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MICROBEADS
Microbeads are small pieces of plastic about 0.5mm max in diameter and are typically made out of polyethene (PE).
They are often added to self-care products such as toothpaste and facial washes and scrub away at your teeth and skin. These cheap materials can be damaging to your body and have been found to be a major environmental pollutant.
Why are they such a problem?
Why are they such a problem?
After we wash these little plastic particles down the drain, they avoid filtration and end up in our rivers and oceans. Here they like to absorb toxins from the environment, making them dangerous for the creatures that accidentally ingest them. Microbeads are non-biodegradable, so once they become established in the food chain, they are impossible to remove. Current research has revealed that these small plastics now also pose a serious threat to human health and food safety.
Image - Beat the Microbead
What is being done about it?
What is being done about it?
Beat the Microbead is a leading campaign that aims to eradicate not only all microbead use in cosmetics, but all microplastics - a very tough feat indeed.
However we still need to do more. Companies should be pressured by the consumers even further to phase out their plastic use. We need to avoid investing in microplastics altogether to make any difference.
So far the US has banned the sale of products with plastic particles, whilst the EU has plans to ban them in the forthcoming year. The British Government banned the manufacturing of microbeads in the UK from January 2018, with tighter restrictions on sales to follow in July 2018.
And this is where you come in...
How do I
Avoid plastics
Chemical names like
polyethylene, polypropylene and polymethylmethacrylate are a no no. Also nylon and the abbreviations PET, PTFE and PMMA are bad news.
'Look For The Zero'
This logo is a reliable indicator that a product contains no microplastics at all - click on the logo to get an easy read product list!
Feeling lazy?
Just get an app to do all of that for you. Download the Beat the Microbead app here and simply scan a product to find out if it's plastic-free!
If the companies aren't getting the money, they won't use the plastic
Nice n natural
Nice n' Natural
Just because you don't want to rub plastic all over your face doesn't mean you can't still exfoliate and treat your skin. There are so many natural alternatives out there that will make your washing routine fully biodegradable and safe!
Below you will find suggested products that can easily be found in many retail stores. Even better... get creative and make your own concoctions - less packaging, less money and longer lasting. Who doesn't like a nice eco-friendly wash, eh?
1. Whole oats
Oats can be used for all skin types but are especially good for sensitive skin due to its gentle natural exfoliant properties. The oats soak up excess oil and can also help to soothe irritated or dry skin. You can easily make your own paste by blending them with water until you get a thicker consistency!
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If you're feeling lazy and don't fancy making your own, you can buy St Ives Nourish and Smooth Oatmeal Scrub at around £5!
2. Jojoba beads
Photo by Soap Queen
These beads are formed from jojoba oil which is released from the seeds of the jojoba shrub. They are biodegradable and their smooth surface gently cleans the skin rather than leaving it vulnerable to any infection. They can be bought online or over the counter in health shops such as Holland and Barrett. Simply mix them with your favourite facial wash or a favoured oil. For blemished skin, try mixing 15g of jojoba beads and 15g of cornmeal to make an inexpensive paste that will help clear up any red or irritated patches.
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Instead you can buy the Burts Bees Anti-blemish Facial Scrub at around £10!
3. Salt
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Salt is a lot sharper than the alternatives and should only be used on areas of rough skin like the soles of the feet or elbow and knee joints. This natural product is good at purifying the skin by removing toxins and can help improve circulation. Try mixing salt with natural oils to make a soft paste that will cause less irritation.
Photo by The Nosher
4. Coffee
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Ground coffee is great for stimulating blood flow and its exfoliant properties help treat areas of cellulite and stretch marks. The natural caffeine, which is a mild diuretic, stimulates water within the body which gives the feeling of firmer toned skin.
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You can also buy coffee treatments such as Frank Coconut Body Scrub which comes in at around £14 but this is far too expensive in my opinion!
5. Sugar
Photo by Taylor Wallace
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Sugar contains glycolic acid which helps remove dead cells from the skin, leaving you feel refreshed and cleansed. It also aids in boosting the production of new skin cells. Try mixing fine sugar with olive or coconut oil to make it into a paste, gently massage it over the skin and rinse off with water.
Other natural products include...
Finely ground peach stone
Around £10
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Ground coffee
Around £9
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Crushed walnuts
Around £5
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Jojoba beads
£16.50
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