Step Up Your Beauty Routine with These Green Remedies

Let’s be honest: We all want to do what we can to help the environment and offset our own footprint on this rock we call Earth. But most of us also want clear skin, healthy hair, and a natural glow, too. Unfortunately, getting that look sometimes requires the use of harsh chemicals that can be damaging, not only to the environment but also to our bodies.

Still want to make some better choices? We’ve compiled a list of steps that will ensure your journey goes as smoothly and swimmingly as possible. There just may be a way to have your cake and eat it too with some of these “green” beauty treatments. Test them out for yourself and let us know what you think!

Tip 1: Take it Slow

Drastically and suddenly changing your skincare routine can end up wreaking havoc on your skin. It can also be taxing for your wallet. So instead of a clean sweep, take it one product at a time. Test out new green products slowly over the course of time to see what you like and what you don’t. This is a wonderful option when it comes to makeup, as items such as lipsticks and eye shadows can set you back a pretty penny. 

Tip 2: If You Can Eat It, It’s Probably OK

Right now, you probably have food in your pantry and refrigerator that, with a little effort, can be mixed and combined for a great at-home skin treatment. Combine egg whites, oatmeal, honey and some avocado for an amazing do-it-yourself mask that can fight free radicals and tighten and tone your skin.

Not into DIY? No problem. We’ve got you covered. One of the most wonderful organic products comes from  the awesome Edible Beauty Australia, which offers a wide selection of edible skin care products that that are guaranteed to leave you with great-looking skin. 

Tip Number 3: Be patient

Nature usually works slowly. Always has, always will. If you’re expecting sweeping changes overnight, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. When it comes to natural home remedies and green beauty products, you can’t expect instant gratification.

One of the biggest mistakes women make is not giving it enough time to, well, work! Synthetic products might have had a quicker effect, but they can be damaging your skin in the long run.

With organic, it’s the opposite scenario. You won’t get miracle results the next day, but once the benefits kick in and you realize how nourishing and safe these products are, you will never look back. So sit back, and let nature take its course.

Tip Number 4: Try Pearl Powder

You’re probably pretty familiar with pearl jewelry. But did you know that pearls can be ground up into a fine powder and used for a number of skin treatments? It’s not as difficult as you think.

We talked to The Pearl Source and Laguna Pearl, two of the top pearl retailers in the U.S. While neither recommended grinding your own pearls at home, they did say pre-made powder is usually pretty easy to find online and, often times, environmentally friendly since pearl cultivation has come a long way and is regularly being improved to have less of an impact on the environment. This handy guide can show you how to properly mix the powder and apply the treatment.

Tip Number 5: Get Sweet with Sugar

Aside from satisfying your sweet tooth, sugar makes an excellent skin exfoliant. You probably have all the ingredients you need right in your pantry. Check it out:

1. Melt four tablespoons of coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl
2. Combine oil and 1 cup of sugar in a small mixing bowl; stir well
3. Add essential oils and herbs to your liking (lavender, thyme, and lemon peel all work well!)
4. Store in mason jar in your bathroom or on your vanity

Top photo: Bigstock