The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Skincare: How to Get Glass Skin
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Time to read 3 min
Introduction
Everyone's heard of the famous korean 10 step skincare routine, but is it really necessary? In this blog we will teach you about our four recommended skincare steps if you're new to skincare, or simply want to find some ethical swaps for your current routine. Less is more when you have quality products, keep reading for our vegan skincare recommendations.
The 4 (actually) essential steps for your vegan skincare routine
1. Cleansing
Why it's important
Cleansing is a no-brainer. In order to absorb the rest of your vegan skincare routine effectively, your skin needs to be a clean canvas. We highly recommend double cleansing, starting off with a vegan oil based balm or cleansing oil to truly purify your skin and remove any traces of dirt, sweat, pollution, make-up and SPF after a long day. In the mornings, double cleansing isn't necessary. Simply rinse your face with warm water or use a gentle foaming cleanser if you have an oilier skin type.
How to cleanse properly:
- Use an appropriate amount of cleansing balm or oil and gently massage it into your skin in circular motions to melt away any make-up and SPF.
- Emulsify with some warm water (it should turn milky) and rinse.
- Follow with a foaming or gel cleanser to deeply purify the skin and pat dry.
This cleansing balm is perfect for cleansing and nourishing your skin at the same time. Packed with TCM backed ingredients such as Ginseng, this cleansing balm can even be used as a massage balm.
2. Serums
Why are serums so important?
Serums are potent little potions for your skin. They deliver vital ingredients in their most pure forms. A serum is what will mainly be targeting individual skin concerns. From brightening, to calming and healthy aging to hydrating, a serum can do it all.
Our vegan serum recommendations are down below.
3. Moisturizing
Why moisturising is absolutely essential for healthy skin:
Moisturising may feel like something you can skip, but here are some reasons why a good quality moisturiser is a must:
- Hydration and product longevity: Moisturisers lock in water as well as your previous skincare steps, keeping everything potent and keeping your skin hydrated and plump.
- Strengthening the skin barrier: Moisturiser acts as a natural barrier protector, adding an extra layer between your delicate skin and outside stressors.
- Prepping the skin for make-up: Everyone knows that properly hydrated skin = a better base for your make-up looks.
Vegan skincare moisturisers will often use plant-based ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, centella, bakuchiol, and other plant extracts. Try to avoid ingredients such as snail mucin, collagen and PDRN as these are not vegan and definitely not cruelty-free. Although, some companies now have created Phyto PDRN and other vegan skincare substitutes.
The ideal moisturiser will vary from person to person. People with a dry skin type may need something oil based and rich, and an oilier skin type may benefit from a light-weight water based moisturiser.
Keep reading for our ethical vegan skincare picks.
5. Sun Protection
SPF is absolutely vital. Yes, even if it's cloudy. Yes, even during winter. It doesn't just protect your skin from tanning. It provides protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, free radicals and pollution. It is the best preventative for early aging, dark spots and skin cancer.
Our Vegan and Cruelty-Free SPFs will be listed down below.
How to apply sunscreen
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (but ideally SPF 50+)
Apply generously: use about 1/4 teaspoon for your face (or use the 3 finger rule)
Cover all exposed skin, including often-missed areas like ears and neck
Apply as the final step in your morning skincare routine. Don't think that your make-up that includes SPF is enough protection!
Reapply every 2 hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Use even on cloudy days, as UV rays penetrate clouds
“Sunscreen is the cornerstone of effective skincare, acting as your skin's daily armor against the sun's relentless assault. It's not just about preventing sunburn.”
Conclusion
A consistent 4-step skincare routine is more than enough for even seasoned vegan skincare users. Yes, there are other optional skincare steps (more on those in an up-coming blog post, keep your eyes peeled!) but they're not always necessary or a one size fits all. Remember to listen to your skin, and always swap to vegan and cruelty-free skincare products where possible.
Ready to make some Vegan Skincare swaps?