A few years ago, non toxic nail polish may not be high on anyone’s list of respectable beauty products, but with animal rights and sustainability awareness on the rise, it’s all anyone can talk about.
A few years ago, non toxic nail polishmay not be high on anyone’s list of respectable beauty products, but with animal rights and sustainability awareness on the rise, it’s all anyone can talk about. Is so-and-so cruelty free and environmentally friendly? If not, what can I do to justify buying it? Usually, the answer is “nothing” because the new generation has steered awayfrom ignorance and selfishness, which is what any Millennial or Gen Z-er might think about their parent’s generation, and beauty brands are sitting up and taking notes.
Organic products have gotten a pretty bad rep for being nothing more than just marketing, as any product can put the label “organic” on their products by meeting minimum standards since the word itself isn’t regulated, but that’s in the food industry. In the beauty industry, regulations are extremely tight and ingredients have to meet the requirements set by both USDA and FDA requirements. Organic beauty products are better because your skin is the largest organ on the human body and applying harsh chemicals over time can cause irreparable damage.
Instead of buying your beauty products, there's also the choice of making your own. We’re talking about skin care or hair treatments that can be found directly in your kitchen. According to beauty experts, the best product you can put on your skin isn’t the most expensive treatment on the market, but coconut or olive oil, depending on the porosity of your hair - in fact, oil is one of the best cleaning agents for cosmetics. The key is to understand that many products on the market are marketed to the masses in order to drive sales, which is why they are promoted as a product that you need.
If you think that sustainability starts and ends with the end product, many eco-warriors will beg to differ. The carbon footprint of every product should also be taken into consideration, so when it boils down to a locally made lip balm, versus a lip balm made halfway across the world, you should always go with local. However, beauty brands that have taken note will have attempted to remedy this by ensuring that they leave behind the smallest carbon footprint, which means no greenhouse gas emissions or unnecessary waste.
It’s a whole new world, but as they say, waste not, want not. And this generation has been through a housing crisis and a global pandemic, which puts them in no position to waste anything.
On top of it all, it’s always better to err on the side of safety, and for a generation that is hard set on the rules of loving oneself, that means investing in proper self-care and ensuring that they themselves get the healthiest option available. Whether it’s food, lifestyle, or cosmetics, there’s always a healthier alternative as opposed to the most widely available or traditionally accepted trends.
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
Karan Emery
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Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.