Most women and an increasing number of men use quite a few products for their skin and hair. This can lead to a great deal of plastic and paper waste, excess water use, and possibly even an unnatural, overdone look. A simple and eco-friendly way to streamline your routine is to start using natural, organic products. Only a few, standard supplies are needed, which translates to greater water conservation, less clutter in your bathroom, and a fresh look.
Go Organic
Companies such as Kiehl’s, Origins, Burt’s Bees, Juice Beauty, and Aveda are committed to creating a wholesome product with a reduced impact on the planet. The prices range for every budget type; if you’re not willing to invest a great deal of cash on your regimen, start out with Juice Beauty and Burt’s Bees products which are priced on the lower end of the scale. Kiehl’s and Origins are higher end but definitely worth the venture. If you don’t want to purchase online, most of these products are available in the Shoppes at East Chase at Target, Dillards, and Kohls.
Do an About Face
Taking your daily facial skin routine down to three products might seem impossible, but a simple cleanser, organic toner, and moisturizer after showering is really all your face wants and needs. Origin’s Checks and Balances frothy face wash contains Bergamot and Wheat Protein which are nourishing for all skin types. After cleansing, tighten your skin and close your pores with a quality toner. Burt’s Bees Garden Tomato Toner uses wholesome ingredients, isn’t expensive, and comes in a size that will last for quite a long time. Toss your toner in the fridge—it’s a wonderful way to refresh your face and close your pores. A good quality moisturizer such as Kiehl’s Abyssine lotion finishes the job… and seriously, that’s it!
Simplify Your Hair
When it comes to hair, it’s not uncommon to feel a little lost in the sea of styling products and methods. Consult with a certified Aveda stylist to develop the best routine for your hair and knock out all the unnecessary steps. Amplify Salon and Spa in Old Cloverdale, 2940 on Zelda Road, and Doug’s 2 on Vaughn Road are a few places you might want to check out. Make an appointment for a consultation and learn about Aveda’s wonderful products. For example, you might be a good fit for a product called Phomollient, a foaming hair product that uses a large pump dispenser; save the pump when you run out and buy a pumpless refill—this will save you a few bucks and it reduces plastic waste. That’s just one of many creative ways Aveda conserves.
Overhaul Your Shower
If you’re like most people, you’ve been doing the same thing in the shower for at least a decade. It’s easy to get into a robotic routine—wash your hair, scrub your body, perhaps shave, etc.—but it might be time for a whole new system. Start out with the water off. Put a few drops of tea tree oil between your fingertips and massage your scalp for a few moments. Take a natural bristle brush and gently rub over your whole body; this exfoliates and preps your skin for a shower. The temperature of the water should not cause redness; if you’re really ready for a change, spend the last few moments of your shower with the hot water almost completely off—the cold blast will not only wake you up, it will close your pores and tighten your skin. Use a high quality, organic beauty bar (not soap) or wash that is designed with your particular skin type in mind. Don’t scrub roughly and be especially gentle on your face. Drip dry for a few moments and shake excess water before toweling off—try to pat dry instead of rubbing down. After this kind of shower, you’ll feel as though you’ve just left a day spa—and you’ve probably saved a few gallons of water in the process.
A healthier beauty regimen can be as simple as doing your homework and finding what products work best for you. Your next task will be figuring out what to do with all your extra bathroom shelf space!
If you have a salon or spa in the River Region that uses offers eco-friendly products and services, and would like to be included on myEcoMAX.com, let us know!
