Taking care of our skin is one of the most important things we do on a daily basis. From cleansing and moisturizing to exfoliating, plumping and lifting. There are many steps to follow and with that, many products.
While some companies are conscious of disposable packaging, the majority of products are housed in plastic bottles or created with ingredients that don’t necessarily break down over time and could be harmful to the environment. In 2018, in the U.S. alone, almost 7.9 billion units of rigid plastic were created just for beauty and personal care products, according to Euromonitor International.
A few companies, including The L’Oréal Group and Unilever have pledged to make 100 per cent of their plastic packaging reusable, refillable, or compostable by 2025. But there are steps we can take while waiting for our beloved beauty brands to create eco-friendly packaging. Namely, creating our own, eco-friendly skincare products – not only will this cut down on waste, you will also save money!
Here are a few of our favourite ideas for at-home skincare:
Coconut Oil and Coffee Face & Body Scrub
This invigorating scrub will exfoliate, moisturize and nourish and is safe to use on your face and body.
Ingredients:
½ cup of freshly brewed coffee grounds
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup coconut oil
Mix ingredients together and use about a tablespoon at a time. Rub in circular motions on your skin to exfoliate and then rinse. Store remaining scrub in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within two weeks.
Charcoal Face Mask
Activated charcoal is a game-changer in beauty care for its ability to kill bacteria and clean pores. This face mask combines the strength of activated charcoal with bentonite clay and coconut oil for a powerful, detoxing treatment.
Ingredients:
½ tsp activated charcoal
½ tsp bentonite clay
¼ tsp coconut oil – melted
1 tsp water
Mix activated charcoal and bentonite clay in a small bowl. Avoid using any metal objects as both activated charcoal and bentonite clay will try to draw out the metals.
Mix in coconut oil and water.
Once mask has been fully incorporated, apply to a clean face.
Allow the activated charcoal face mask to dry and then remove with a warm wet washcloth.
Note: Activated charcoal can be quite messy so be careful and avoid getting it on anything.
Honey & Olive Lip Balm
Dry, chapped lips are never a good time. This quick and easy lip balm can be made with ingredients readily found in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
1 tsp honey
1 tsp olive oil
Mix equal parts together and apply to lips. Allow to sit for a few minutes, while using your self control not to lick it off ;).
Rosewater Moisturizing Mist
Rosewater can be used for several treatments, to sooth irritated skin, reduce redness, heal cuts and burns and even to enhance moods. This rosewater mist is a refreshing and fragrant way to give your skin some TLC from anywhere.
Ingredients:
½ cup rosewater
2-3 tbsp jojoba oil (or oil of your choice)
Combine ingredients and add to a spray bottle (small bottles are best so they can easily be thrown into your purse or backpack). When your skin is feeling irritated or dry, spray directly to skin for instant and cooling relief.