Is Your Facial Scrub Harming The Environment?

Renee Rouleau's mint buffing beads scrub

Using a facial scrub to exfoliate your skin by removing surface dry skin cells is essential for keeping it looking smooth and even-toned but research is showing that this skin care staple may be posing an environmental threat. According to an article from The New York Times, the plastic beads used in facial scrubs (such as the ingredient polyethylene) are slipping through water treatment plants and turning up by the tens of millions in the Great Lakes. The beads are looking like fish food and may be affecting marine life. For example, lugworms (also known as sandworms) make up 32% of the biomass found along shorelines. Their purpose is to process larger particles into smaller particles to form silt. However, micro plastics (such as plastic beads) accumulate in the intestines of lugworms, which prevents them from particle processing and this alters the ecosystem. Additionally, birds and fish who feed on lugworms are now also absorbing the micro plastics. Because of the way the environment is being impacted negatively, companies are now seeking natural alternatives. Yay!

When it comes to your face, my professional recommendation for years has actually been to use a facial scrub 2-3 times a week that does not use natural grains because they have sharp edges and scratch and lacerate the skin causing the spread of bacteria and irritation. Natural scrubs use exfoliating ingredients like walnut husks and apricot kernels and while this new information shows that natural particles are better for marine life, they can be harmful to your skin’s health.

So what’s the alternative? Natural jojoba beads. These are perfectly round beads that gently roll over the skin and will not cause irritation. Because they are not made of plastic, they are a smarter choice for the environment. Look at the product ingredient label and use scrubs with hydrogenated jojoba oil, jojoba oil, jojoba esters or jojoba wax beads. These will appear near the top of the list.

Facial exfoliants using natural jojoba beads include AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel and Mint Buffing Beads.

Read: How To Use A Facial Scrub

Read: Should You Be Exfoliating Your Skin Every Day?

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Disclaimer: Content found on www.ReneeRouleau.com and Blog.ReneeRouleau.com, including text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website or blog.

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  1. Hey RR,
    To use this product 3 times a week should I use this it on days that i use an AHA serum, alternate days or am I safe to use this on either days?
    Thank you!

    Posted By: Jabeen  | 

    Reply

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