Cosmetic Surgery & Beauty #73

skin
SUSTAINABLE
beauty
HOW ARE THE
PRODUCTS IN
YOUR CUPBOARD
IMPACTING THE
ENVIRONMENT? WORDS
BY TERRI VINSON
(BSc.DipForm Chem.
DipEd) FOUNDER &
FORMULATOR OF
SYNERGIE SKIN.
Sustainability in business allows for the needs of the
consumer to be met without jeopardising the balance
of our delicate eco-systems. This environmental
awareness must extend into our beauty industry, and skincare
manufacturers need unite in our commitment to minimise the
impact we leave on our environment and its natural resources.
It’s not just about using recyclable packaging; it’s about
understanding the ingredients inside the bottle and their eff ect
on our eco-systems.
There are currently major concerns with the eff ect of
microbeads in our waterways, the impact of chemical
sunscreens on our coral reefs and the careless pillaging of our
environment for ‘natural ’but often non-sustainable ingredients.
MICRO BEADS
Microbeads may be microscopic, but they are causing a stir in
the beauty industry by creating serious problems for our aquatic
environment. These tiny plastic beads serve no benefi t to the
skin and are used as cheap alternatives to eff ective mineral and
plant-based exfoliants.
Many consumers may not even be aware that the products
they are using contain microbeads. Most commonly they are
added to facial cleansers, scrubs, body washes and even
wrinkle-fi lling facial creams.
Environmentalists and scientists have discovered large
quantities of microbeads in Australian waterways that are
causing long-term damage to marine life. The beads enter
our waters via sewerage systems and are non-biodegradable.
Every day, billions of these plastic particles are being fl ushed
down our drains and into our lakes, rivers and oceans.
Microbeads act like sponges and are capable of absorbing
toxic by-products from our waters. If eaten by our marine life
these toxins can make their way up the food chain, back to you
and me as consumers.
Numerous countries across the world including the USA,
Europe, Canada, Sweden and now Australia are in the process
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