It is impossible to deny the rising craze over skincare, especially over the last few years.
Influencers – or “skinfluencers” – are taking over social media with popular skincare trends such as the “ten step” skincare routine.
The typical ten-step process begins with an oil cleanser, then a water-based cleanser, exfoliator, toner, essence, then serums, typically followed by a sheet mask – then eye cream, moisturiser, and you mustn’t forget suncream if it’s daytime or a sleeping pack for bedtime.
Cakey makeup looks are out, and the clean, minimalistic, glowing skin look is in – which has the internet in a chokehold.
Environmental Impact
Whilst these excessive beauty trends are exciting to follow with aesthetic packaging and ‘magic’ ingredients, it takes a lot of plastic to create endless packaging for this highly worshipped trend.
According to a 2021 study by Science Advances, only 9% of plastic ever produced is recycled. The rest ends up in landfill, incinerators and most commonly, our oceans.
With the unstoppable rate of brand new skincare products being churned out it is becoming increasingly dangerous for our planet.
There are many influencers out there who’s whole niche is skincare, with their platform being full of hints and tips on what to do and what not to do.
Whilst some advice may be useful, it is safe to say that the skincare trend might be getting a little out of hand.
Increased Overconsumption
With constant trends changing and many new miracle creams circulating the internet, it is clear that overconsumption of skincare products is a large scale issue.
It has become impossible for people to maintain a sustainable skincare routine when it is so easy to be influenced by trendy products promoted by influencers appearing in your algorithm everyday.
The skincare industry has a bad environmental impact from the get go, from material extraction, to the manufacturing process, to packaging and then distribution, each step of product creation goes towards causing harm to our planet.
Not only that, but your most loved exfoliator may be scrubbing your skin barrier with the help of microplastics. That’s right, the little scratchy particles in your exfoliator could be microplastics.
It turns out that when it comes to skincare, less is more, according to UCI Health.
“Very few skin care ingredients have actually been shown to benefit patients clinically,” says Dr. Amber Leis, a UCI Health plastic surgeon and assistant professor at the UCI School of Medicine.
With this in mind, the choice is yours. Following skincare trends may fit your clean aesthetic goals, but if you prioritise looking after your planet, the minimal skincare routine may be the one for you.
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