In an age when we’re all trying to do our bit for the planet, it might surprise you to hear that across the UK there is more than £1 billion worth of unused skincare products cluttering up our bathroom cabinets. It’s a huge amount of waste and it’s something that the team here at the DRVICTORIA™ Clinic are keen to do something about.
Why So Much Waste?
The reason for this shocking amount of waste is quite simple – too many people are buying too many of the wrong products for three key reasons:
Overbuying
It’s hard not to be sucked in by beauty trends, influencers and the powerful marketing of so-called miracle products. Many people love the dopamine hit they get from buying and trying the latest must-have products.
But the truth is, many people are buying far more than they can realistically use. According to a recent survey, 26% of Brits ditch skincare products because they find something newer and more exciting.
What’s more, one in 10 people admit they abandon products when the packaging doesn’t look good on their shelf! These shocking figures should act as a wake-up call that we all need to be more mindful about what we’re buying. What's the point in buying eco-friendly skincare if most of it goes to waste?
Excessive experimentation
When it comes to skincare, many people tend to go for the ‘trial and error’ approach. They buy a range of products and switch between brands and formulas to see what works for them, leaving cupboards full of half-used products in their wake.
27% of people abandon products because they feel the formulation isn’t right for their skin from the get-go, or because they initially worked but later failed. Would it not be better to ignore Tik Tok trends and get a personalised skincare routine that works for you?
Lack of skincare routine
One thing I stress to my patients time and time again is the importance of getting into a good skincare routine. Those who don’t have a consistent skincare routine are more likely to forget to use certain products, which means they often expire before they’re used up. How much would you save a year if you had a simplified routine that delivered results?
Four Tips to Reduce Your Skincare Waste
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of products currently cluttering up your bathroom, follow these four simple steps to streamline your skincare:
1. Declutter your cabinet
There’s no better time than now to have a proper spring clean of your cabinets. Check the expiry date on every product and dispose of anything that is out of date. Expiry dates are printed either on a product’s outer packaging or on the container itself. (Look for an open jar symbol followed by a number and the letter ‘M’. This tells you how many months after opening you have to use the product.)
The effectiveness of the active ingredients in these products cannot be guaranteed after the expiry date and some may even pose a health hazard, potentially causing irritation to the skin if used. Remember to check the packaging to see which ones can be recycled with your normal household waste and which ones can be returned to the store as part of their recycling schemes.
2. Speak to a skin expert
No matter how tempted you are by a new beauty craze, don’t buy a single skincare product until you’ve spoken to a skin expert. At the clinic, we recommend every patient undergoes a skin analysis.
Our advanced Observ520x skin analysis machine examines the deeper layers of your skin to reveal potential issues, even in the early stages of their development, long before they reach the surface. We can use this information to make product recommendations that can effectively address your specific needs and concerns.
3. Stick to a simple routine
We can talk you through your ideal skincare routine based on your needs and lifestyle. From what products you should be leaving on overnight to soothe and moisturise, to what products you’ll need in the morning to cleanse and add radiance.
Sticking to this recommended routine (not skipping steps or adding extra ones when you spot a new “must-have” product in the shops), is the best way to maximise the results of the products.
4. Store your products correctly
Skincare products are designed to be stored at normal room temperature (around 18-20°C). Storing them at an extreme temperature, such as in the freezer, above a radiator or on windowsill in direct sunlight will impact the product’s quality and shelf life. So store them in a cupboard, ideally safely out of reach of children.
Less is More!
Remember, when it comes to caring for your skin, and caring for the planet, less is more. Whatever your skin concerns, it’s likely you just need a few well-chosen hero products to help maintain your skin health in between facials. We only ever make product recommendations based on your individual requirements and science.
I'm a firm believer in "walking the talk", so here are my five hero products which are part of my routine:
- Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser: This gets to work removing dirt and soothing delicate skin.
- Environ Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser: This contains salicylic which is great for removing bacteria.
- DRVICTORIA™ Retinol 1%: This retinol serum increases cellular turnover and contains vitamin A, a vital ingredient in my skincare routine.
- Obagi Hydrate: This soothing moisturiser contains some effective anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-Free SPF50: It’s so important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and this SPF is perfect for doing just that.
Discover your personalised skincare routine and declutter
Whether you’re looking to minimise breakouts, reduce redness, or sooth and smooth your skin, we can devise a personalised treatment plan and skincare routine that will help you achieve your goals.
We’ll only ever recommend what your skin needs – no more, no less. Follow our advice and your skin will thank you later (and so will the planet).
Book your personalised skin analysis and start your streamlined routine today for better results and less waste.
Author's experience
Rachael has advanced training in skin analysis, anatomy, physiology and skincare products which she combined with her knowledge in chemical peels, Hydrafacial and microneedling to help patients achieving healthy glowing skin.
Resource links
- Professional Beauty: More Than £1 Billion in Wasted Skincare Products Sitting in Homes Across the UK, 2022
- Vogue Business: Beauty Has a Waste Problem, and it’s Not Packaging, Cernansky, 2021
- The Guardian: How to Cut Down Cosmetic Waste: Beauty Products Go Off So Bigger is Not Always Best, Hall, 2022
- Dr Victoria: Healthy, Glowing Skin: An Evidence-Based Guide for Women
