July 09, 2021

How to have a low waste skincare routine

For millions of people, their skincare routine is how they start and end each day. Wake up, wash your face, get ready for the day ahead. And after a long day, wash off the day and give your skin some TLC before getting some shut eye. These routines bring many of us contentment, happiness, relaxation and routine. But these routines can come at a cost to our environment. The skincare and beauty industries are massive, and sometimes don’t always have Mother Nature at heart or in mind. The end result is harmful and heartbreaking damage to our environment and ecosystems. In an act of resistance and respect for our world and all living beings here are some ways to have a low waste skincare routine.

Opt for a face oil

It is a common misconception that moisturizers are the only way to hydrate the skin. Most moisturizers are primarily water, so water conservation is crucial.

  • Ninety-seven percent of all water on the earth is salt water, which is not suitable for drinking.
  • Only 3% of water on Earth is fresh water, and only 0.5% is available for drinking.
  • The other 2.5% of fresh water is locked in ice caps, glaciers, the atmosphere, soil, or under the earth's surface, or is too polluted for consumption.1
With growing population rates and such a small percentage of all the water on Earth fit for consumption, it only makes sense that we must preserve and conserve this precious resource.
Plus+ most moisturizers don’t last nearly as long as a face oil or elixir. This is because oils are more concentrated, so a little bit will go a long way - and when applied to damp skin especially, the results will speak (or glow!) for themselves. Face oils, like our Luminous Brightening Elixir, help to replenish and nourish the skin barrier, protect skin from environmental threats, and provide hydration - resulting in soothed, resilient skin. In addition, most face oils are packaged in smaller bottles which are often glass or other recyclable materials. A win-win!
 

Shop small

Purchasing your skincare from big box stores or massive corporations that contribute to environmental damage means more money for these businesses to produce and manufacture products and packaging that pollutes. A simple, convenient and rewarding way to fight back and reduce waste is to shop small whenever possible. Small businesses, like us, don’t have nearly the same environmental impact. In fact, many do our part to make our planet a better place for all living beings! 

Have fun with DIYs

The really cool thing about skincare, is that sometimes you can concoct it yourself! Coconut oil has been used for centuries for it’s healing and hydrating properties. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, and can be mixed with cinnamon or tumeric for an acne-fighting treatment. Freezing ice cubes infused with cucumber is a chic and easy way to have a spa day at home and plump and depuff the face. There are literally a million different combinations of kitchen items just begging to be tried. Have fun with it!

Reuse and reinvent

A crucial way to reduce waste is to eliminate as many single-use items as possible. Invest in face towels and cloth napkins as opposed to paper. Reusable cotton pads are a super practical way to live a low waste life. Get creative, and try to cut down as much as you can. And when you can’t anymore, reinvent your bottles! In a perfect world, all skincare products would be packaging free. But until then, it’s up to us to find creative ways to reuse and give our used-up skincare containers a new purpose. After they are properly cleansed and dried, challenge yourself to make use of them in any way possible. Maybe there are some stray bobby pins that need a home. Maybe with some paint one will make a cute little vase for a lavender cutting. Maybe you will use one to store dried herbs, or some reusable Q-tips. The possibilities are as endless as they are fun - and Mother Nature will be forever grateful.

Enjoy your low waste skincare routine! Take care of yourself, and our world and all living creatures we share it with!

Look for our 30% Discount With Code "Summer2021" when you order online!

 

Written by si SKIN Organics