Acne: Zero Waste Care Routine

There are so many products out there for acne, but most are in plastic. So, I want to share my almost plastic free face care routine with you, to prove that you can have glowing skin without buying every bottle at Ulta.

Acne has always been a stressor in my life, and often is a precursor to negative feelings about myself. Acne causes anxiety and anxiety causes more acne. I have kept journals to see what works and what makes my breakouts worse. Sleep and anxiety are the biggest triggers. A good, consistent sleep routine is the most important thing to prevent my acne and anxiety.

Finding my triggers has helped a lot. 

I have tried MANY different products throughout my life. It’s about finding what works for you, and what doesn’t. This is my current face care routine.

I use these products once in the morning and once and night, with some variances as needed.

1. Cleanse

I use a facial soap from Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve, Activated Bamboo Charcoal. This company is based in Ohio, and has a large variety of amazing products. I can’t rave enough about this company! They have several different face soaps, and I have tried 3-4 of them. I like them all, but this has been the best for my face. They sell sample bars, which is great to test out different types. They ship everything plastic free, are reasonably priced, and have good deals from time to time. I love all their products!

2. Tone

I tone my face with witch hazel and tea tree oil. I am able to get bulk organic witch hazel in LA from the company Sustain LA. I know this may be difficult for many people. A great witch hazel brand is Thayers. Their products come in plastic bottles, but I love the quality of this brand. Their witch hazel is made from a non-distilled extract which maintains all the therapeutic tannins, and is alcohol free. My tea tree oil is in a glass bottle with a plastic lid, but I have had it for over a year, and it is still half full, and I even use it for other things! It’s only a small one-ounce bottle. Essential oils can last a long time, which is a sustainability perk.  

3. Exfoliate

I exfoliate 2-3 times a week with an Adzuki bean exfoliating scrub from Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve. It comes in a glass jar, and seriously will probably last forever. I also have used and really like the Sand & Sky Australian pink clay mask. This mask is great, and the container isn’t plastic. But, I have personally chosen to stop using the product, because they send a new plastic applicator brush with every jar you purchase. And I think that is crazy, because it is such an easy thing to stop doing. 

4. Hydrate

I hydrate with coconut oil. I feel like most coconut oils will work, I use an extra virgin coconut oil. You can find many options in glass bottles. 

Some other hydrating options are jojoba oil and argan oil. Both oils mimic your face’s natural sebum production. Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve makes face oils with these oils and other ingredients that combat acne. This is the third time I have mentioned this company in this post. Seriously, I love their products and you will too!

5. Spot Treatment

I use a topical 2.5% benzoyl peroxide spot treatment from the brand Paula’s Choice. I put this on after I hydrate with coconut oil. I use it on my chin and forehead, but not my whole face because it is strong and will dry my non-acne prone areas. This product does come in a plastic bottle. I have tried weaning myself from it to have a plastic free routine, but I still get zits without it, especially before my period. So…I use it, and don’t feel bad about it. It’s one product and it works and it is worth it to me. WE AREN’T PERFECT PEOPLE! If I have to choose between zero waste/plastic free and mental/physical health, I ALWAYS choose health.

6. Sunscreen

I have a very fair complexion, and I honestly don’t wear sunscreen unless I am at the beach or an amusement park, or outside ALL day. I use the brand All Good, which uses tin cans for sunscreen, but there are many options. Raw Elements, Balm Baby Sun, Dirty Hippie Cosmetics. Check out Amazon!

7. Makeup Removal

I remove my makeup with coconut oil or jojoba oil. It comes off so easy, and there is no eye burning. It’s natural and therefore not astringent to your skin and eyes.

8. Makeup

I don’t wear a lot of makeup. I have never really been interested in trying or experimenting with new products. I mostly just use a little bit of concealer and powder. Color in my eyebrows, throw on some lip color, and I’m good to go. Until recently, most of the makeup I bought was in plastic containers, because it’s very difficult to find alternative options. I just started using the Elate Cosmetics brand, which offers bamboo alternatives to plastic. They have refills, reusable compacts, and plantable seed paper packaging. It’s very cool! Their products are made from natural, good ingredients, and the foundations contain zinc oxide which is a sunscreen.

Since I don’t have a lot of makeup knowledge, I encourage you to read the blog post by @goingzerowaste. The link is at the end of this post. In her post, Kathryn offers several makeup brand options that provide alternatives to plastic. Most still use plastic here and there, but overall, it is reduced.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your face care journey!

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Please comment with your victories and struggles below! Let’s support each other!

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https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/10-zero-waste-makeup-brands