How to Achieve Sustainable Skincare: 7 Simple Steps

Discover how an eco-friendly and minimalist beauty routine can transform your skincare game! By harnessing the power of carrier and essential oils, you can simplify your daily regimen while making a positive impact on the environment. Ready to elevate your skincare? Here are 7 simple steps to achieving sustainable skincare, whether you're at home or on the go!

I admit it: for many years my bathroom cabinet resembled a well-stocked beauty store. 'Lotions and Potions' galore. From Clinique to Clarins, Estee Lauder to Eucerin, I had a treatment for every wrinkle, pimple and blemish.

I've always taken skincare seriously. Plus, I'm in my 40s and all the signs of ageing are chasing me! So when I prepared to transition to living full-time in a van, I had to think realistically about how to manage my routine on the road while still addressing specific skincare needs for my age.

It wasn't practical to haul a stack of products with me in the van, due to space and weight reasons. And what about replenishing my supplies? Sure, I could access this particular night moisturizer in the UK, but what happens when I run out in a far-flung country?

It made me realise that I needed to simplify my skincare. Significantly.

As I researched various skincare regimes, I discovered that most manufactured beauty products are filled with synthetic chemicals. While some of these are necessary for preservation, many products come with high price tags due to branding rather than superior quality. Plus we all know the impact plastic packaging has on the environment.

This knowledge, along with the need for a van-life-friendly routine, motivated me to completely transition my skin and body care from expensive, big-name manufactured products to a back-to-basics all-natural approach.

So how did I achieve this? Through the use of carrier and essential oils.

These oils are excellent for skin care because they provide a natural, effective, and versatile solution for maintaining healthy, nourished skin. When blended, they create a powerful combination: carrier oils deliver nutrients and hydration, while essential oils target specific skin concerns.

This approach ticks all the boxes when it comes to beauty on the road. It's not only sustainable, affordable, and space-saving - crucial when every inch of storage counts - but these products also genuinely deliver results. My skin has never felt healthier, and I love knowing I’m using simple, natural ingredients that align with the minimalist, eco-friendly lifestyle van life inspires.

Read on to unlock the seven steps of this sustainable skincare regime for life on the road

Step 1: Minimalism is Key

The first secret to sustainable skincare is adopting a minimalist approach. With just a few carrier and essential oils, you can meet all your skincare needs. For example, a single bottle of jojoba oil can act as a cleanser, moisturiser and hair serum - saving you space and reducing waste.

Step 2: Power Up with Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are the foundation of any sustainable skincare routine. They’re natural, effective, and incredibly versatile:

• Jojoba Oil: Mimics your skin’s natural oils for deep cleansing and hydration
• Coconut Oil: Works as an effective body moisturiser, lip balm, and even a gentle cleanser
• Sweet Almond Oil: Soothes dry skin and nourishes it with Vitamin E

Most carrier oils are affordable and widely available, making it easy to restock supplies while on your van life journey.  

Secret 3: Essential Oils Are Your Multi-Tasking Allies

Essential oils aren’t just about smelling good - they’re packed with benefits for skin and wellbeing. It's important to always dilute essential oils with a suitable carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

• Lavender has soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It calms irritation, reduces redness, helps heal acne and wounds, and promotes an even, healthy complexion. Its relaxing aroma also supports stress relief, which can improve overall skin health.
• Tea Tree is a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory oil. It helps fight acne, reduce redness, soothe irritation, and promote faster healing of blemishes and minor wounds, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
• Frankincense: A great anti-ageing remedy, this oil promotes cell regeneration, reduces fine lines, scars, and dark spots, and improves skin tone and elasticity.

Step 4: DIY Recipes Will Keep It Simple

Making your own skincare products is a game-changer for sustainability. With a small collection of carrier and essential oils specific to your skincare needs, you have all the ingredients to make up your supply of bespoke products.

Sure there's a slight upfront investment in purchasing the carrier and essential oils - but, speaking from experience, these last for months. Overall, it's far more affordable when compared to big-name beauty products and far superior to any manufactured products regarding the quality of ingredients.

• Facial moisturiser: Mix 30 ml tbsp of jojoba oil with 5 drops of essential oil of your choice
• Body moisturiser: Mix 60ml tbsp of sweet almond oil with 10 drops of an essential oil of your choice

Interested in making six super easy homemade products using only a handful of carrier and essential oils? Sign up below for subscriber-only access to these powerhouse recipes - including an anti-ageing formula!

Dilution for essential oils - Tisserand Institute

Dilution, dilution, dilution - it’s the first rule of using essential oils. Robert Tisserand, expert on safety, explains how and why.

Tisserand InstituteRobert Tisserand

Step 5: Amber Bottles Are the Unsung Heroes

When creating your DIY products, storing them in amber bottles is essential, and not just for their attractive appearance! These bottles serve crucial purposes:

• They protect the oils from UV rays, helping to maintain their quality
• They are reusable and eco-friendly, reducing waste
• Their compact and leak-proof design makes them perfect for life on the road

Step 6: Organisation Makes Everything Easier

Keeping your beauty essentials organised ensures they are ready whenever you need them. Here are some tips:

• Use a small box or pouch to store your oils safely. I keep mine in a lidded wicker basket
• Keep your kit in a cool, dark place in your van to preserve the oils’ potency
• Create a designated space where your amber bottles can be safely stored upright, capable of withstanding the bumps and bangs of the road!

Step 7: Sustainable Skincare Aligns with Van Life Values

Sustainability is about more than just skincare - it’s a lifestyle choice. By adopting natural, eco-friendly products, you align your routine with the values of simplicity, resourcefulness, and connection to nature.

Conclusion: Simplify, Sustain, and Shine

These seven steps will help you unlock a skincare routine that is practical for travel and van life, effective, and environmentally friendly.

Sustainable beauty is more achievable than you might think! With just a few ingredients tailored to your specific skincare concerns or needs, you can create affordable, high-quality products that are perfect for maintaining healthy skin while on the road.

If you want to harness the power of carrier and essential oils, sign-up to get subscriber-only access to my six supercharged essential homemade skincare products.

Thanks for reading!

Leave a comment below with any feedback, questions or your own skincare recommendations, I'd love to hear from you 😄