The search for the right skincare products can be frustrating at times.
We all want products that are not only reliably effective for our skin but reflect our climate-friendly values. This includes ethical production practices and the use of quality natural ingredients. Sadly, it is rare for a product to tick these boxes. So, we are often forced into an unwanted compromise.
One way to get skincare products that mirror your values is simple, make them at home! Homemade skincare is a growing trend as lots of consumers are discovering that it is the best way to look after and feel better about their skin.
At the start of your DIY journey, not all your creations will be masterpieces, but, like with any creative endeavour you will pick up knowledge along the way – knowledge about thousands of possible ingredients to use and knowledge about the needs of your skin. All homemade skincare products are a world away from the generic products on the market and at the end of the process you will have learned a new skill.
Reason #1: A product tailored to you
DIY skincare recipes put you in control, and nobody knows your skin better than you.
Making something from home gives you complete freedom of choice. Rather than passively reading a list of ingredients on a label, you can research and prepare the ingredients yourself. Greater choice means you can select ingredients which you love and avoid ones which you know will provoke a bad reaction.
Ultimately, everyone lives a different life with unique routines. Your skincare products should be designed to match your life and prepare you for the activities which make you happy. Mass produced products by definition cannot be personalised. So, try homemade skincare to find the right formulas for you.
Reason #2: Sustainability you can trust
Consumers are demanding more from their cosmetic and skincare brands in terms of ethical behaviour. However it is very difficult to judge whether a company is truly committed to sustainable practice. Many companies put forward a green image but their strong convictions might be just PR spin. This marketing tactic is called ‘greenwashing’.
As a community we should be calling for more and more transparency from all companies involved in the production of skincare and beauty products.
This pressure from consumers can have an impact, the industry is increasingly aware that they must improve their environmental record.
As the industry gets their act together you can focus on DIY products. Making formulas at home means you can control the process and keep it sustainable.
Reason #3: Control your consumption
If your DIY formulas can help cut out or at least reduce your store visits then you are doing your part to reduce plastic waste.
犀利士 >Plastic causes great harm to our oceans and its wildlife; however it is still commonly used in skincare packaging. There are efforts within the industry to rethink product delivery – one solution that is gaining popularity amongst consumers is refillable containers, they might help us get out of the single use mindset. However, these small signs of progress are dwarfed by the problems that still need to be tackled. Globally the beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging, the majority of this packaging will not be reused or recycled.
Start your DIY journey today to keep plastic packaging out of the landfills and oceans.
Recipe: simple DIY toner
Unsure how to start your DIY journey?
Why not have a go at a tried and tested toner recipe. Facial toners are used for a variety of face care purposes including hydrating your skin. This particular toner is great for reducing redness and includes ingredients which are natural anti-inflammatories.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of distilled water
- Handful of fresh mint leaves
- 2 tablespoon of rosemary
- 2 tablespoons of witch hazel
Instructions
- Place your mint and rosemary in a heat-proof container
- Pour in boiling water and let the herbs infuse for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a bowl and let the mixture cool.
- Once cool add the witch hazel.
Protect your skin
The beginning of your DIY journey is an exciting moment, however, you must remember to maintain high standards of hygiene and protect your safety.
Firstly not all ingredients are your friend, your skin is a sensitive organ and everything you add to your DIY skincare recipes should be carefully researched beforehand. For example, vinegar and baking soda can damage your skin and cause painful irritation.
Additionally, you need to be precise when using your herbal ingredients. Even although they are a 100 percent natural products, they can be potent. So, if you are working with an essential oil do not exceed the recommended dose and make sure it is well diluted with a carrier oil.
Finally, be mindful of where you store your DIY formula. You want to keep it fresh for as long as possible, while stopping contaminants from spoiling it. This means that you need to find a solid container with an air-tight lid. You could reuse a glass jar from your kitchen but make sure it is thoroughly cleaned before adding your formula.
Reason #4: Learning new ingredients
Mint and rosemary are amazing ingredients, but there are other herbs out there that can inspire a new recipe. At Kumēia, we want you to discover all the wonderful possibilities of DIY skincare. So, we started our own herb blog.
Our herbal series will introduce you to thousands of natural herbs: we will guide you through their properties, uses and give you insider tips on how you can grow them at home.
If you want more of a hands-on DIY skincare guide, look out for Kumēia’s courses for beginners. Our courses are run by experts who will give you invaluable insights and practical advice. You won’t be a beginner for long!
To get more information about these skincare courses and other E-learning programs that we offer, sign up to the Kumēia newsletter.
Reason #5: Get amazing results
Ultimately with your skincare routine you have one primary goal – getting amazing results. There are many testimonies from DIY producers that show homemade skincare is not only sustainable but can make a noticeable difference to your skin.
If you are willing to listen to the community of experts, and do diligent research, then DIY skincare should be on your list of 2022 skills to master. Once you have mastered various recipes, you won’t be tempted back into the stores.
