Clean skincare has become a buzzword in the beauty industry in recent years, with more and more people making the switch to products that are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients. But what does clean skincare mean? And why should you care about it? In this article, we’ll break down (most) everything you need to know about clean skincare, including how to get started, what to watch out for, and why it matters.
What is Clean Skincare?
Clean skincare refers to products that are formulated with natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly ingredients. This means that they don’t contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients that can be detrimental to our health or the environment. Clean skincare products are usually free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
Why Choose Clean Skincare?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider switching to clean skincare products. For one, many of the chemicals found in traditional skincare products can be harmful to our health. These chemicals can disrupt our endocrine system, which can lead to a variety of health problems such as hormonal imbalances, infertility, and even cancer. Additionally, many of these chemicals are harmful to the environment, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife.
Another reason to choose clean skincare is that it is often more effective than traditional skincare. Natural ingredients like plant extracts, essential oils, and antioxidants can provide a range of benefits for the skin, including hydration, nourishment, and protection against environmental stressors. These ingredients are also less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than synthetic ingredients.
How to Start with Clean Skincare?
If you’re interested in making the switch to clean skincare, here are some tips to help you get started:
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Read Labels:
Look for products that are labeled as “clean,” “natural,” “organic,” or “non-toxic.” Read the ingredients list to ensure that the product doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients. (Sometimes companies are sneaky!)
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Research Brands:
Do some research to find out which brands are committed to using clean and natural ingredients. Look for brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices.
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Start Simple:
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to switch to all clean skincare products at once. Start with one or two products and gradually switch out your traditional products as you run out.
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Test Patch:
Always patch test new products before applying them to your face. This will help you avoid any allergic reactions or irritation.
What to Watch Out For?
While clean skincare can be a great option, it’s important to be aware of some common greenwashing tactics that some brands use. Greenwashing refers to the practice of making misleading or false claims about a product’s environmental or health benefits. Here are some things to watch out for:
- “Natural Fragrances”: Fragrances are often made up of dozens of chemicals, some of which can be harmful. Look for products that are fragrance-free or use essential oils for scent.
- “Chemical-Free”: This claim is technically false, as everything is made up of chemicals. Look for products that are free from harmful chemicals, but don’t fall for this marketing ploy.
- “Non-Toxic”: While this claim may seem reassuring, it doesn’t mean anything. Look for products that list out specific harmful ingredients they avoid and again, always check the ingredient label!
Now let’s talk about Preservatives.
Here are several harmful preservatives that are commonly found in skincare products.
- Parabens: Parabens are a group of synthetic preservatives that are used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in skincare products. However, they have been linked to hormone disruption, breast cancer, and other health concerns.
- Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that is sometimes used as a preservative in skincare products. It can also cause skin irritation, allergies, and respiratory issues.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are often used as preservatives in skincare products. They have been linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, and other health concerns.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS is a harsh surfactant that is often used as a preservative in skincare products. It can cause skin irritation, allergies, and other health issues.
- Triclosan: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that is sometimes used as a preservative in skincare products. It has been linked to hormone disruption, antibiotic resistance, and other health concerns.
Note: Check the EWG website for ingredients or download the app ‘Yuka’ for ease of checking products!
Don’t you worry! Oh, do we have good news for you…
Did you know; Colloidal silver… YES Colloidal Silver is a safe and efficient preservative that is sometimes used in clean skincare products. It is a solution made up of tiny particles of silver suspended in water, and it has been used for centuries for its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Unlike traditional preservatives, colloidal silver is truly non-toxic and doesn’t have any harmful side effects (especially with our Ag404 also known as SilverSol technology!). It is also eco-friendly, as it doesn’t contribute to pollution like many synthetic preservatives!
In addition to its preservative properties, colloidal silver has several cosmetic benefits when used topically in skincare products. Here are some of the benefits of using colloidal silver in your skincare routine:
- Antimicrobial: Colloidal silver has antimicrobial properties, which means that it can help to kill microbes, mold, and fungi that can cause skin infections or breakouts. Healing skin cream here: https://silverbiotics.com/product/skin-cream-unscented/
- May help lessen inflammation: Colloidal silver has can help to soothe and calm irritated or inflamed skin.
- Healing: Colloidal silver has been shown to promote wound healing and reduce scarring when applied topically to the skin. Link to wound gel here: https://silverbiotics.com/product/silver-wound-healing-gel/
Clean skincare is a great option for those who want to take a more holistic approach to their skincare routine. By choosing products that are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients, you can help protect your health and the environment. Be sure to do your research and read labels carefully to avoid falling for marketing tactics. With a little effort, you can make the switch to clean skincare and enjoy all the benefits that come with it!
-Kelli Gray, Master Esthetician, Silver Biotics
