How to Transition to a Natural Skin Care Routine

Natural and organic skin care products do not just do wonders for the skin; they are also eco-friendly. Unfortunately, most skin care brands from your local beauty counter are teeming with chemicals that cause skin problems. These products also contribute to the destruction of forests and wildlife. To ease yourself into an all-natural skin care routine, we have outlined ways to keep your skin products green:

Check the Label

Even the most basic moisturizer is not so basic once you read the label. To make your skin care routine less complicated, opt for products made with as little ingredients as possible. You’d be surprised to know that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to keep the skin healthy. Most of the ingredients you see on an average beauty product are meant to stabilize the formula, preserve it, and keep its color attractive. Always go for skin care products with a short list of ingredients. The ingredients should be something you are familiar with, like nut butters, essential oils, or fruit essences.

Natural and All Natural: Know the Difference

Did you know that some “natural” skin care products are anything but? Worse, labeling terms are not regulated so some skin care brands use the word “natural” loosely when marketing their products.

It pays to keep an eye out for ingredients that are not 100% natural. Fortunately, there are lots of websites that rate natural skin care products according to toxicity. One of these sites is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database site. The site features an extensive list of skin care and personal care products rated by toxicity on a scale of 0 to 10.

Avoid Fragrances

Heavily scented skin and body care products make bath time enjoyable but these products are teeming with toxic chemicals that seep into the skin! To keep your skin care routine all-natural, avoid products that contain artificial fragrances, particularly those with phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals that cause skin allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems. Be wary of ingredients listed simply as “parfum” or “fragrance.” These ingredients are actually comprised of a cocktail of chemicals to mimic a certain scent!

Opt for Recycled Packaging

The fancy packaging you love will end up in a landfill one day. Worse, these packaging leaches chemicals that pollute the waters and the soil. Plastic packaging does not break down at all. Unfortunately, skin care brands are one of the major contributors to pollution. To keep pollution down while caring for the skin, opt for brands that use recycled packaging. These eco-friendly brands do not add pollution and cause agriculture and environmental problems with their packaging.

Values and Philosophies

The values and philosophies of a brand will translate to the product itself. It’s not enough to choose skin care brands made from organic, all-natural ingredients. The skin care companies’ core values and philosophies should focus on using natural ingredients too. Choose skin care products that do not test on animals and those that pledge to remove harmful chemicals from their products. Go for skin care brands that are committed to preserving the environment.