Sustainable Skincare: Taking Care of Your Skin and the Earth
Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee
'Sustainable skincare' is an environmentally conscious trend that supports our skin and self-care desires and has a lower impact on the environment. While many brands have already jumped on this bandwagon to use recyclable materials in their packaging - the truth is that this is simply not enough.
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The reality is that the mass consumerism of plastic is killing our planet.
For many, our skincare routines are multi-stepped and require an assortment of products. This consumerism further contributes to the plastic issue because the packaging used by companies is either plastic or non-recyclable. This subject is a distressing matter in the United States as the cosmetic industry is annually accountable for 120 billion units of plastic. Of this large amount, only around 30% gets recycled, while the other 70% goes to landfills and continues to litter the planet.
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While this issue is not something you or I can necessarily fix, here are four DIY options that I recommend that are both sustainable and help to reduce our plastic waste contribution. Another great plus to these options is that they can all easily be found in the kitchen and cost very little.
Image Courtesy: Vogue
1 egg (egg white only)
1 tablespoon of honey
Directions: Crack one egg in a bowl separating the yolk from the egg whites. Next, add one tablespoon of honey and mix the ingredients until they are combined. Lather the mixture onto your face. When applying the mask, be cautious to avoid the eye area. Let it dry for 10-20 minutes or until the skin feels tight. Rinse off with warm water. This mask can be repeated weekly.
If you are hesitant to put egg whites on your face, do not worry because my 76-year-old grandmother swears by this mask and its benefits. This face mask is ideal for anyone with oily-prone skin looking for a healthy glow. The formula works because the egg whites make the skin firmer, reduce the size of pores, and remove buildup, whereas the honey gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin.
2 tablespoons of coffee grounds
4 tablespoons of coconut oil
Directions: Mix two tablespoons of coffee grounds and four tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl. Next, apply the scrub to your face and gently exfoliate any dead skin cells away. Rinse off with warm water. This can be repeated weekly.
I love to wake up and use this face scrub because it smells refreshing and helps me jumpstart the day. This scrub is helpful for anyone who wants to cleanse their skin or is struggling with acne. The formula works because the coffee in this scrub unclogs pores and reduces redness or inflammation, while the coconut oil moisturizes and heals any acne wounds.
1 tablespoon of honey
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
Directions: Mix one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl. Apply to the skin and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This can be repeated weekly.
This mask, in my book, has the equivalent effects of drinking the right amount of water and getting a good night's rest. It is ideal for anyone with hyperpigmentation on their skin wanting to reduce the appearance of dark spots and dullness. DISCLAIMER: This mask may turn your skin a bit orange (yikes, I know), so be certain to rinse off well.
1 teaspoon of honey
2 teaspoons of sugar
Directions: Mix one teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of sugar in a bowl. Massage the mixture into your lips and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This scrub can be used two times weekly.
Honestly, this lip scrub is the holy grail. It makes your lips feel super soft by gently removing dead skin cells. The simple formula works because the sugar is a natural exfoliant while the honey moisturizes the lips.
Image Courtesy: Mono Skincare
It is everyone's responsibility to make more environmentally friendly decisions for our planet. Even though it may feel like only grand changes to how we live will help this issue, there are choices available that better support the environment only if you are willing to try them.
Strike Out,
Writer: Kyrsten Schneider
Editor: Raquel Gluckstern
Graphic Designer: Marisa Hart
Tallahassee