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*May is Mental Health Awareness Month. For so many of us, this last year has been particularly difficult on our mental and physical wellbeing, and it is important to remember that we are never alone. Here, one writer shares her deeply personal experience with stress and depression and the impact it has had on her relationship with her skin during the COVID-19 pandemic.*

Our mental health has been put to the test over the last year, and even people who haven’t suffered emotionally in the past have been finding things difficult recently. Symptoms of depression and anxiety are broad and vary widely from person to person, but many people will experience a sense of lethargy and lack of interest in things they normally take an interest in. 

Like many people reading this, I have dealt with depression on-and-off since I was a teenager, and the uncertainty that the pandemic has thrown our way has certainly made my mental health tougher to manage. I wanted to share how dealing with the effects depression impacts my skin and explore how we can strip back skincare to the bare minimum when the world around us gets to be a bit much.

## **How Stress Affects the Skin** 
Depression, anxiety, and even stress can all affect your complexion, and everyone’s body reacts differently to these factors. People who have [acne-prone](https://aedit.com/concern/acne) skin, for example, may experience more breakouts, and stress can also trigger [eczema](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-skincare-products-to-treat-eczema-flare-ups-in-the-winter) flare ups. Studies have shown that [stress can affect](https://aedit.com/aedition/impact-of-stress-on-skin-acne-wrinkles-dryness) the way the skin’s barrier function regulates water retention, which means your skin may be drier and more sensitive. Since [poor sleep](https://aedit.com/aedition/impact-of-beauty-sleep-on-skin-health-nighttime-skincare-products) is another common symptom of depression, you may find that both your eyes (think: dark circles) and skin looks more tired than usual.

In my case, I find that my skin tends to lose elasticity, which can be attributed to stress-induced changes in the skin’s proteins. When I’m feeling low, I forget about the nice glowy skin I carefully worked on, and my complexion tends to become dull and dehydrated. 

Your skin may also change if, like me, your skincare routine falls to the wayside when you’re not feeling your best. As much as I love skincare — and I will happily indulge in a full-on Korean-inspired skincare routine when I’m feeling well — that routine gets swapped out for a quick cleanse in the shower when I’m not doing so great. Dramatically shifting your skincare routine in this way also impacts your skin, and it may lead previous issues to resurface.

## **Why Routines Can Feel Difficult**
Depression [affects neurotransmitters](https://www.gulfbend.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=12999&cn=5) in your brain, and some of these control how motivated we feel. These neurotransmitters are responsible for a wide range of our daily habits — regulating everything from how we sleep to how easily we can recall information. Changes in levels of serotonin and dopamine can impact whether you feel like completing your usual tasks, including your skincare routine. 

When you’re feeling depressed, the thought of having to do a whole number of steps before you hit the hay can feel overwhelming. I can’t tell you how many times over the past few months I have stood in front of my skincare products and just not had the ability to come up with a routine, so I’ve given up and gone to bed. Likewise, if you’re struggling to sleep, getting up to apply products tends to feel pretty unappealing.

In other words, it’s normal to not feel like doing certain things when you’re struggling with depression or chronic stress. This being said, it’s a great idea to try to adapt your old habits, so they feel more manageable while you’re going through a difficult time. In this case, switching out your usual skincare routine for something pared down could be a good compromise.

## **Back to Basics**
If you are someone who is used to taking care of your complexion with a multi-step skincare routine, you may be wondering how to strip it down. The two most important elements are cleansing and sun care. Wear [sunscreen](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-apply-sunscreen-and-not-miss-a-spot) during daylight hours, wash it off at night, and you have, theoretically, given your skin the protection it needs. From there, you may consider applying a non-SPF moisturizer before bed to rehydrate the skin and counteract some of the stressors we discussed above.

I personally find that leaving my cleanser in the shower is a surefire way of making sure that I take the time to cleanse regularly. I also leave my sunscreen in the bathroom, so I put it on as part of my morning getting ready routine without going out of my way. 

Finding products that work well for your skin and state of mind is key. This, of course, is always true, but it’s especially important when you’re stripping down your routine. Focus on [ingredient combinations](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-skincare-ingredient-pairings) that can help you to achieve maximum results with minimum effort. In my experience, the actives and products below can target specific skin concerns:

### **For Acne-Prone Skin:**
When it comes to treating and preventing acne, using cleansers with [benzoyl peroxide](https://aedit.com/procedure/benzoyl-peroxide), [salicylic acid](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-beta-hydroxy-acids-salicylic-acid-in-skincare), and pyrithione zinc can all help combat breakouts. I like [Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dermstore.com%2Fproduct_SKIN%2BBALANCING%2BOilReducing%2BCleanser_54625.htm), which helps keep the skin clean and clear without being overly drying. There is some debate as to whether [chemical or physical sunscreens](https://aedit.com/aedition/difference-between-chemical-sunscreen-physical-mineral-sunscreen) are best for acne-prone skin. I’ve always found [La Roche-Posay Anthelios](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fanthelios-60-face-sunscreen-combination-skin-spf-60%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod3840055) to be a lightweight, mattifying option.

### **For Oily Skin:** 
If you have oily skin, you’ll want to look for a cleanser that gently reduces excess sebum (read: oil) production without being too harsh or irritating. Certain types of clay can achieve this, like the kaolin clay and activated binchotan charcoal in the [Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Factive-clay-cleanser%3FproductId%3Dpimprod2012947). In terms of sunscreen, something that combines sunscreen with antioxidant protection, such as [Kiehl's Super Fluid Daily UV Defense SPF 50+](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fsuper-fluid-daily-uv-defense-sunscreen-broad-spectrum-spf-50-P429522), can provide additional protection.

### **For Combination Skin:**
It can be tough to find products that work well for combination skin because most ingredients either target dry or oily areas. [Vitamin E](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-topical-vitamin-e-in-skincare) and salicylic acid are actives that can cater to both concerns. You can try either chemical or mineral sunscreen — play around with formulas to find what works best. [Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fsupergoop-unseen-sunscreen-spf-40-P454380) is an ultra-lightweight option that combines moisturizing ingredients (meadowfoam seed, red algae, frankincense) with broad spectrum sun protection.

### **For Dry Skin:**
Finding a hydrating cleanser with glycerin, [squalane](https://aedit.com/aedition/benefits-of-squalane-for-skin-hair), or [ceramides](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-topical-ceramides-in-skincare) (like [CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fhydrating-facial-cleanser%3FproductId%3DxlsImpprod4190255))  will help keep your skin nourished. Mineral sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients such as [hyaluronic acid (HA)](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-hyaluronic-acid-in-skincare-dermal-filler) can offer sun protection and a moisture boost. 

### **To Combat Aging:**
If you’re looking to address uneven skin tone and/or texture, cleansers with [alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-topical-alpha-hydroxy-acids-in-skincare), [bakuchiol](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-bakuchiol-in-skincare), and [niacinamide](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-topical-niacinamide-vitamin-b3-in-skincare) can all improve the appearance of the skin (try [Dr. Zenovia Skincare Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fdr-zenovia-skin-care-bakuchiol-hydrating-cleanser-P464245)). There are many ‘anti-aging’ sunscreens on the market, which combine UV protection with other ingredients that help with fine lines, pigmentation, and more. 

### **What About Skincare Gadgets?**
The [skincare device market](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-at-home-skincare-devices) is brimming with gadgets that offer technology previously only available in professional settings at home. My personal favorite is the [Foreo UFO](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fforeo-ufo-2-P468652), which features thermotherapy (heating), cryotherapy (cooling), sonic pulsations, and [LED light](https://aedit.com/aedition/difference-between-professional-at-home-led-therapy) settings to enhance the efficacy of serums and face masks. For me, it’s been an absolute asset to keep up with masking and treatments despite really not feeling like it. 

## **Seeking Help**
A lot is going on right now, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. If you’re struggling, know that you are not alone and there are resources available to help. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. **If you're having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) to talk to a trained counselor in your area.**

*All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.*

Patient Perspective

One writer shares her deeply personal experience with stress and depression and the impact it has had on her relationship with her skin during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact Of Mental Health On The Skin During COVID-19

The Relationship Between My Mental Health And My Skin During The Pandemic

OxygenChamber

Let’s talk about oxygen. You likely learned in your elementary school biology class that humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. The cells of the body use oxygen to produce energy and perform many of the functions that keep us alive. So, how does this relate to aesthetic medicine? Enter hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

The natural, non-invasive treatment that simply requires you to, well, breathe has long been employed pre- and post-op across many fields of medicine thanks to its healing benefits, and there is a chance it may be a part of your plastic surgery recovery plan, too. Here’s what you need to know.

## **What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?**
First, a quick vocabulary lesson: ‘hyper’ means increased and ‘baric’ refers to pressure. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing 100 percent pure oxygen under higher atmospheric pressure, which can increase the oxygen concentration in the body by up to 1200 percent.

As you may have guessed, that boost has a host of [widely accepted](https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2016/09001/An_Update_on_the_Appropriate_Role_for_Hyperbaric.15.aspx) positive health effects, including:

- Increased blood flow
- Encouragement of body tissue regeneration
- Decreased inflammation 
- Stem cell mobilization
- Improved infection fighting
- Killing of anaerobic bacteria 
- Enhanced ability to heal

“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry,” explains [Kevin Tehrani, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/kevin-tehrani-md-91), a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of [Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & MedAesthetics](https://www.aristocratps.com/) in New York. “An increase in blood oxygen temporarily restores normal levels of blood gases and tissue function to promote healing and fight infection.” 

## **Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Plastic Surgery**
In the medical world, hyperbaric oxygen is generally used to address poor healing wounds. “It basically superdrives the healing,” Dr. Tehrani says of the therapy. He, like many aesthetic providers, began offering it at his practice because proper healing and recovery is critical to the success of plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures. “Some people smoke, some people have diabetes, or prior radiation, and all of those things make you not heal as well,” he explains. “I want you to heal perfectly. That’s where hyperbaric comes in.”

<CaptionImg url={https://images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/6UnWR2NFJJxKYj4CF5WBeE/e0953147a1176accdaee0c2a6d7976bb/OxygenChamber.jpeg}>
  The outdoor hyperbaric oxygen chamber at Dr. Tehrani’s midtown Manhattan practice.
</CaptionImg>

The concept of HBOT is relatively straightforward (high pressure, meet oxygen), but the results can be extraordinary for patients who would otherwise face complications after surgery. “The high pressure dissolves the oxygen into your bloodstream, so the higher concentration of oxygen gets into the tissue that needs to heal,” Dr. Tehrani says. 

Research has shown this is particularly [beneficial for abdominoplasty patients](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6846320/), and Dr. Tehrani also encourages it for women undergoing [breast reconstruction](https://aedit.com/aedition/comprehensive-guide-to-breast-reconstruction-nipple-reconstruction-after-breast-cancer) after radiation and for those getting [fat transfer](https://aedit.com/aedition/why-everyone-is-talking-about-fat-grafting). “I do a lot of fat grafting for breast and bum, and the way that it takes is kind of like planting seeds in a garden — if you water it, it takes more. If you don’t water it, it dies,” he explains. “Oxygen is the water for fat, so we put them in the chamber to increase the take of the graft from, say, 60 percent to 80 percent, which is nice.” 

While he introduced his bubble-like HBOT chamber specifically for surgical patients, there are some purported wellness benefits that are of interest to non-surgical clients as well. “Anecdotal effects that people talk about are anti-aging and overall rejuvenation,” he shares. “Oxygen gives you a bit of a glow. It makes you feel better. There is a bit of an oxygen high, if you will.” 

A [recent study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7293997/) even looked at the impact HBOT can have on patients with Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. “There are a lot of cognitive things that are difficult to prove clinically but are out there,” he says.

### **Candidates for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy**
Wondering whether or not HBOT should be part of your [recovery plan](https://aedit.com/aedition/preparing-for-a-smooth-recovery-from-plastic-surgery)? “If I know someone is going to be healing poorly, then it’s recommended,” Dr. Tehrani says. “There are some people who are poor healers, and then there are some that I know will benefit.” The latter group refers to those undergoing procedures, like fat grafting, in which the result can be improved by treatment.

One group hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a must for? [Smokers](https://aedit.com/aedition/impact-of-cigarette-smoking-vaping-on-skin-hair-teeth-health). “Surgically, smokers have detrimental side effects — higher infection rates, higher wound healing problems, open wounds — that hyperbaric oxygen counteracts,” he explains. “We give them a choice: stop smoking before surgery or you need to do this to heal well.” 

At Dr. Tehrani’s practice, it is possible to tack a HBOT session onto non-surgical procedures, but it would purely be for the anecdotal beauty and wellness boost. “People who opt for it after Botox® or filler are those who believe in the anti-aging benefits,” he says. 

It should be noted that there is higher pressure in the chamber, so people with certain ear issues or trouble equalizing are not good candidates. Depending on the setup, those with a fear of tight spaces may also find themselves uncomfortable. “A relative contraindication is people who have claustrophobia,” Dr. Tehrani adds. HBOT in hospital settings often involves a small tank that patients go into. “It’s very claustrophobic,” he notes. “Ours has the same benefits, but it’s a nicer experience.”

### **Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Protocol**
Like so many aspects of aesthetic medicine, HBOT treatment protocols depend on the patient. Hyperbaric oxygen can be prescribed before and/or after surgery, and your surgeon will advise you on what’s best. “The results are short-acting, which is why, in some patients, we need to do it before surgery and in some we need to do it after surgery,” Dr. Tehrani explains. “The effects of it don’t last more than 24 to 48 hours.” 

Generally speaking, Dr. Tehrani’s post-op patients come in for daily sessions for the first seven to 10 days. Each treatment is 30 to 45 minutes and costs $300. “We do multiple sessions after surgery to get to the point where we say, ‘Okay, this looks great,’” he says.

## **The Takeaway**
Recovering from plastic surgery can be a daunting prospect, especially if you have had past difficulties with healing. When used before or after a procedure, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can significantly improve the chances of a more favorable outcome. Consult with your provider to determine if you are a candidate for HBOT and how it can benefit your post-operative plan.

Aesthetics

You learned in elementary school that the body uses oxygen to power up pretty much everything. So, what does this have to do with healing from plastic surgery? Allow us to explain.

Benefits Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) For Plastic Surgery Recovery

The Benefits Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy After Surgery

allef-vinicius-9fZcbFucmXI-unsplash

In 2019, the cosmetics industry was valued at some [$532 billion](https://edited.com/resources/what-the-beauty-industry-looks-like-in-the-future/), and it’s been growing by nearly [5 percent](https://www.statista.com/statistics/297070/growth-rate-of-the-global-cosmetics-market/) each year since 2016. The numbers and growth are certainly astounding. And while the beauty industry does much to improve people’s sense of self and wellbeing, it is also responsible for a great deal of waste that has taken a toll on the environment.

Advancements in modern technology means shopping – online and in-store – has never been easier. However, the rapid production and accessibility of any and all products have created a damaging cycle for our ecosystems, wildlife, and planet. And the beauty industry is a big culprit. “[According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)](https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials#Landfilling), a third of the landfill is from the beauty industry with the majority of it coming from color cosmetics because they're using single-use plastics and materials” explains Tiila Abbitt, founder of vegan makeup brand [Āether Beauty](https://aetherbeautyco.com/). 

While this information might be a bit daunting, many beauty and hygiene brands are stepping up to combat the negative effects of the industry by bringing shoppers eco-friendly alternatives that don't sacrifice quality. In honor of Earth Month, The AEDITION is looking at sustainability practices within the cosmetics, skincare, and wellness worlds, what it means, and how we can all do better to make our world – and ourselves – more beautiful.

## **Sustainability in Beauty**
Sustainability in and of itself is the fulfillment of a modern-day need in a way that does not hinder the future or the present through the production of said need. In beauty and personal care, sustainability means [recyclable packaging](https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials), decreased use of single-use plastics, consciously curated ingredients, safe-to-use components, and small-footprint production from start to finish. 

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6TO3EZAhBn/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B6TO3EZAhBn/</a>

But because many of the products go directly on the skin, hair, or teeth, creating safe and efficacious products adds an additional challenge. “It's about sourcing natural ingredients sustainably,” says Bee Shapiro, founder of clean perfume brand [Ellis Brooklyn](https://www.ellisbrooklyn.com/). “But it’s also looking at how green chemistry and biotechnology can be used in the industry to save trees and natural resources.” 

### **WHY THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY IS NOT SUSTAINABLE**
In 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [banned the use of microbeads in cosmetics products](https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/microbead-free-waters-act-faqs) after research showed its negative effect on the oceans. More recently, brands have started to research and invest in biodegradable alternatives while shifting away from single-use plastics. But there are still aspects of the industry that need addressing. 

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-YFPdLJI7U/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-YFPdLJI7U/</a>

“I visited a ton of recycling facilities and talked to packaging engineers in this space and realized that, with color cosmetics, you have mixed materials,” Abbitt explains. “There are heavier plastics where there isn't a secondary market to recycle them, and they're being mixed with mirrors, magnets, and screws. There's nobody there taking these pieces apart.” Not to mention, many of those additives are not recyclable. “Mirrors and magnets are completely unrecyclable,” she says. “And they're in almost every makeup component."

While no one expects beauty and personal care to be zero-waste, procedures and protocols can and must change. Currently, much of what the industry produces is a long-term waste. Paper takes two to six weeks to decompose, while [plastic needs nearly 1,000 years](http://storage.neic.org/event/docs/1129/how_long_does_it_take_garbage_to_decompose.pdf). This is why shopping smarter is more important than ever. 

### **CAN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY BE SUSTAINABLE?**
Despite its massive presence on the global stage and rapid growth, the beauty industry can be more sustainable so long as brands take the necessary steps. “True sustainability is complicated,” says Lejla Cas, founder of biodegradable facemask brand [KNESKO](https://knesko.com/). “Balancing cost, sustainability, and safety, you have to find a fine balance between sustainable items that won’t degrade into our skincare, in addition to looking good.” 

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9e-yPEnAJd/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9e-yPEnAJd/</a>

In order to be sanitary and portable, beauty products tend to come in smaller packaging built to be both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be sustainable. “When you launch a new product, you need to look for the most sustainable alternative for everything, from the cap to the material used for the tool to the paper, the cellophane, formulations, even the scent,” explains Sue Nabi, founder of clean beauty and fragrance brand [Orveda](https://orveda.com/). “We are the only skincare line that is scented with a 98 percent biodegradable scent that does not contain allergens.”

## **What Brands Are Doing**
While no company can be completely zero-waste, many are doing as much as they can to offset the environmental impact of their formulation and production process, while maintaining quality and safety. Below are a few steps beauty brands have taken toward sustainability.

### **1. PACKAGING**
When you consider how many layers of shrinkwrap, cardboard, and plastic you have to go through (and discard) in order to open many beauty products, it should come as no surprise that packaging is a major source of waste in the personal care industry.

“Packaging sustainability encompasses everything from design, to production, to transportation, to disposal,” Cas notes. In the case of KNESKO, she says her team is “educating” itself by “exploring new technologies and considering every angle before adopting any new initiatives to always keep improving.”

Mirrors and magnets are two such packaging components in need of an eco-friendly update. At Āether Beauty, Abbitt developed [makeup palettes](https://aetherbeautyco.com/blogs/goodvibesbeauty/zero-waste-how-we-do-it) that do not contain either and made sure everything was FSC certified. Additionally, she sought out fair-trade paper from sustainable forests, and she continues to monitor her ink sources to see if recycling is an option. 

For Nabi and Orveda, innovation is the natural solution. “We are currently working on sustainable options for the plastic wrap around our products,” she explains. “We have launched the first 100 percent biodegradable and reusable deluxe candles, and we are working on a next-gen, 100 percent sustainable and efficient SPF.”

While moving away from plastic may seem like an obvious solution, it’s not necessarily as simple as it sounds. “If we move from plastic containers to aluminum or paper, where does it come from,” asks Matthew Malin, co-founder of [MALIN+GOETZ](https://www.malinandgoetz.com/). “How much more or less energy was used to get it to us and produce it?” Emissions from manufacturing and transportation must be evaluated before deciding on a suitable alternative. “We consider all of our manufacturing and how to keep it local,” he explains. “What ingredients are the most sustainable, effective and best for use? Can we consider and transition to packaging that is more environmentally friendly? And what does that mean?”

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9PgMCwDPGp/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B9PgMCwDPGp/</a>

Such efforts don’t just extend to new products. Legacy brands have made similar commitments to evaluating their own systems and processes. “Last year we conducted a ‘plastics scan’ and analyzed our full line of packaging weighing up its impact on the environment from cradle to grave,” explains Charles Denton, CEO of [Erno Laszlo](https://www.ernolaszlo.com/). The findings led to an “approved” packaging list that includes resins with a known, viable recycle stream – such as [glass](https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/containers-and-packaging-product-specific-data#GlassContainers), aluminum, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP).

In keeping with this commitment, the brand also upgraded its iconic [double-cleanse method](https://www.ernolaszlo.com/cleansers/hydrating%20cleansing%20duo.html) to be more environmentally sound by removing the soap dish and plastic wrap in favor of parchment paper. The result? A fully recyclable customer experience. “Ultimately, I would like to own and operate a closed-loop recycle stream to recover our own plastic waste for repurposing into new packaging that will wind up back in the hands of our consumers,” Denton says. 

And he encourages other businesses to move in a similar direction: “Take action to eliminate problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging,” he suggests. “Take action to move from single-use towards reusable models. Where relevant, 100 percent of plastic packaging should be reusable, recyclable, or compostable.”

### **2. INGREDIENTS**
When speaking about sustainability, product formulations and ingredient sourcing must also be considered. While there is [very little FDA regulation](https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/prohibited-restricted-ingredients-cosmetics) in the beauty industry, brands are taking matters into their own hands. 

Vegan formulas are increasingly common, as are promises that ingredients are sourced ethically. “There are certain ingredients that you have to be especially wary of, and they generally have to do with wood-derived ingredients,” Shapiro explains. “You can definitely have well-sourced sandalwood, but there is still a shocking amount of sandalwood that is illegally traded or not sustainably grown/harvested at all. Anything palm oil-related also needs a second look.”

Mica, a mineral dust used to add shimmer and sparkle to makeup, is another ingredient with a troubling reputation. “Thirty percent of the world’s mica is child labor-related,” Abbitt laments. “With every single innovation that's happened with ingredients, there's no reason to be supporting brands that source in this way.” As a workaround, Āether Beauty uses synthetic mica when it can’t source ethical mica. “It looks exactly like mica,” she says of the man-made alternative. “But it's clear.”

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-niWVdnRtL/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-niWVdnRtL/</a>

Fragrance is another area in which eco-conscious synthetic ingredients can go a long way. Ellis Brooklyn recently released [Iso Gamma Super](https://www.ellisbrooklyn.com/products/iso-gamma-super-eau-de-parfum-travel-spray) — a 100 percent synthetic scent. “It is made with green chemistry, completely renewable, and allergen-free,” Shapiro says. 

Orveda, meanwhile, has figured out ways to reduce its carbon footprint using technology. “We have decided to use mainly biotechnology sourced natural ingredients to avoid exhausting nature’s resources,” Nabi shares. “We are using less than 5 percent plastic components across all touchpoints and have pure glass packaging, FSC papers, and bin-free point of sales where everything is reusable. Therefore, no single usage items.” 

### **3. ADDITIONAL EFFORTS**
But what about all the less sustainable products currently in the market? Brands and retailers have come up with eco-minded programs to help reduce waste and offset manufacturing processes.

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Up2Iln6Qi/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Up2Iln6Qi/</a>

In January, [The Detox Market](https://www.thedetoxmarket.com/) debuted its Sustainability Starts Now initiative, which was inspired by rising global temperatures. Its Earth CPR strategy involves offering clean products, planting more trees, and recycling used beauty products. The goal is to plant 500,000 trees in 2020 and 2.5 million by 2025, in an effort to become carbon negative. The recycling program, meanwhile, is in partnership with TerraCycle and allows anyone to drop off used and/or expired products knowing that it will be recycled properly.  

## **What Can Consumers Do?** 
As with all businesses, the basic economic rule of supply and demand plays a key role. Those who want to make their beauty and hygiene routines more sustainable and eco-friendly have to make their purchases based on those values. Here’s how you can make your beauty routine a bit more sustainable. 

### **1. Research**
There is a lot of greenwashing in the industry,” Cas says. “The words ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ are essentially meaningless.” So the best way to know what goes into the product and how it’s made is by doing due diligence. “Consumers can learn about the company by viewing its website and ingredient deck, if available,” she recommends. Resources such as the [Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep](https://www.ewg.org/) database verifies beauty and hygiene products based on their chemical makeup to ensure consumers are shopping safely. 

### **2. Shop Smarter**
If you are interested in creating a more sustainable routine, look for cosmetic products with a longer shelf life and refillable options that will eliminate the need for single-use products. From fragrance and hygiene to hair, makeup, and skincare products, there are many ways to make your regimen a bit more eco-friendly. “Less is more,” Abbitt says. “Āether Beauty palettes have a huge fill that last three to four years. We're taking the idea of slow fashion into beauty.” [Clé de Peau Beauté](https://www.cledepeaubeaute.com/how-to-refill/), [Kjaer Weis](https://kjaerweis.com/about/intelligent-refill-system), [L'Occitane](https://www.loccitane.com/en-us/refills), [Le Labo](https://www.lelabofragrances.com/), and [Rituals](https://www.rituals.com/en-us/refill) are just a few of the brands that offer refillable products.

### **3. Eliminate Waste**
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B86yrnqAAek/" class="embedly-card" data-card-width="50%" data-card-controls="0">Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/B86yrnqAAek/</a>

For starters, try purchasing [reusable cotton rounds](https://www.thedetoxmarket.com/collections/the-detox-market/products/reusable-rounds) instead of single-use cotton swabs. When it comes to small changes, Malin explains that “something as simple as egregious use of unnecessary and unsustainable packaging practices can be worth avoiding to make a small impact daily.” Do an inventory of what products can be substituted with eco-friendly alternatives and how your shopping habits can be changed to decrease the amount of waste. 

### **4. Recycle**
What many eco-friendly brands offer is recyclable packaging but finding a place to do it can be difficult. And at times, it’s hard to tell if [something](https://residentialwastesystems.com/blog/are-aerosol-cans-recyclable/) can be recycled at all. Brands and retailers including [The Detox Market](https://www.thedetoxmarket.com/pages/clean-beauty-recycling), [Garnier](https://www.garnierusa.com/about-garnier/beauty-responsibly/garnier-sustainability/terracycle), [Kiehl's](https://www.kiehls.com/recycle-and-be-rewarded), [Lilah B](https://lilahbeauty.com/pages/declutter), [Lush](https://www.lushusa.com/stories/article_reduce-reuse-recycle.html), [Origins](https://www.origins.ca/our_commitment), and [Summer Fridays](https://summerfridays.com/pages/recycle) allow for customers to return expired and/or used beauty products to ensure that not just the packaging but the remaining formula are disposed of properly. Companies like [TerraCycle](https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/) can be a good alternative for those who cannot find a recycling facility near them. 

## **The Takeaway** 
It’s impossible to be perfectly sustainable all the time, but that doesn’t mean a series of small actions can’t make a big environmental impact. Never is that more true than in the beauty and personal care space. When consuming anything, your money speaks for you — so opt for brands that share your values. While it might seem overwhelming, it is important to remember that the power is in your hands. Consider all the factors: Will you use it? What is in it? How was it made? How will you recycle it? And go from there.

Beauty

From packaging to ingredient sourcing and distribution, the beauty industry tends to be anything but sustainable. These companies are trying to change that – for you, the future, and the planet. 

The AEDITION

Wellness