Revolutionise Your Sustainable Self-Care:
11 Eco-Friendly Beauty Secrets for Glowing Skin and Thriving Planet
PART 1
Sustainable self-care
We all know that self-care should be a non-negotiable part of our daily routine, but how can we start making choices that benefit not only our well-being but also the planet and our consciousness?
Well, I’m here to show you how! With the simple, yet affordable tips you’ll find below, you’ll feel the best you’ve ever felt. Why is that? Because organic, clean, and vegan beauty is a game-changer for your skin, and as a bonus, you’ll get to use sustainable, recyclable, or reusable products that make our planet sing.
Don’t get overwhelmed right away, though. These changes and rituals can and should be implemented continuously, step by step. This way, they’ll become a natural part of your daily routine, making the transition much easier than facing a big change all at once.
After reading this post, you’ll discover how natural cosmetics affect your skin health and how making conscious choices about cleaning products and packaging for cosmetics and other beauty products can do a world of good.
This post is all about sustainable self-care and how it can change your life in many positive directions.
- Introduction
- Embrace Natural and Organic Skincare Products
- DIY Face Masks with Kitchen Ingredients
- Sustainable Skincare Tools
- Minimize Your Skincare Routine
1. Introduction
Are you ready to revolutionise your self-care routine and make a positive impact on the planet at the same time? Get excited because we’re about to explore the world of sustainable and eco-friendly beauty! From zero-waste packaging to cruelty-free formulas and multitasking products, we’ve got you covered. The best part? These earth-loving alternatives are just as effective (if not more!) than their conventional counterparts.
It’s incredible to see that people, companies, products, and industries across the board are striving to be more sustainable, recyclable, cruelty-free, or vegan. This growing awareness and collective effort towards a better future is truly inspiring. However, we often underestimate the power of individual contributions. You might think, “If I use these single-use cotton pads instead of reusable ones, it won’t make a difference. But here’s the thing, my friend: every single person on this planet is responsible for their own footprint.
Believe that even the tiniest step towards sustainability can eventually create a massive impact.
I know there’s still a stigma around sustainability. Sometimes it feels like it’s everywhere, and we can get overwhelmed, losing sight of the true reasons behind it. This ubiquitous approach can even make us want to distance ourselves from it.
Trust me, I’ve been there too. I used to think that being sustainable, eco-friendly, and green automatically meant spending more money, investing more time, doing extra work, using less effective products, and wearing simple, boring, and dull fashion. But let me tell you, it doesn’t have to be that way, and I’m here to show you how!
By the end of this post, you’ll have all the tools and inspo you need to create a self-care routine that’s amazing for you and the planet. And hopefully you’ll be excited to take a first step in your sustainable journey.
2. Embrace Natural and Organic Skincare Products
One of the most significant benefits of using natural and organic skincare is avoiding harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can damage your skin. Instead, you’re nourishing your skin with nutrient-rich, plant-based ingredients that work in harmony with your body.
These natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will leave you with a radiant, healthy glow. However, it’s important to note that the pressure from brand marketing can be overwhelming, and labels like “green,” “vegan,” or “bio” don’t always guarantee a completely clean and all-natural product. It’s essential to carefully examine the ingredients to ensure you’re getting the pure, natural goodness your skin deserves.
To help you navigate the world of natural and organic skincare, it’s crucial to educate yourself on the ingredients to look for and those to avoid. Some key ingredients to seek out in your products include:
- Aloe vera: Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties
- Shea butter: A rich, nourishing ingredient that helps protect and soften the skin
- Jojoba oil: Mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent moisturizer
- Rosehip oil: Rich in vitamins A and C, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten the skin
On the other hand, some ingredients to steer clear of include:
- Parabens: Preservatives that can disrupt the endocrine system
- Sulfates (SLS/SLES): Harsh cleansing agents that can strip the skin of its natural oils
- Phthalates: Used to enhance product consistency, but linked to hormonal disruptions
- Synthetic fragrances: Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions
If you’re new to the world of clean beauty and find deciphering ingredient lists daunting, resources like EWG’s Skin Deep (www.ewg.org/skindeep) can be a lifesaver. This database rates the safety of over 70,000 personal care products based on their ingredients, making it easier for you to make informed choices about the products you use on your skin.
By taking the time to understand what goes into your skincare products and opting for natural, organic options whenever possible, you’ll be well on your way to achieving that healthy, radiant glow you’ve always wanted – without compromising your skin’s health or the environment.
And what I’m in love with when it comes to sustainable self-care? Here are some brands I cannot recommend enough as they have completely transformed my approach due to their results and overall approach.
Sustainable self-care brands:
ANTIPODES – This brand from NZ will immediately caught your eye. The packaging, formulas, and products for daily use feel luxurious yet affordable at the same time. Also, they last. I have personally tried their night and daily creams, serums, makeup remover, and cleansers but my favourite is their Gold Lumious Eye Cream. If you are struggling with dark under-eye circles and nothing seems to be helping, this is a miracle. It’s truly the very first eye cream that I have tried in my life that makes my eyes look brighter and hides dark circles.
- I have been using Antipodes products exclusively for my entire skincare routine for some time now, and I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon! 🙂
PURITY VISION – has become my go-to brand for rose and lavender water. I’ve fallen in love with using their rose water in the morning and switching to lavender water in the evening. What I adore about PURITY VISION’s waters is that they’re essentially just water infused with pure flower extracts. This simplicity is what makes them so amazing.
But the best part? These waters are incredibly versatile! You can use them in your skincare routine, spritz them on your hair for a refreshing pick-me-up, or even add them to your drinks and cooking for a delightful floral twist. It’s like having a multipurpose elixir that you can’t help but love.
ALTEYA ORGANICS – offers a wide range of skincare, body care, hair care, and aromatherapy products, catering to various needs and preferences. Alteya Organics is particularly renowned for their exceptional Bulgarian rose water, which is a key product in their lineup. The company takes great pride in sourcing their rose water from the finest Rosa Damascena roses, grown in the heart of the Bulgarian Rose Valley. This region is famous for producing some of the highest-quality rose oil and rose water in the world.
3. DIY Face Masks with Kitchen Ingredients
First things first, let’s talk about the magic of honey! Honey is a true superhero when it comes to skincare. Its antibacterial properties help fight off breakouts, while its antioxidants protect your skin from damage that can lead to premature aging.
Now, here’s the crazy part – when you apply honey to your face, it transforms from a sticky mess into a delicious, dreamy mask, don’t ask me how. When mixed with cinnamon, it creates a warming sensation on your skin and leaves it incredibly smooth.
After using this mask a few times, it has become my absolute favorite. It’s the quickest and easiest to make, and it delivers the best results. Your skin will feel remarkably smooth after just 15-20 minutes of using this honey and cinnamon mask. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
An Avocado & Yogurt mask can create quite the opposite feeling on your skin compared to the honey and cinnamon mask. The cool and refreshing sensation from the creamy texture feels like a glass of water on your skin. Avocado is a superfood, and thanks to its healthy fats, it plumps up your skin, while the yogurt removes dead skin cells and makes your skin glow.
After 15-20 minutes, rinse off and get ready to be amazed. Your skin will feel insanely soft and moisturised.
If your skin is a little sensitive, start with Oatmeal. Oatmeal is a gentle exfoliant that works wonders for sensitive skin. Simply grind up some oats, mix in a tablespoon of honey and a splash of milk (any kind will do), and you’ve got a soothing mask that will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
After 10-15 minutes, rinse it off with cool water. As oatmeal is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm and soothe irritated skin. It’s also great for balancing out oily skin, as it helps absorb excess oil without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
4. Sustainable Skincare Tools
It’s time to talk about a game-changer in your sustainable skincare routine: eco-friendly alternatives to disposable cotton pads and face wipes. I know, I know, those convenient little cotton rounds and wipes have been a staple in our beauty regimen for ages, but let me tell you, there’s a better way!
Reusable cotton, bamboo or microfibre round or a washable microfibre cloth.
These eco-friendly options are not only effective at removing makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin, but they also help you significantly reduce your environmental impact and save money in the long run.
Let’s talk numbers for a sec. Did you know that the average person uses up to 730 disposable cotton pads or wipes per year?
I know that convenience is a big factor for many of us when it comes to our skincare routine. And I totally get it – convenience was a big reason why I put off switching to reusable skincare tools for so long.
I’ll admit, sometimes I was just being lazy. But you know what? If you start making small changes, one step at a time, soon you won’t be able to imagine doing it any other way.
And the best part? Every time you use a reusable option, you will feel good knowing you’re doing your part to love on our planet.
Trust me, once you make the switch, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Here’s a tip:
|| When you’re making the switch to reusable skincare tools, it’s important to figure out how many pieces you actually need. If you start with just a small pack of three, you might find yourself running out quickly and getting frustrated.
Trust me, I’ve been there!
If you’re someone who wears more makeup or loves to indulge in face masks on the regular, you’ll definitely want to stock up on a higher quantity.
But don’t stress about the initial investment – take your time and gradually build up to the number that works best for your routine. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you have enough to keep things convenient and sustainable, without overloading your bathroom drawer. Once you nail that down, you’ll be a reusable skincare pro in no time! ||
5. Minimize Your Skincare Routine
I know, I know – it’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the latest and greatest products promising to transform your skin overnight. But here’s the tea: sometimes, the secret to achieving your best complexion is to strip things back to the basics.
Let me break it down for you. When you overload your skin with too many products, you’re actually doing more harm than good. Your skin can become overwhelmed and irritated, leading to a host of issues like breakouts, dryness, and sensitivity.
By simplifying your routine, you’re allowing your skin to focus on the essentials and function at its best without any unnecessary stress or confusion.
But how do you actually minimize your skincare routine?
It all starts with multi-purpose products, my friends. Instead of having a separate serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen, look for a powerhouse product that combines all three. Not only will this save you time and money, but it’ll also streamline your routine and minimize any potential skin freak-outs. (Super serum skin tint SPF 40 from ILIA, more in part 2.)
Another key aspect of minimizing your skincare routine is to focus on quality over quantity. Invest in a few high-performance products that are tailored to your specific skin concerns. This way, you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs without any unnecessary extras. Plus, by opting for fewer products, you’re more likely to actually use them consistently – and consistency is the name of the game when it comes to seeing real results.
Plus, when you choose a smaller number of products, you’re more likely to use them regularly – and consistency is key when it comes to seeing actual results in your skincare journey. When you stick to a simple routine day in and day out, that’s when you’ll start to notice your skin looking and feeling its best.
It’s about finding a few tried-and-true favorites and giving them the chance to work their magic by using them faithfully.
….to be continued
Ben Bertie says
This blogpost answered a lot of questions I had. I can’t wait to implement some of these ideas. I’m bookmarking this for future reference. This blogpost answered a lot of questions I had. I appreciate the detailed information shared here. This blog stands out among others in this niche. This blogpost answered a lot of questions I had. The examples provided make it easy to understand. Excellent post with lots of actionable advice! I’m definitely going to share this with my friends.
admin says
Hi Ben,
Thank you so much for your comment! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. I’m thrilled to hear that you’ve learned something new, and your feedback truly means a lot to me. Thank you for your support and for sharing this with your friends – I’m so glad I could be of any help!