How Green is Your Skincare Routine?

Nourishing your skin each day is a routine most people don’t think about except when buying skincare products. Let’s put a spotlight on these few minutes of each day to discover how green your skincare routine is, or can be. How you wash your face, bathe and moisturize your skin can make a difference in the way you live, look and feel. These tiny acts can also have an impact far beyond your bathroom walls.

Are you using more skincare products than necessary?

Make an assessment. Everyday skincare generally consists of twice a day cleansing, and moisturizing. For these basics choose natural, organic products that provide multiple benefits packaged in one recyclable container. Simplify. It saves time, culling minutes off your routine. For each product used there is an environmental impact. Think about the products now on your shelf or surrounding your sink. Choose the right products and less truly is more. Look for multi-tasking ingredients including Rosemary extract, Mandarin oil and Shea butter.

Do your skincare products contain all natural, organic ingredients?

Read the label. It is hard to decipher what all the ingredients are on a label but a rule of thumb is the fewer and the more recognizable the ingredients, the better. Creams, lotions and oils applied to the skin stay on its protective surface. Don’t contaminate that surface with harsh, toxic chemicals or ingredients known to be harmful. Natural moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, olive oil, and beeswax are some of nature’s gifts to our skin.

Are your cleansing tools organic and reusable?

Organic cotton wash cloths forego the processing that may add contaminants. Washcloths are reusable and good for exfoliating skin. The ecosystem where the organic cotton is grown is protected from pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Try a natural boar body brush or a natural loofah sponge. Loofah is a climbing plant related to the cucumber. It has been used in Asian cultures for centuries.

Do the skincare companies you buy from support environmentally friendly practices?

Are they themselves green? Is product packaging recyclable? Do they donate to non-profits that support planet friendly initiatives? If so, support of them is another step in feeling good about the choices made in making your skincare routine green.

Natural, organic skincare is one way to feel refreshed in body and mind. When applied, the natural fragrance from essential oils becomes distinct to the individual wearing it. Treating yourself well with skincare that offers a beneficial bouquet of botanicals and plant extracts is anything but routine.