simpler and at the same time more aware.
Avoid single-use products
Make-up remover wipes, cotton pads, and cotton swabs are common in many women's beauty routines. However, these are products that generate a lot of waste, as they are only used once. Most wipes, for example, are made of polyester, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. Cotton, in spite of being compostable, involves very high use of water and toxic components in its manufacturing process. And the plastic swab rods can end up in the oceans, harming marine life. However, there are already alternatives on the market, such as biodegradable wipes and cotton swabs with bamboo rods. In the case of cotton, avoid its use as much as possible, and you can alternatively opt for discs made of fabric that are washable and reusable.
In addition to these products, there are others that are part of the skincare routine and that can be very harmful to the environment, such as facial masks that come in single-use packages. If you are used to using these products in your day-to-day, prefer larger packages and made with materials that can be recycled or reused, such as glass, cardboard, aluminum, or recyclable plastic.
Opt for solid cosmetics
Although its use is not yet widespread, there are more and more people opting for cosmetic bars. Haircare products were the first to appear, but there are already options on the market as varied as deodorants, cleansing soaps, or solid tonics. These products are more sustainable as they come in packaging made from recyclable or compostable paper.
Please note the ingredients list
The planet's resources are not infinite. The uncontrolled exploitation of plants to obtain ingredients for the creation of cosmetics has devastating consequences for the environment and, furthermore, these resources are limited and, sooner or later, they will run out. Argan oil, for example, has taken the cosmetic industry by storm, but there is a limit to the amount of this ingredient that can be produced. So, when buying your creams, tonics, and masks, pay attention to what is written in the ingredients list: change the argan oil for the Abyssinian oil and prefer products based on marine extracts and algae.
Use the product to the fullest
When a product apparently comes to an end, the normal thing to do is to throw the packaging away, especially if it's a tube. However, we can guarantee that there is still enough product inside for a few more applications. The trick is to take a pair of scissors and cut the package in half to enjoy everything to the end. This is a rule that will save the environment and your wallet a lot.
On the other hand, if you have bought a product but have not been able to adapt, there are ways to give it a new use: a face cream can be used on the body, for example. As a last resort, you can also give the product to someone else.
Choose ecologically responsible brands
Nowadays it's easy to know which brands choose the most sustainable ingredients and packaging. As a rule, all ecologically responsible products have this indication on the packaging, so you can easily decide which are the best options. Also, make sure the brand does not test on animals. And if you don't find this indication on the packaging, just go to the brand's website to search.