Sustainable Skincare - A New Year's Resolution Worth Keeping

*This article was written by our lovely friends at Suntribe

As we stepped into a new year, many of us have made resolutions to live healthier, happier lives. While this often involves eating well and exercising regularly, it's important to also consider the impact we have on the environment. One area that often gets overlooked is our skin care routine.

Many conventional beauty products are loaded with harmful chemicals and are packaged in single-use plastic containers that end up in landfills. To reduce your carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle, consider making the switch to sustainable skin care.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Choose natural ingredients

Look for products that use natural ingredients, such as oils, butters and natural scents, instead of synthetic fragrances and preservatives. Not only are natural ingredients better for your skin, they're also better for the environment as they're biodegradable and don't contribute to pollution.

2. Avoid single-use packaging

A big contributor to waste in the beauty industry is single-use packaging. To reduce your impact, choose products that come in reusable, recyclable or innovative containers such as plastic made from sugar cane.  Additionally, look for products that use minimal packaging, as excess packaging just adds to the amount of waste in landfills.

3. Support companies with sustainable practices

When it comes to sustainable skin care, the company behind the product is just as important as the product itself. Look for companies that really do what they promise and put their money where their mouth is. Be sure to check whether the brand you’re wanting to buy from is transparent about their manufacturing, ingredient sourcing and environmental impact. Supporting smaller companies that are true to their mission communicates that there's a demand for sustainable products, encouraging others to follow suit.

4. Consider using bar products

Bar soap, shampoo, and other bar products are a great way to reduce waste in your skin care routine. These products are often packaged in paper or minimal packaging, which is much more eco-friendly than plastic bottles. Additionally, bar products often last longer than their liquid counterparts, so you don't have to purchase as often, further reducing your environmental impact.

5. Do your research

Before purchasing a new product, take the time to research the ingredients and company practices. Read product labels, check the company's website, and look for relevant certifications, that indicate the product is environmentally-friendly. With a little bit of effort, you can easily find sustainable skin care products that are both good for you and the planet.

6. Use a sustainable sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential part of any skin care routine, but many conventional sunscreens are filled with harmful chemicals and contribute to the pollution of oceans and waterways. To reduce your impact, consider using a sustainable natural sunscreen.

Europe’s cleanest sunscreen brand is Suntribe. Their products are made with 100% natural, and reef-friendly ingredients and the sunscreens come in a biobased sugar cane tube, making it an environmentally-friendly choice. Suntribe is committed to creating worry-free sunscreens that are safe for you and the planet and they’re on the mission to change the sunscreen industry for good.

7. Hydrate for healthy skin

In addition to using sustainable skin care products, it's also important to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, as it helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin looking plump and radiant.

However, many plastic water bottles end up in landfills, adding to the plastic waste problem. To stay hydrated while also reducing your environmental impact, consider using a reusable water bottle.

S’wheat is the world’s first reusable water bottle made from plants! Made from sustainably sourced wheat straw and bamboo, the S’wheat bottle is lightweight, durable, naturally insulated, and can you believe it uses just one sixteenth of the energy used to produce a stainless steel reusable bottle? That’s what we call sustainable!

Incorporating sustainable skin care into your routine is a simple and effective way to live a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle.  Not only are good choices better for the environment, but they're also better for your skin. Natural ingredients are gentler and less likely to cause irritation.

So, as we’ve entered the new year, let's make a resolution to switch to sustainable skin care to enjoy beautiful, healthy skin for years to come.