zero waste skin care routine

makeup free me, would never of been able to photograph my skin makeup free before

The skin is the largest organ in the body. It's also the most exposed, and is a passage way for all sorts to enter your system. I find we often forget this and put on a ton of different cosmetic products with ingredients we can't pronounce only to be confused when we feel ill and our skin is unhealthy. I'm not saying I have perfect skin, in fact far from, but I have gone through big label product after product and it is only now, with a natural, simplistic, and holistic approach to skin care, that my skin is the healthiest it's ever been.

Although not always, zero waste often correlates with natural ingredients, and for skin care this is usually the case. After years of using conventional chemical laced products in an attempt to rid of my blemishes I one day stopped and switched only to water and the occasional face mask. My skin finally got a break and calmed down. But, that was a few years back and I was getting the feeling that I needed to get back into a skin routine, albeit a simple one. I wanted something to aid my skin in its own natural system - and hey, those blemishes are still ever-present soooo. I also do really enjoy having a skin care routine; it gives a small intentional action of daily self-care and I like the routine before going to bed and when waking up. Showing yourself a little love in these small ways can just add a sense of peace in the day-to-day (which if you are anything like me, is super helpful).

It's been a while now since I established a zero waste skin care routine that works for me so I thought it was time to share! For reference I have combination skin; it's much more oily than dry but is also extremely sensitive to products + has a relatively normal blemish situation - I have some scars but they mostly just pop up during my period.

Cleanser

To cleanse I use a face soap bar I bought from ohms vegan cafe in Sheung wan, it's by the local Hong Kong brand BlendBlendsss and I absolutely adore it! They are a vegan palm oil free brand that use low waste packaging (brown string and thin packaging paper, both compostable and reusable) and of course supporting a local business is always great. I have their face soap that is advertised as being made for acne with the use of herbal Chinese medicine; it is light pink, has near to no smell, and is extremely gentle on the skin - cleansing without stripping.

I only use it at night, because generally it is good to only cleanse your skin once a day, or at least I've found that works best for me in not agitating my skin too much. In the morning I simply wash with water, mostly cold to wake me up!

A soap bar is a great zero waste replacement for plastic packaged cleansers and there are so many people around the world hand making them and selling them package free that you are sure to find a local business near you. I also find that bars last ages, it was $80 HKD for the bar but I cut it up to take whilst travelling and have yet to make a dent in my 1inchx1/2cm piece, so hopefully it's a bit of a money saver too!

Moisturiser

I never used to moisturise my face because I had oily skin and was scared it would clog my pores/make me break out but I am SO glad I did this time. Honest to god I think this has been the best product I've used on my face ever, and it's zero waste. Stevieyay is an eco-instagramer who has made this balm she calls 'yay for earth' that uses beeswax, olive oil, honey, pomegranate oil, and Shea butter. She began selling it online as a face lotion and the reviews she got were absolutely amazing. Because she ships from the US and the product sells out immediately after she releases it I haven't been able to purchase it, and a few months back I thought "well my DIY multipurpose balm is relatively similar maybe I should just try that in the meantime.". It has done absolute wonders for my skin, I apply a tiny amount morning and night to my cheeks, chin, and forehead (skip my nose so as not to clog) and every now and then take a break from it when I need to. My skin is clearer than it has ever been, I would definitely recommend making the balm and trying it on your skin if you can't/don't want to buy hers! I've had quite a few followers start using this after my recommendation and haven't had a single complaint so far. Using DIY's for aftercare in your skin care routine can be an amazing way to make the routine zero waste, and there are loads of glass packaged alternatives if you want to buy instead. something for everyone bbbbzzz

Lifestyle

Often (not always) healthy skin starts from the inside out; it stems from general good health, both mental and physical. So part of your skin care routine should involve making sure you are a healthy baby! Everyone harps on about this currently but drinking loads of water is so great if you want clear skin, I try to drink around 8oz of water everyday when I wake up and of course throughout the day as well. If you are someone who forgets to drink water often I would definitely recommend that routine to help. Focusing on a diet that is rich in plants is also super wonderful for the skin. Before anyone says anything, I'm not saying you need to go vegan, but focusing on a diet rich in whole plant foods over processed ones is obviously going to do you great!

Overall as with everything one should generally take a holistic approach to skincare. If you try any of the products out do share n show me your beautiful faces!!! kiissess x