If you’re ready to take on 2020 with a better approach to skincare, might we suggest giving clean beauty a try?
Whether it’s a promise to join the gym, cut back on vodka sodas or quit chewing with your mouth full, New Year’s resolutions aren’t always easy to keep. Fortunately, there is one resolution that has big benefits without having to spend a fortune or put your willpower to the test. Cleaning up your skincare routine by switching to non-toxic beauty products is perhaps the easiest resolution to keep. Sure, it takes some work to clean out your beauty stash and replace it with non-toxic products, but it’s a one-time commitment — unlike having to drag yourself to the gym before work every morning.
If your skin is dull, sensitive or just needs a little refreshing, clean beauty can help revive your natural glow. Skipping chemical ingredients that harm skin in favor of gentle botanicals, extracts and oils can do wonders for your complexion.
As if that weren’t reason enough to make the switch to green beauty, there is another more serious reason. Common chemicals found in traditional skincare products can potentially cause serious health problems in the long run. From hormonal disturbance and reproductive issues to cancer, it’s scary to think that your favorite face wash or trusty bar of soap can contribute to serious health issues down the line.
If you haven’t made the switch to clean beauty, New Years is the perfect excuse to get a fresh start.
It’s easy to commit to a clean beauty regimen when you have a game plan to follow. Here are six easy steps for how to start a clean beauty routine.
1. Get a fresh startIf you’re a clutter queen when it comes to your toiletry drawer, the new year is a great time to start over. That means paring down the skin products you don’t like or use often. Don’t love it? In the giveaway pile it goes. I know it’s tempting to skip this step (who likes cleaning, right?), but trust me — It will make Step 2 way easier.
2. Check ingredients
Now that you have only your favorites skin products remaining, it’s time to see if they meet ‘clean beauty’ criteria. Namely, do they contain any dangerous beauty ingredients on the no-no list? Checking ingredient labels can be tedious, but it’s worth it in the end. Some harmful ingredients are easy to spot (think parabens and PEGs), but others require a little help from the internet. Check out Safe Cosmetics’s handy guide, which breaks down the bad ingredients to look for in certain products. You can also search the site for any ingredients you’re unsure about.
3. Make a shopping list of products you need to swap
No fancy explanation needed. Just jot it down in your Notes app so you have the list available next time you’re out shopping.
4. Get to know clean beauty brands
Get ready to stumble on your new favorite clean beauty brands. A quick Google or hashtag search for clean beauty brands will give you countless options to choose from. Browse websites and get a feel for each brand’s philosophy. If their mantra echos a passion for non-toxic ingredients and they are transparent about what’s really in their products, that’s a good sign.
While you’re on our site, don’t forget to check out Botanical Republic’s complete line of natural, non-toxic skincare. We are a clean beauty skincare brand that takes going au natural seriously. Learn more about us here.
5. Double-check the ingredients and you’re good to go
When you’re almost sold on adding a skincare product to your shopping cart, do some last-minute due diligence. Basically, a repeat of Step 2, just with the new product you’re about to purchase. While many clean beauty brands stick to their promise, there is no government regulation on what constitutes “clean” or “all-natural” skincare. It’s up to you to double-check the ingredients list for toxic offenders.
6. Play around
OK, now we’re getting to the good bit. Arguably the most fun part of skincare is experimenting. As you know, your best friend’s favorite zero-toxin face wash might not be your fave. It can take some trial and error to stock your clean beauty arsenal with all-star finds. But when you do find products you love, it’s a great feeling. Nothing beats stumbling upon your next holy-grail cleanser, or finally taming a dull winter complexion with the best face moisturizer for dry skin.
7. Spread the word
Help make it easy for others to jump on board with green beauty in 2020 by writing reviews and sharing your favorite #cleanbeauty finds on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Your skin is going to love you for making the switch to clean beauty. Let 2020 be the year of a more beautiful, healthier you!