Did you know that you can be exposing your skin to over 100 chemicals every day? According to the Environmental Working Group, the average American uses about 9 products daily, which may contain over 100 harmful chemicals. If you use commercial drugstore beauty products, chances are you are applying some of those toxic ingredients on your skin. Avoid harsh chemicals by switching to a clean beauty routine.

But before we get into that, let’s discuss why you should be switching to a clean beauty routine first. Here are some important things to take note of:

Your skin absorbs chemicals.

Your skin will be able to absorb the products that you apply. The skin is made up of 3 layers, which protects itself from the outside world. Not everything gets through these layers but the oils, creams and liquids you apply will get into these protective barriers. The products you apply on your skin can get absorbed into your bloodstream too. So, if you want to feed your body right, having a clean beauty routine is a must!

Which chemicals to stay away from.

Keep in mind that chemicals aren’t necessarily a bad thing and not all of them are harmful. In fact, you will find chemicals just about anywhere — from beauty products to food and more. They are often used to extend the lifespan of a product. There are some, however, that can cause long-term damage to your body.

Here are some of the toxic chemicals that you should stay away from:

• Formaldehyde
• Toluene
• Triclosan
• Lead
• Asbestos
• Mercury
• Diethanolamine
• Hydroquinone

Long-term use of these chemicals can cause side effects like hair loss, scalp burns, dizziness, respiratory problems and cancer.

How can you tell if a product is safe to use? Read the label! Take some time to research a brand or product before you purchase it. Also, make sure to buy from trusted brands who are transparent with their process and disclose the ingredients in their products.

Switching to clean beauty products.

There are so many benefits of switching to a clean beauty routine. Not only is it gentler on skin, it is also better for your overall health. Remember, what you put on your skin will get absorbed in your bloodstream as well. It is ideal to keep your skincare clean and green as much as you can!

One of the biggest misconceptions of organic beauty products is that they are expensive. While it’s true that most drugstore brands are cheaper, not all organic products are pricey. Look out for independent and local brands that offer high-quality products that won’t hurt your wallet too much. There are so many options for you that are even better than the mainstream beauty products that you see in department stores.

You can do DIY alternatives too.

If you are on a tight budget or you just enjoy DIY projects, you can also do homemade beauty recipes. There are so any ingredients already available in your kitchen that you can transform into a face mask, moisturizing hair conditioner, body butters or exfoliants. With a quick Google search, you can find several DIY beauty recipes that are so easy to whip up in you own home. Because they are made from natural ingredients, homemade beauty products are also safe to use. However, if you have food allergies, make sure to stay away from ingredients that trigger you!

Switching to a clean beauty routine maybe a challenge at first but it’s not that hard to do. You don’t have to go cold turkey and get rid of all your old products. You can instead slowly integrate organic beauty products in your routine. You won't just be kinder to your skin, you will also be kinder to the environment!