Beauty beyond trends: learn to consume consciously
Lately, the beauty industry has been introducing us to various approaches to skincare, with the Asian skincare routine, known for its multiple steps, gaining popularity. But amidst these trends, it’s important to discern between our genuine in terms of conscious beauty needs and what marketing is pushing us to buy.
Understanding your skin’s needs
How do we figure out what our skin truly needs and what it doesn’t? Firstly, understanding our skin type is crucial. Is it dry, sensitive, or prone to acne? Once we identify this, we can begin thinking about the right skincare products, as well as the right foods and supplements to nurture it.
The Gut-Skin Connection
Interestingly, sometimes expensive skincare isn’t necessary when the issue can be resolved by improving gut health. It’s been noted that our gut and hormonal balance significantly influence our skin health. Given that our skin acts as a barrier protecting our internal organs from external factors, it reflects both our internal and external environments. Therefore, being mindful of our food choices and understanding our hormonal balance is key. Before diving into an elaborate skincare routine, ask yourself: Am I consuming foods that benefit my gut? Do I have any food intolerances? How’s my hormonal balance? And, am I taking any medications that might disrupt my digestion or overall health?
Conscious beauty: aligning Practices with Principles
Secondly, it’s essential to adopt an approach that resonates with our beliefs and values. For instance, if you’re drawn to Ayurveda, you might find it easier to embrace a beauty routine grounded in its principles. Conversely, if you’re tech-savvy, you might prefer innovative cosmetic solutions. Regardless of your personal preferences, taking a few minutes to read product labels and researching their ingredients can help you understand what you’re applying to your skin. This empowers you to differentiate between potentially irritating products and those that provide genuine relief. For example, retinol is hailed as a powerful antioxidant and an effective anti-ageing ingredient. However, not everyone’s skin tolerates it well. By examining the label of a retinol-based product, you can ascertain its formulation and the percentage of each component.
Ultimately, while experimentation may reveal which products benefit us most, maintaining a basic skincare routine with clean beauty products is a choice you’re unlikely to regret.
