Introduction
I’m about to tell you something that might be difficult for some people to hear, but I’m going to say it anyway. If you’re using products full of chemicals and plastic packaging, then you are damaging the environment. The only way we can start doing better is by being honest with ourselves and asking the hard questions: What kind of impact am I having on my own health? On the health of other people? On animals? On the planet? Today, let’s talk about your beauty products. How much packaging do they use? Are they destroying coral reefs? Are they safe to use on your skin—all-natural or not—or could they be damaging your health in ways that aren’t immediately obvious? Finally, how can you find alternatives and still take good care of yourself while also taking good care of the Earth?
How much packaging do you use in a year?
How much packaging do you use in a year?
How much packaging do you use in a day?
How much packaging do you use in an hour?
How much packaging do you use in a minute?
How much packaging do you use in a second?
Overuse is bad for the earth, and it also doesn’t help your skin.
It’s important to avoid overusing products. Not only will this help the environment, but it will also benefit your skin and health.
Overuse of any product can cause cosmetic problems, such as irritation or dryness. If you’re using a face wash twice a day instead of once, that’s too much exposure to irritating substances like soap or alcohol. Your skin needs time to recover after cleansing so that it can maintain its natural barrier function and keep out germs without being overly dry or flaky (which would also be unattractive).
Overuse of products can cause social problems as well: if you use more than necessary, then you’ll go through them faster and have less money left over for other things in life that are important for a well-rounded existence (like vacations).
What are you putting on your skin?
You may be surprised to learn that there are dozens of ingredients in most beauty products. Many of these ingredients are harsh on the skin and some can even be dangerous to your health. So, what are you putting on your skin? Do you know what’s in your makeup?
Some of the most common ingredients to look out for are:
- Petroleum-based chemicals – petroleum jelly has been used for years as a moisturizer but it can clog pores and cause breakouts. These chemicals also have a high chance of being contaminated with carcinogenic substances (cancer-causing agents).
- Silicone-based chemicals – like petroleum jelly, silicones can clog pores and cause irritation. Silicones also slow down healing time when applied topically because they don’t allow oxygen to reach the surface layer of skin where inflammation occurs during wound healing processes.
- Parabens – parabens are preservatives that prevent bacteria growth but studies show that certain parabens have estrogenic activity which means they mimic naturally occurring hormones such as estrogen in our bodies and interfere with hormone signaling pathways; leading to reproductive issues such as breast cancer
Do you wear makeup every day?
Do you wear makeup every day? If so, how much and what kind of makeup do you use? Do you use a lot of different products or just one brand? Do you wear mascara and eyeliner on a daily basis? How about blush and bronzer? Do you wear foundation or tinted moisturizer?
I’m not trying to be nosy here; I’m genuinely curious.
If your answer is “no” (which is great), then this blog won’t be for you. But if the answer is “yes,” then keep reading!
What could be in your makeup?
- Phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to reproductive problems, birth defects and even cancer. They’re used in nail polish and hair spray to prolong the life of the product.
- Parabens. These preservatives are found in nearly all cosmetic products, including shampoo and moisturizer, but they also appear in foods like candy and even gum! Studies have shown that parabens can cause skin rashes or allergies (especially with contact dermatitis) as well as disrupt hormones by mimicking estrogen in your body – which has been linked to breast cancer development.
- Siloxanes: Look for ingredients ending in “-siloxane” on your cosmetics label—that means there’s siloxane present somewhere within that product (and likely many other similar ingredients). Silicone is used as a thickener or lubricant so that things don’t stick together too much when they’re blended together into makeup or cleanser formulas; it also serves as an emollient (moisturizer) for sensitive skin types who don’t need heavy creams applied over their face every day…if only we all had such luxurious problems! But what about possible health risks? Silicone may cause irritation for some people who use it regularly; other studies show it could be harmful if inhaled long term via aerosol sprays containing this ingredient.”
Why would a company include those ingredients?
The next time you’re wondering why a company would include those ingredients in their product, think about it this way:
- The base ingredients in sunscreen are relatively cheap.
- They do a good job at absorbing UV light.
- They reflect UV light and scatter it away from your skin to protect you from the sun’s rays (a process known as photostability).
Should you use sunscreen with titanium dioxide?
No. Titanium dioxide is a mineral that has been used as an ingredient in sunscreen for decades. It is not a carcinogen and it’s not a hormone disruptor either. This means it’s safe to use on your skin even if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, which are two times when you may want to be extra careful about what kinds of chemicals you put on your body.
What kind of sunscreen should you use?
If you’re going to be in the sun for a long period of time, it’s smart to wear sunscreen. But what kind of sunscreen should you use?
You might think that any old sunscreen is good enough, but there are many differences between different types of sunscreens. For example:
- Mineral-based sunscreens are better than chemical-based because they don’t contain harmful chemicals that can damage your skin and possibly cause cancer. Look for products with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as their active ingredients—they’re both minerals that protect against UV radiation. Some people may develop an allergy to chemical sunscreens, but these natural mineral ingredients are safe for everyone regardless of their allergies and sensitivities.
Where can you find all-natural products?Are you comfortable continuing to use the same products that you’re using now?
It’s common to hear that natural products are hard to find. It’s true, there aren’t a lot of natural beauty companies out there. However, it’s not hard to get your hands on them if you know where to look.
A quick Google search for “organic skin care” brought up several hundred results for me—including some great brands like Dr Hauschka and Aubrey Organics that even sell their products at Target (if you live in the US). You can also find many all-natural brands through Amazon or your favorite health food store.
Some products like coconut oil and baking soda can be purchased anywhere; just make sure they’re pure versions so as not to contain any additives or preservatives (this is something I learned the hard way).
There are natural alternatives available for everything, including things with titanium dioxide.
There are natural alternatives available for everything, including things with titanium dioxide. If you’re looking to give up your harmful chemical-based skin products and go green, there are plenty of great options out there.
One of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by using more eco-friendly products that don’t hurt the planet or your health. For example, if you want an effective sunscreen that won’t pollute our oceans and make them uninhabitable for future generations, then look no further than this sunblock from Haute Hippie.
This brand has been praised for its high quality ingredients (including zinc oxide) without any nasty chemicals like parabens or fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin types such as mine!
Conclusion
We’ve got a lot of great products for you to try, so come on in and have a look around! Our staff is knowledgeable about the environment and all-natural beauty products, and we’d be happy to help you find what works for you. Once you start using all-natural skin care products, you’ll never go back to the old stuff again. They’re just as effective, but much safer for your body and the earth.
