In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing awareness of environmental issues, urging individuals to adopt sustainable practices in all aspects of life. The beauty industry too has been working towards making the industry work towards sustainable options and are making beauty routines, too, transformed into eco-friendly endeavours. By making conscious choices and embracing sustainable alternatives, we can minimise our ecological footprint while still looking and feeling our best.
Here are some practical steps and sustainable solutions that can be incorporated into your beauty routine, promoting a harmonious balance between self-care and environmental consciousness.
Streamline Your Products - The first step towards a sustainable beauty routine is decluttering your collection of beauty products. Take stock of what you have and determine which ones are truly essential. By streamlining your products, you reduce waste and limit the consumption of unnecessary packaging. Look for multi-purpose products that serve multiple functions, such as tinted moisturisers with SPF or lip and cheek stains, a body wash that works as a face wash as well. Opt for refillable packaging or products sold in recyclable or biodegradable containers to minimise the amount of plastic waste generated.
Choose Natural and Organic Ingredients - When selecting beauty products, prioritise those made with natural and organic ingredients. Many conventional beauty products contain harmful chemicals that are not only detrimental to your health but also pollute water sources and harm ecosystems. Look for certified organic and natural labels, which ensure that the ingredients used are sustainably sourced and free from harmful additives. Embrace the power of nature by incorporating ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils into your routine. Not only are these ingredients kinder to the environment, but they also offer nourishment, rejuvenation, and holistic solutions for your skin and hair concerns.
DIY Beauty Recipes- Another fantastic way to promote sustainability in your beauty routine is by creating your own products using simple, natural ingredients found in your kitchen. Experiment with homemade face masks, body scrubs, and hair treatments, using ingredients like oatmeal, honey, and avocado. DIY beauty recipes not only reduce waste, but they also allow you to tailor products to your specific needs and preferences. You can find a multitude of recipes and tutorials online that offer creative and effective solutions for all your beauty needs.
Reduce Water Consumption- Conserving water is an essential aspect of a sustainable beauty routine. While it may be tempting to indulge in long, hot showers or leave the tap running while performing your skincare routine, it's important to be mindful of your water usage. Consider taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while you're brushing your teeth or lathering your face, and collecting rainwater to use for watering your plants or rinsing your hair. These small adjustments can go a long way in conserving water, a precious resource that must be protected.
Mindful Packaging and Recycling- When purchasing beauty products, pay attention to the packaging. Opt for brands that use minimal packaging or choose products that come in recyclable or biodegradable materials. Look for beauty brands that offer refillable options or take-back programs to reduce waste. Additionally, make a habit of recycling empty product containers instead of throwing them in the trash. Many communities have recycling programs or drop-off locations for beauty packaging, so be sure to explore the options available in your area.
Embracing a sustainable beauty routine is a powerful way to contribute to the preservation of our planet while still enjoying the benefits of self-care. By streamlining our products, choosing natural and organic ingredients, exploring DIY options, reducing water consumption, and being mindful of packaging and recycling, we can significantly minimise our environmental impact. Remember, sustainable beauty is not about sacrificing our personal care but rather making conscious choices that support a healthier and safer beauty routine.
Ideally, we should tend to our skin at least twice every day, which is also known as the AM-PM skin routine. In the morning, cleanse your skin of all the products from the previous night.
Apply a night cream after using a gentle cleanser to wash your face. Your skin will be hydrated by the night cream, becoming softer and more radiant. Look for nighttime skincare products that contain retinol/retinoids to boost cellular regeneration, antioxidants to help your skin recover from environmental stresses, and hyaluronic acid to bind moisture to your skin.
For those who have watched 'The Sound of Music', the name Edelweiss, derived from German (Edel, meaning noble, and Weiss, meaning white), would ring a bell. But there's a lot more to this small, seemingly delicate flower. Before we delve into why it's invaluable in the beauty industry, let's learn more about this gem from Plabita Sharma, Head of Training & Customer Experience, The Body Shop India
Weird beauty and skincare hacks abound online, and the majority of them do more harm than good. Shreedha Singh, Co-Founder of T.A.C - The Ayurveda Co. shares some viral skincare and beauty hacks that you should avoid at all costs.
It's game changing, time saving, and equally cost effective. You can get a lot out of a single lipstick. Slow ride is a lip shade by Nars that is so versatile, it's a perfect nude which suits all skin tones beautifully, it's super pigmented, and it's easy to blend.
Using natural products is the ideal method to enhance the natural properties of skin, and what better way to achieve it than by utilising the superpowers of the legendary Ayurveda! In India, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian countries, the ancient medical system known as Ayurveda is still used today.
