Simple and sustainable skincare
As every action or product we use creates an impact on the planet, it’s important to even keep our skincare products and routines in mind. However, it’s difficult to navigate what products to use when so many skincare items are often labeled with chemical nomenclature and ingredients that the average consumer cannot understand. It is also challenging to remember what ingredients to avoid and what to use, and green-washing prohibits us from truly distinguishing the good and the bad.
This skincare guide has been created in partnership with Oil + Water to help bring clarity so you can find a solution that works for your skin. It covers three areas specifically for your facial routine - ingredients, building your routine, and our diets and lifestyle - but many of these principles and tips can be applied to the rest of the body as well. Watch the video on the left for the visual guide, and feel free to browse below for the details and more linked resources that may be helpful. We hope this guide proves to be helpful as you journey towards making a simple and sustainable skincare routine.
Ingredients
The cosmetics industry is regulated by the FDA, but products don't have to be FDA-approved to go to market - the responsibility lies on manufacturers, who are legally responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and properly labeled.
Ingredients to avoid
Check this great pocket guide on skincare ingredients and what to look out for, but note that not all natural products are good for your skin - be wary of the following:
Animal products. Plant-based is just as effective
Comedogenic oils. Coconut oil, cocoa butter, or soybean oil especially on the face - instead opt for quick to absorb oils such as argan and grapeseed
Alcohol. Commonly used as a preservative but has drying effects - use ingredients such as hydrosols or distillates instead
Harsh physical exfoliants. Sugar, salt, coffee grounds or ground nut shells - use safe, chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid for gentler exfoliation or glycolic acid for stronger exfoliation
Essential oils. High concentrations in any product can be dangerous
Water. In any form, such as an aloe juice or hydrosol, without proper preservatives
Best ingredients by skin type
Dry skin. Argan oil, almond oil, kukui nut oil, shea butter, mango butter, sandalwood essential oil, aloe vera juice, rose hydrosol, and kaolin clay
Oily and acne prone skin. Jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, black cumin seed oil, rosehip oil, tea tree essential oil, witch hazel hydrosol, bentonite clay, French green clay, and Fuller's earth clay
Mature skin. Sea buckthorn oil, pomegranate seed oil, rosehip oil, carrot seed essential oil, frankincense essential oil, geranium essential oil, rose hydrosol, rose clay, and rhassoul clay
Combination skin. Jojoba oil, argan oil, geranium essential oil, rose hydrosol, bentonite clay, and rose clay
Sensitive skin. Apricot kernel oil, calendula, chamomile essential oil, lavender essential oil, rose hydrosol, kaolin clay, and rhassoul clay
DIY options
Always research ingredients before using as they can be ineffective or irritating on your face. The following are some safe options:
Honey. For masks and cleansing
Olive oil. For cleansing - be sure to rinse or wipe off after use
Coffee grounds and cane sugar. For body and lip scrubs
Coconut oil. For moisturizing the body, not face
If you’d like to use essential oils, be sure to dilute them properly as shown in this dilution chart.
If you are unable to find oils and ingredients in recyclable packaging, Mountain Rose Herbs is a great source.
Building your routine
Everyone’s skin type is different and will change through time, but it’s best to start with less. Stick with a few staples for at least a month as it takes time for your skin to adapt, then re-evaluate whether you have any issues such as dryness, acne, etc.
What you need
Cleanser. Find something that is gentle and moisturizing - note that Natural bar soaps have higher pH than skin and hair, which can make them drying when used daily on more delicate skin of the face
Moisturizer. Emollients and humectants are needed in any facial moisturizer - humectants attract water from their surroundings to keep you hydrated, whereas emollients consist mainly of lipids and oils to nourish the skin and seal in moisture. For an in-depth post on understanding moisturizers, visit the link here
Sun protection. Look into products that have an SPF rating of at least 30 - for a plastic free sunscreen alternative, consider using a brand like Raw Elements
Diets and lifestyle
Our overall lifestyle, eating habits, and stress levels directly affect our skin, so it’s important to stay in balance.
Eat well. Opt for healthy, nutrient dense foods such as healthy fats in foods like nuts and avocados, whole grains, and a variety of colorful produce, and don’t forget to stay hydrated
Exercise. Getting a daily workout can also boost your skin’s health as blood is pumped throughout which revitalizes our skin, and sweat purges our bodies of any toxins, oils and bacteria
Rest. Good sleep is essential for allowing our skin to repair and recuperate
About Oil + Water
Oil + Water is an all natural skincare company based in Brooklyn, New York, with an emphasis on simple and organic ingredients. They are minimalist and eco-minded in all that they do, as they craft small batches of their products with organic, quality ingredients. All their products are plant based with the exception of their lip products which contain beeswax, and they also have a packaging return program, for those of you interested in reducing your waste. A big thank you to this wonderful company for sponsoring this skincare guide - use the code SIMPLY10 for 10% off your next purchase with Oil + Water.
Products in video
*If new to Oil + Water’s products, the starter set is a great to try out the complete product line and lasts about 3-4 weeks, which is sufficient time for your skin to adapt.