I used to think that adding vegan and plant-based elements into my daily routine would be difficult. I also wrongly assumed that if you bought anything at all labelled “Vegan”, you were looking at a product that would be more expensive by virtue. At the start of 2021, I made one of my resolutions for the year to be a bit more proactive in adopting more vegan items, especially in my diet and skincare routine. Obviously, we don’t really do food guides and recipes here at Beauty Army, but we do excel in skincare advice!
Thanks to the K-Beauty experts at Skinsider, who have a dedicated range of vegan skincare products, here are some of the simple ways you can adopt more vegan-friendly elements into your skincare routine. I won’t be looking at anything major like completely clearing out your cabinet to start over. I want to show some of the easier ways to change what you have in rotation over time. Trust me; when you get the groove of it, you will be surprised at how easy it is to make changes.
Rubbing the badness away off with vegan exfoliator
Let’s start with my personal favourite part of skincare; exfoliating. If you are not giving yourself a little ten-minute window two to three times a week for exfoliation, you’re doing your skin a disservice.
Most exfoliators will contain essential oils or ingredients which aren’t completely vegan-friendly. In most cases, it will be if an exfoliator uses a diary product or something like honey. You may have heard parabens are not vegan, but this isn’t always true. I know it’s all the rage to use paraben-free products, but respected brands that use parabens often derive them from plants and veg.
Vegan exfoliators also work just as well to get in those pores. If you’re someone who really needs their exfoliator to get in deep, stick with sugar scrubs over the coconut and oil-based options.
By the way, if you usually avoid exfoliating because you think it dries your skin, read this guide on 5 Ways You Can Keep Your Skin Hydrated This Winter.
Toning like a boss
I have tried and failed to make vegan toner and home (the combo of lemon juice and witch hazel didn’t work as I hoped). Because some vegan skincare products are a little more delicate/apprehensive on the skin, it would be best to have a toner at hand. They always help you get those lingering little bits of dirt and such off your face before applying moisturiser (which I’ll get to next).
If you have problems with pores or feel your skin’s pH balance is off, look for vegan toners containing aloe vera, lactic acid or Vitamin D. Be wary of toners with glycerine. Glycerine can be derived from animal fats or vegetable fats, and some brands might not be 100% clear on the label ho they sourced their glycerine. For example, some common beauty products will contain glycerine derived from tallow, aka beef fat. Rubbing beef fat in your face doesn’t sound that nice, does it? Always check and do your research, even if it just a quick Google of a product.
Helping hydrate is always important
Lastly, I want to give a shout out to everyone out there who, like me, might catch their reflection in the middle of the day and realise your problem areas are drying out. I always have a little vegan moisturiser on me and recommend you do too. When on the move, opt for vegan products which contain Hyaluronic acid. Your body already produces hyaluronan, and this vegan-friendly acid is amazing at helping skin stay hydrated.
Try and avoid moisturisers containing dairy milk if you can and opt for those with natural peptides.
Don’t rush it!
I hope you found my advice helpful. If there is one point to take away from this, I suggest that you take the time to examine what is in your skincare products. You shouldn’t feel pressured into going vegan from the get-go. Build a better routine over time, not only for yourself but for your skin.
