Are skincare sheet masks bad for the environment? Media sites and environmentalists have been asking this question recently, and although there are multiple answers and various opinions about the debate, one thing is for sure: we are striving to reduce waste.
Some masks are coated in non-organic and non-biodegradable ingredients which means you cannot add them to your compost pile. Additionally, most masks are stored in a pouch which may not be easily recycled or composted. All of this adds to the already large amount of garbage sent to landfills.
However, we do have alternatives to choose from! Face masks do not always require a sheet. In fact, you can mix up various ingredients to create your own all-natural face mask right at home. To be even more sustainable, try to purchase the supplies from local sources. Here are a few recipes to try. Simply combine all ingredients together and apply onto face for 10-15 minutes before washing it off and gently patting dry.
Hydration and Nourish:
- ½ avocado
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- Handful of oats (the more oats, the thicker the mask)
Smooth Uneven Skin:
- 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
Minimize Pores:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Address Oily Skin:
- ½ avocado
- ¼ cucumber, blended
Written by Emily Su, Class of 2022.
Photo credit: Onebody Studios