10 Eco-Friendly Beauty & Wellness Tips For Spring
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There’s nothing like the changing of the seasons to put me in the mood to change up my routines. After focusing on lots of nourishment, rest and self-care throughout the winter months, I want to keep that going in the spring while also inviting in some new energy. I absolutely love trying new things when it comes to eco-friendly beauty and wellness!
Before we go any further, though, here’s a friendly but important reminder: the best way to create change in your life is to take one small step at a time. That’s actually my whole philosophy around sustainable living! Don’t stress yourself out trying to do it all, all at once. Take a moment to reflect on what part of your life could benefit from some newness. When you add something new to your routine, just do one thing and let it solidify before you move on.
If you’re ready to get started, keep reading because I’ve got some tips that I hope will help put a spring in your step. Everything on this list is healthy for you and/or the planet — and I firmly believe that those are completely linked. If just one of these ideas helps make your day better, that sounds like a win to me!
1. Elevate how you hydrate
I figured I’d share my personal favourite first: lemon water! It tastes so much better, gives me that extra source of vitamin C, and aids in digestion. Slice up or squeeze in some lemon, leave a glass by your bed, and start each day by reaching for that instead of your phone. You could also use limes, mint, cucumber, etc.
2. Exfoliate with care
After making it through a long winter, it's time to shed away any dead layers — wait, is this a metaphor for life as well as skincare advice? Maybe it’s both! As we come out of hibernation, this is a great time to exfoliate and turn any dullness into smooth glowiness. Exfoliation helps with tone, clogged pores, ingrowns and more. Just don’t overdo it — start with just twice a week, be careful not to scrub too hard (especially on your face) and do some research to find the best type of exfoliant for your skin and make sure your skip the microplastics that are in some scrubs.
If you haven’t seen my blog post about DIY body scrubs, take a look here!
3. Say your affirmations
This has made a huge difference in the quality of my mornings! The way we talk to ourselves is so powerful — mindset is everything. If you have a tendency towards negative self-talk, interrupt the cycle and set the tone for the day with a morning affirmation. Our brains look for evidence of what we tell ourselves, whether negative or positive, so why not tell it something good? One affirmation that’s been resonating with me lately is reminding myself that “I am enough.” If you’re not sure what to say to yourself, try talking to yourself the way you’d talk to your best friend.
4. Help your hands
Our hands often get forgotten in our skincare routines, but they show signs of wear and tear first! If your hands are dry after the winter, you’re not alone. I recommend trying a salve with simple but deeply moisturizing ingredients to soften your skin. My favourite is an unscented body salve by Harlow, a Vancouver-based brand. Vegan, gluten free and Leaping Bunny cruelty free certified, it's made with shea butter, olive oil and organic Canadian beeswax. Also, if you’re looking for a good scrub to repair your hand after gardening, try our lemon & grapefruit hand scrub in collaboration with Ash Refillery! Purchase here.
5. Nourish your body
One of the best ways to stay healthy inside and out is to reach for fruits, vegetables and herbs that boost your skin’s natural glow. Sustainably sourced fish that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as zinc is an incredible way to regulate inflammation. Turmeric, another anti-inflammatory option, contains curcumin — an antioxidant that may protect your skin from free radicals and has been reported to promote skin healing by stimulating collagen production. Mango, walnuts, avocado and sweet potato are just a few more foods to put in your cart!
Have you tried my recipe for Immune-Boosting Coconut, Yam and Carrot Soup?
6. Lighten up!
Spring is a time for renewal and our skin is ready to breathe. Many of us need to use thicker, heavier creams and oils to keep our skin moisturized during the winter, but it can be a good idea to start using lighter products as the weather starts to warm up. Lighten your environmental footprint as well by choosing products sold in glass containers that can be recycled or reused. I love Wild Skincare, a British Columbia-based brand. This moisturizer is so light yet hydrating!
7. Get your beauty rest
Whew! Daylight Savings humbled me this year, probably because I have a toddler, but we survived. I don’t know about you, but I could always stand to get more sleep. Sleep repairs our bodies and keeps all systems go, and it also helps our skin glow! Take this as your sign to catch up on your Zs if you’re running a little low. Try to go to bed five minutes earlier every night. The compounding effect will do wonders!
8. Switch to eco-conscious makeup
If you wear makeup, next time you’re ready to update your products, see if you can choose brands with an ethical and environmental focus. Do some research about their ingredients, packaging, and business practices. I’m a huge fan of Elate Cosmetics, a certified B Corporation with vegan, cruelty free, fair trade products and a recycling program. Product refills are packaged in plantable seed paper — how cool is that?
9. Get some fresh air
Spring means new life is growing, so let’s get out there and see it all happen! Another ritual that I love is getting some fresh air every morning. This is something I share with my two-year-old son. Whether it’s taking a brisk daily walk before work, gardening or stepping out to smell the air and stretch, make sure you catch up on the vitamin D you missed throughout the winter!
10. Stay sun protected
On the topic of going outside, whatever you do, don’t skip your sunscreen — we need to wear it everyday, even when it’s overcast. There are many wonderful products on the market now, thankfully, which cater to all different skin types, needs and preferences (e.g. mineral vs. physical sunscreens, formulas that don’t leave a white cast, etc.) Before summer is in full swing, try to find one that works for your skin and that you enjoy enough to get in the habit of wearing — and reapplying — daily.
Whether you’re interested in skincare, nutrition, health rituals, or all of the above, I encourage you to look at wellness as a lifelong process to support your physical and mental health. It’s not something we can hack in one go, so listen to what your body needs. Trust your intuition — you know best! Flexibility and self-love will benefit us infinitely more than rigid adherence and self-shaming.
Thanks so much for reading! As always, find me on Instagram if you’d like to keep the conversation going. :)
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