A plant-based, vegan lifestyle is not only limited to being aware of what’s on your plate but also about what you wear and what you apply to your skin. If you’ve finally decided to adopt a plant-based lifestyle, you need to understand that it is a lifestyle choice that is not only implemented in your diet but also actively promotes the consumption of non-animal products and ingredients when it comes to skincare. In short, a clean skincare routine is an important part of the plant-based lifestyle.
In case you don’t know, the natural, cruelty-free, and vegan skincare industry is growing rapidly across the globe. According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, between 2021 and 2028, the global market for vegan cosmetics is expected to increase from $15.87 billion to $24.79 billion, at a CAGR of 6.57%. The key driving factors behind this rapidly increasing growth are the rising health concerns, high consumer demand for safe products, and the prevalence of skin disorders due to the use of petroleum-based skincare beauty products.
Why you should adopt a clean skincare routine
There are countless reasons to switch to a clean and natural skincare routine and avoid the environment damaging harmful synthetic chemicals. Some of them are discussed below:
They are skin friendly
Creams, lotions, face washes, and makeup products made with vegan principles in mind tend to be gentler on the skin. You may find vegan skincare products highly beneficial if you have allergy-prone or sensitive skin as they contain fewer fragrances and chemicals that trigger a reaction.
It stops animal cruelty
Having a clean skincare routine is also one of the best things you can do to stop animal cruelty. When you buy a vegan skincare product, the packaging has a little bunny logo which means that the brand is kinder to animals and doesn’t engage in unnecessary animal testing.
They are eco-friendly
Choosing clean vegan skincare products also create a huge positive impact on the natural environment. Animal products pose a great danger to mother nature and cause environmental problems, including pollution and climate change.
Five Steps of Clean Skin Care Routine
Healthy skincare is important for fighting against skin issues like dryness, acne, or pigmentation, but it is also important for preventing premature aging. Here are some essential ways to care for your skin while adhering to vegan principles.
1. Cleanse
Washing your face is the most important step in a skincare routine and is something you probably do every day. No matter what skin type you have, find a cleanser that is not too drying for the skin and does not strip away the skin’s natural protective barrier.
A vegan cleanser with low pH (e.g., 4.5 to 5.5) removes dirt, oil, germs, and urban pollutants from your skin that can cause damage and irritation while keeping it hydrated. On the other hand, conventional cleansers disrupt the skin’s acid mantle leaving it tight and stiff.
2. Exfoliate
You have to clean your skin deep twice a week to remove any excess debris, makeup, and dead skin cells from your face to achieve healthy and fresh skin. Exfoliation is a deep cleaning process that removes dead skin and unclogs pores. A non-toxic natural exfoliator does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Instead, it contains bamboo, bentonite, clay, and salt to achieve a smoother texture.
3. Toning
Applying a gentle toner after cleansing your skin is an important step that helps balance the skin’s natural pH level and shrink pores which helps in preventing sebum production and breakouts. Toner is a special liquid that removes traces of oil and makeup. For people with oily and acne-prone skin, witch hazel is a good option, while toner with rose water works best for sensitive skin. Buy a cruelty-free toner brand and make a small effort on your part.
4. Serum
Vegan-friendly serums can also improve the health of your skin. After exfoliation and toning, natural substances like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can lubricate the skin tissues and plump the skin while creating a protective skin barrier.
5. Face masks
There are so many vegan-friendly face mask options on the market right now. If you are a true environmentalist, you can prepare your own vegan DIY face mask using simple kitchen ingredients. Some options are as follows: charcoal mask for deep cleaning, a banana mask for glow, a cucumber mask for freshness, etc.
