Go Green for a Healthy Glow

By Rebekah George

Reducing the size of your environmental footprint can also benefit your skin. "Smog, pollutants and free radicals can prematurely age your complexion," says Dr David Goldberg, clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in the US. Here are five smart, simple ways to spruce up your look-younger routine:

1. Take short, cool showers. Cutting shower time from 8 to 3 minutes conserves about 120 litres of water, according to Sydney Water. And nudge the 'hot' tap down to help your skin retain its natural oils.

2. Use organic cotton pads to remove make-up. One-quarter of insecticide use is linked to conventional cotton growing. Organic cotton is softer and easier on delicate under-eye skin.

3. Buy in bulk. Reduce lots of packaging waste by purchasing toiletries, such as shampoos and conditioners, in jumbo 1-litre bottles. Try Aveda's Shampure line ($59.95 each;
1300 300 054).

4. Go eco-friendly. Buy brands with recyclable, biodegradable or minimal packaging. Try Be Genki's skincare range (begenki.com), which comes in 100 per cent biodegradable and recyclable boxes.

5. Air-dry your hair. Reducing drying time by just 5 minutes a day saves almost 20 kg of carbon-dioxide emissions each year, says US-based green-living expert Sara Snow.

PLUS Your Younger Skin Strategy

See 30 Ways to Look Younger