So, what are microbeads in the first place? I'll keep it short and sweet for you.
Microbeads (found in many cosmetic scrubs) are manufactured solid plastic particles. They are much like sponges when it comes to absorbing harmful chemicals. These particles easily pass though our draining system and find their way to the ocean with the other FIVE TRILLION pieces of plastic floating around there. Microbeads harm our environment, our sea life (when inevitably ingested), and our skin. In retrospect, we should probably be way more concerned about Eco-friendly skin products to begin with, but a lot of people worry about microbeads in their cosmetic scrubs because they also cause... MICROTEARS!
So, what are microtears you ask? Microtears are exactly what they sound like. Due to exfoliating scrubs containing manufactured plastic beads, they are often jagged and cut unevenly. Therefore, if you use a scrub with microbeads, you're likely to microscopically cut yourself and cause bacteria growth within the tear which leads to inflammation.
Now that I've scared you and made you more aware of the dangers of the cosmetic industry, you're probably wondering, "Dang, then what's the safest, Eco-friendly, and cheapest products I can use now?" Well luckily for you, I've done all the research for you! Here are a few of the best, affordable, environmentally safe, effective, and FREE of microbeads facial/body scrubs I could find at your local drugstore and Amazon!
Palmer's Gentle Exfoliating Scrub
(Amazon/Walmart: $9)
Biore Baking Soda Cleansing Scrub
(Amazon/Walmart: $7)
Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub
(Amazon/Walmart: $9)
Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub
(Walmart $6)
Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub
(Walmart/Amazon $5)
Yes to Coconut Polishing Body Scrub
(Walmart $7)
-OR-
DIY by using these natural exfoliators!
...
1. Whole oats
2. Jojoba Beads
3. Dairy (Yogurt, sour cream, and milk) try dairy with a handful poppy seeds or ground apricot shells for added scrubbing power!
4. Coffee grounds
5. Lemons (with plain unsweetened yogurt and apply it as a mask)
6. Sugar (mix fine sugar with natural massage oil like olive oil, jojoba, grapeseed, or honey to make a paste.)
*Only exfoliate your face/body 2-3 times a week to avoid irritation. Avoid aggressive scrubbing as the exfoliating beads will do all the work. Harsh scrubbing does not mean effectiveness!
*After rinsing your scrub, pat dry with a clean towel.
*Always follow up with a moisturizer.
*Always use a clean hand when touching your face or body. If you pick at your acne or ingrown hairs (even with tweezers), you may cause irritation and spread bacteria.