Why Everyone Needs Plastic Free Moisturiser

Cleanse, tone, moisturise. It’s the basis of most skincare routines, so the majority of us will be applying moisturiser every day, morning and evening. That’s a lot of moisturiser, which comes in a lot of plastic packaging each time you buy it. 

It’s time to find yourself a plastic-free moisturiser to help out when your skin is most in need of hydration. Here’s why you need it, how to find a great plastic-free alternative, and how Yoppie can help keep your skin hydrated.

Why is moisturiser important? 

If you’re not a fan of slathering on the morning moisturiser or the night cream, you may find that your skin will become particularly dry at certain times of the month - but we’ll get to the menstrual cycle part later. Even without hormones having their say, your skin can always benefit from extra hydration to keep it healthy. 

Moisturising essentially traps water in the skin, and helps it hydrate the deeper layers. Though dry skin isn’t thought of as a huge issue, it can lead to irritation, itching, painful cracks in skin, infections and more. Plus, it makes skin look lacklustre and dull. Whether you choose to use a heavy-duty moisturiser for extreme cases of dry skin, or simply a cosmetic product for general hydration, it can keep skin looking hydrated, healthy and fresh. 

When should I be using it?

Moisturiser is typically applied after other steps in your routine (but not sunscreen, that goes last). Moisturiser acts as a barrier to seal in water, so by applying everything else first, you’re sealing in all the goodness from your serums and what-not. 

If you suffer from acne, you may think the drier your skin is, the better, but that’s a common misconception. In fact, applying moisturiser twice a day after cleansing could reduce your skin’s overproduction of oil, and in turn, reduce acne.

How bad is moisturiser packaging for the environment? 

In short? Pretty bad. The global personal care industry is worth $500 billion per year, and relies heavily on plastic packaging. According to Statista, 31.25% of UK consumers buy new skincare products once a month, and 12.95% buy new skincare products “several times per month”. The downside? An estimated 70% of it ends up in landfills, which causes major problems for our environment. 

But it wasn’t always this way; back in the 18th and 19th centuries, products like perfume, creams, and other items almost always came in glass and ceramic containers as they conveyed a sense of luxury. In the mid-20th century, the personal care industry began using plastic along with many other industries, as it was lightweight, flexible, and sturdy for transporting. All that plastic eventually breaks down to form microbeads, and these plastic particles make their way into our oceans to be ingested by marine life. 

How do I find a plastic-free alternative? 

There’s been a boom in eco-friendly products and packaging recently thanks to consumers’ outrage over the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills and oceans, and many brands are starting to switch to more sustainable options like lighter weight packaging that uses less material, recycled materials, packaging that’s designed for recyclability, and labels that include recycling guidance. Packaging Digest has also reported a rise in the health and beauty industry’s use of cartons for their transportability and sturdiness, growing from 9% to 19% since 2010.

When you’re looking for a new moisturiser, take a few more minutes out of your day to look into the packaging and understand what you are buying. Look for products that come in reusable or recyclable packaging, make the most of any refill schemes or recycling initiatives that the brand is involved in, and do some research to find brands that are actually making changes to help the environment, not the ones who simply say they are. 

You can also keep an eye out for labels like Rainforest Alliance Certified, ECOCERT and Fairtrade to make sure the ingredients inside the product are also sustainably sourced. 

How long will it take my skin to get used to a new product? 

Like anything new, your body will need some time to get used to a new moisturiser, so don’t panic if you break out or don’t see results right away. It is usually recommended that you give any new skincare routine between six and twelve weeks, to allow skin the time to get used to the ingredients and bypass any initial unwanted results. 

Of course, if you immediately see irritation, feel itching, or experience anything particularly unpleasant, it’s probably best to call it quits, but otherwise give it a decent amount of time before you jump ship. 

My skin is really dry when I start my period. What can I do? 

Ah yes, hormones! If you usually suffer from dry skin, then you may find that week 1 of your cycle (known as Menstruation - the bit when you start to bleed) has your skin looking and feeling like the Sahara Desert. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. 

During this phase of your cycle, your estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest, which decreases the water content in the epidermis, making skin feel more dry, dehydrated, and sensitive than before. 

Upping your moisturising routine can help, but if you want a dedicated treatment (that’s also eco-friendly!) our biodegradable Winter Revival face mask is designed specially for those dry days. It uses sustainably sourced, hydrating and nourishing ingredients, and there’s absolutely no animal testing. Plus it comes in fully recyclable packaging, so you can pop on your mask, hydrate your parched skin, and indulge in a glorious guilt-free self-care ritual that’s great for your skin and the environment. 

Do you suffer from dry skin during your period? How do you deal with it? We’d love to know! Shout out over in our private Facebook group, or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised menstrual care subscription can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and much more (including skincare) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox so you've got one less thing to worry about during your cycle.