Natural and Zero Waste Skincare Routine

Have you ever wondered what happens to the waste you carelessly throw away? Where do the numerous plastic bottles go that you nonchalantly discard after emptying them? Obviously, there is no such thing as ‘away.’ When we throw something, it must go somewhere. 

This waste remains on earth long after you leave, contaminating the land and harming the atmosphere. Plastic, being non-biodegradable, chokes up our landfills and proves to be hazardous for our environment. 

So what should you do? Are zero-waste stores the answer? Or most importantly, is changing your routine to zero waste the key to sustainability? Yes, going green is what you should do. 

Zero waste is preventing waste from being sent to landfills, incinerators, or the oceans by reusing them. Shops selling everything in bulk without using plastic packaging, where shoppers come with their own containers (cloth, paper, or glass) or purchase them at the store to carry the products. These are zero-waste stores.

Detrimental Effects of Beauty Industry Waste on Nature

What about your skincare routine? Do you know that microbeads and microplastics are impossible to shore out of oceans? Ever read the labeling of your sunscreen? the Avobenzone named culprit is proven to deplete coral reef. We know you love bathing in the beautiful fragrance of your perfume. But do you know that it has volatile organic compounds that contribute to smog and air pollution? Palm oil, present in 70% of our cosmetics, is extracted after massive deforestation. Our mother Earth has to sacrifice 18 million acres of forested land just to help us have a fake prettier look.  And that’s not all. According to a report by Zero Waste Europe, personal care products produce around 142 billion units of packaging in one year. In the U.S., in the year 2018, more than 7.9 billion units of plastic were created by the beauty industry. Do you think that would have reused or recycled up till now? Sadly, not much! 

HOW DO YOU GO ZERO WASTE WITH YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE 

Your zero-waste skincare routine begins when you become best friends with your skin, when you start listening to it, instead of fighting it. First of all, find out your skin type. Is it normal, oily, mature, or is it combination skin? Next, shorten down the steps of your beauty care routine at home. It could be just 4 minimal but effective steps. The effectiveness will only come if you select the best natural ingredients for your particular skin type. After that, make your own plastic-free skincare products or buy them from zero-waste stores. It is common knowledge that the skins industry relentlessly churns out complex and hard to recycle products that get thrown into landfills every day. Take, for instance, common disposable tools such as makeup wipes that pile up into extraneous waste.

CREATING A DIY FACE WASH

Creating a DIY routine that is completely natural and plastic-free is your key to going green. Your face needs to be refreshed daily, even if you wear makeup or not. Create a cleansing face wash with simply liquid castle soap, jojoba oil, and aloe vera. Pour the mixture into a reusable glass bottle with a pump. Lo and behold, your natural and effective face wash is ready!

REPLACING MAKEUP WIPES 

Opting for a reusable makeup eraser rather than using disposable makeup wipes is a wise choice. It removes makeup without face wash. The only ingredient you need is warm water. A makeup eraser can wipe eyeliner, foundation, lipstick, and even waterproof mascara.

REPLACING YOUR FACE SCRUB

There are two ways to substitute plastic pots and tubes of face scrub. Firstly, create a quick face mask. One of the best natural remedies to purify and cleanse skin is to utilize clay. It balances oil and helps to remove blackheads and congested pores. One tablespoon of coconut oil blended with one tablespoon of clay and raw honey. This simple recipe creates a perfect clay mask, which you can apply to your face in a thin layer after blending it well with a spatula. Leave it on for exactly 15 minutes. Then carefully rinse with a washcloth and warm water.

The other method is to use the Konjac sponge method. This skincare tool is carved from the root of the Konjac plant thus is 100% zero waste. It is really hard when dry but becomes gentle when it is softened with water. It turns out to be a great exfoliate for all kinds of skin.

CREATING A ZERO WASTE TONER

Reusable bamboo cotton rounds are perfect substitutes for a toner. They are a great addition to your skincare routine. Imagine how much waste would be saved from choking up landfills by using environmentally friendly cotton rounds! You could purchase them or even make them at home.

OTHER METHODS TO GO ZERO WASTE IN YOUR SKINCARE PROCEDURE

Keep in mind to use natural tools, those that can easily be recycled and are compostable. This technique plays an important role in reducing waste.

Refrain from applying makeup first thing in the morning. It certainly is not a good idea. If your skin is oily or you have a combination skin type, then quickly apply a thin layer of toner. It would work best. However, sprinkling face mist works effectively for all skin types.

Moreover, store your skincare products in a cool, dark place to lengthen their shelf life. Purchase wisely. That is, refrain from overspending on unnecessary things but products that are reusable and biodegradable.

CONCLUSION 

Don’t wait for tomorrow to lead a healthier lifestyle. Start today. Eliminate the belief that excess is great. It is not. Limit the amount of products you utilize or go all-in, that is, make your own natural zero waste products using the above-mentioned methods. The choice is yours.