So, what does clean beauty mean to you? Many of us are familiar with the terms “eco-friendly” and “cruelty-free,” but may want to know more about just why clean beauty is important. Some of us go the extra mile to do our part in preserving the planet/nature and animals by recycling, changing our diets and making environmentally friendly purchases. Unfortunately, many skincare and beauty companies don’t share the same practices. Did you know that many of the popular products on the market contain ingredients that are derived from insects and animals? In a sea of products, how is a consumer supposed to know which products are eco-ethical? Companies have adapted the method of using icons or certifications from reputable organizations as indicators. However, it can be a little tricky trying to understand the difference between the various icons.
Plant Power
Several skincare products that claim to be a “miracle in a bottle” are formulated
with synthetic ingredients and chemicals that come with harmful side effects. While you’re hoping for a brighter, firmer complexion you can end up with an unsightly rash—and even worse, your skin is absorbing 60% of what you just slathered on. It’s kind of scary to think that a chemical such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), commonly found in exfoliants, is now in your body. These harsh ingredients can have long-term adverse effects on the body’s natural detoxification process.
You don’t have to risk your health for the sake of beauty anymore. Over recent years, there have been significant advancements in natural skin care, with ongoing clinical studies being conducted to support the efficacy of natural-based products. We prefer to use plant-based, antioxidant-rich ingredients that are safe and infuse your skin with potent nutrients.
Lately, we’ve heard a lot about antioxidants in beauty products and supplements. But what are antioxidants and why should you implement them into your daily routine? Every day your skin is under constant attack from highly reactive harmful molecules known as free radicals. Free radical damage is unavoidable and results from a poor diet and exposure to pollution, smoke and too much sun. While the cell damage isn’t noticeable right away, over time you do get to witness the effects on your skin such as fine lines, wrinkles, sunken areas and hyperpigmentation. Pretty scary, right? Don’t worry; there are natural-based methods to counter the relentless free radicals and environmental stressors. Antioxidants help to prevent or slow down this cell damage by neutralizing free radicals. Plants are capable of producing several antioxidant-rich, skin-loving ingredients such as Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea and Sea Buckthorn. At DERMA E, we believe that skin health can be visibly improved through the right combination of potent vitamins, antioxidants and exceptional ingredients. We are confident that effective skin care products can be made without compromising ethical standards. Healthy-looking, well-protected skin is one reason why clean beauty is so important.
Cruelty-free
So here is where it gets a little tricky. There are two common terms that tend to be used frequently and interchangeably, vegan and cruelty-free. However, they have different meanings, and consumers are easily confused. So, let's clarify the key elements of what each statement represents. For a product to be considered vegan, that means it does not contain any traces of animal, animal by-products and animal-derived GMOs in the ingredients or finished products. For a product to be considered cruelty-free, the ingredients, components and the final product cannot be tested on animals. An easy way to see if a product doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients or hasn’t been tested on animals is to look for natural brands that have vegan or cruelty-free icons, or are certified as vegan or cruelty-free.
It’s also important to note the relationship between clean beauty and the environment. For instance, the newest addition to the world of ethical icons is reef safe, which applies to sunscreens and the harmful ingredients found in traditional sunscreens. As we know, sunscreens help to prevent the sun's ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin. However, traditional sunscreens are formulated with chemical-based ingredients that are harmful to coral reefs, which, in turn, harms marine life and most importantly, the ecosystem. Mineral sunscreens are now all the rage! Instead of those chemical-based ingredients, DERMA E’s mineral sunscreens are formulated with active mineral ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which help to reflect the sun's rays like a mirror to protect exposed skin. For a two in one, try the DERMA E’s Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30 that can be worn over makeup as well as help protect from the sun.
For more about DERMA E's Mineral Sunscreens please visit our Derma E Sun Care Collection
Here at DERMA E, we love both our furry and aquatic friends. We proudly say no to animal cruelty, the use of animal-derived ingredients and have reef-safe sunscreen options.
Live Green
As we take strides towards cleaner beauty choices, it’s just as important to take
care of our beautiful planet. There’s an alarming amount of cosmetic and skincare containers and packaging components that are not recyclable and ultimately end up in landfills. So, what can we do to promote a better ecological future? Consider both clean beauty and the environment when making skin care purchases. Stay away from packaging that has shiny metal caps and added decoration. All of our packaging is recyclable, which is great for those of you who love to reduce clutter by upcycling. Upcycling is a creative way to reuse unwanted products and packaging components by turning them into new materials or products for better environmental value. It’s a fun DIY activity that can be done alone, with friends and family.
Spread Knowledge
Dermatologists are experts at maintaining beautiful-looking skin, and there are some who are at the forefront of recognizing the importance of clean beauty in creating a radiant glow without questionable ingredients.
DERMA E is proud to associate with some of these forward-thinking dermatologists in our Derms for DERMA E initiative. Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, Dr. Alexis Stephens, and Dr. Andrea Suarez are all highly esteemed, board-certified dermatologists who support DERMA E’s clean beauty mission. As Dr. Gerstner says about Derma E, “DERMA E provides high quality organic skin and hair care at an approachable cost. The products are available in a great multitude of lines to address the young baby to the elderly.”
The three dermatologists agree that DERMA E makes clean beauty accessible to everyone, thanks to a wide range of products for every skin type, as well as affordable prices. They’ve also noticed an increasing demand for natural-based clean beauty products from patients looking for great results that don’t come from chemical-heavy products. There is a certain assurance that comes with clean beauty products—by using them, you are giving the best care possible to your skin and to the planet.
The decision to purchase clean beauty products is more than skin deep. It affects your overall health and the well-being of animals, marine ecosystems and our environment as a whole. When you buy DERMA E products, you are getting Proven Clean Beauty®!
