As awareness of the climate crisis spreads, many consumers have opted to change their shopping habits in response in an attempt to their bit. Vegetarianism and veganism are on the rise, and people are trying to shop more sustainably and lower their carbon footprints. This eco-conscious approach has made its way to the beauty industry. More and more people are opting to use ethical, natural, clean beauty products.
It can be hard to know where to start when making a lifestyle change. Read on all the information you will need to get started on your natural beauty journey.
The Benefits
Natural beauty products are not made of any of the potentially harmful synthetic chemicals found in other mass-produced products. Instead, they are made of botanicals and pure minerals, often making them a safer option for those with sensitive or ageing skin. Fresher ingredients means fresher skin, and natural ingredients are often more nutritious for the skin. Natural ingredients better serve the acid mantle of the skin which is the barrier that protects against bacteria and pollutants as they do not disrupt the PH balance.
Natural beauty products aren’t simply better for consumers; they have positive long-term effects on the planet. All-natural and vegan brands are often more mindful of the environment, which is one of their selling points. Many conventional cosmetic brands use unsustainable ingredients, the sourcing of which can lead to the destruction of habitats and effects on the ecosystems.
Choosing to incorporate more sustainable products can also have a positive impact on the animals. Not all, but most plant-based products are vegan and cruelty-free, meaning that absolutely no animals are harmed in the sourcing or creating of the products. Check certifications when buying products to ensure their vegan or cruelty-free status.
How to Make the Transition to a Natural Beauty Routine
It is a process, do not rush it. Firstly, do your research; there are many issues with chemically-based cosmetics. Taking even a short break from certain brands can lower the levels of hormone-disrupting chemicals in the body. In most countries’ beauty products are very poorly regulated; look into these common ingredients and decide which ones you want to get rid of from your routine. This doesn’t have to be an immediate change as it can be expensive. Some people opt to make these changes as their existing products run out.
Go through your existing beauty products and determine what is in them. This can also help you work out what you are looking for when replacing these products; why do you like your current products, what made you buy them? If you are a little lost or overwhelmed, some natural beauty retailers offer free consultations and recommendations, or there are always online forums to help you.
Many retailers offer smaller samples or trial products so that you can try a product out before committing to a full-size product. Develop your new routine over time, prioritise yourself, which products improve your overall well-being? Ridding your body of the toxin’s cosmetics have put into it over the years may feel strange at first but persevere.
Products You Should Include
Now that you know how to start curating your new natural beauty routine, what things should you be looking to include? There are many products to choose from, and it all comes down to personal preference; however, there are some essentials you should consider:
- Bakuchiol based products. Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to products that contain retinol. Retinol is a synthetic chemical with purported miracle anti-ageing properties; however, repeated use can be extremely harmful, and retinol can react very severely with sunlight. Bakuchiol is an excellent alternative with remarkably similar properties, except it is also a known anti-inflammatory too.
- Microbead-free products. Microbeads which are tiny pieces of plastic, are already banned in the UK, but the rest of the world has yet to catch up. Microbeads are awful contaminants that are genuinely dreadful for the environment as well as you. They are most prevalent in exfoliators and scrubs. Make sure your products do not contain them.
- CBD oil was previously used in the treatment of chronic pain; however, it has made its way into the mainstream beauty industry. It has many benefits, it can help cure acne, reduce eczema and psoriasis, and when used topically, it can even help alleviate anxiety. It can be hard to know where to buy CBD oil as it is not a standard product in the shops yet- buying online is your best bet. Naturally, CBD is a great company that offers many different options and variations so that you can choose what is suitable for your needs.
- Coconut oil has increased in popularity in recent years. It has many different uses in the home. It can be used as a moisturiser, a make-up remover, a hair mask, oil pulling your teeth, and cooking with. Coconut oil is so versatile that one of its uses is bound to be beneficial for your beauty routine.
Packaging
Beauty products produce so much unnecessary waste. Sustainable packaging is on the rise, and if sustainability is a factor in your decision to overhaul your beauty regime, you should consider the packaging of the products you buy. It is important for the environment to choose products with either packaging made from recycled materials or with recyclable packaging. Consider the brand’s claims. Do they claim to operate in an environmentally friendly way and package all their products in plastic? This is known as greenwashing, and many popular brands are guilty of it. Significant changes are expected as the importance of sustainability for consumers becomes clearer.
In Conclusion
Getting into natural beauty may seem daunting at first but take it slowly. There are different options available, and finding the right ones can take time. A natural beauty regime will not only make you look better, but it can also help you feel better without the harsh chemicals disrupting your bodies biological systems. Finally, you can feel better about your contributions to ethical practices and sustainability.
