Here’s everything you need to know about the recent ban on microbeads and how these little small beads of plastic in skin-care products have been causing big problems for our environment and health.
Microbeads are pieces of plastic, usually spherical in shape, that range from in width from a fraction of a millimetre, to about a millimetre and a quarter. Since their introduction in 1972, they have been added as an exfoliating agent to many personal care products such as:
- soaps
- toothpastes
- facial scrubs
- body scrubs and shower gels
Why Are Microbeads Being Banned in Canada?
Canada’s official ban on skin care products containing plastic microbeads took effect at the beginning of this year: January 1st, 2018. There are some temporary exceptions to the ban. These include prescription drugs and select natural health products, but will also be banned later this year, by July 1st, 2018.
Reason #1: Environmental and Health Concerns
Microbeads are too small to be filtered by water filtration systems, which means that they are polluting our water and posing an environmental risk for aquatic animals in fresh and ocean water.
Because these microbeads are consumed by sea animals, it increases the odds that pollution-laden plastic will make its way to our dinner plates. Some pollutants that microbeads pick up have been linked to:
- birth defects
- cancer
- developmental problems in humans
Reason #2: Influence From Pushback About Microbeads In Canada and Globally, Including The Global Microbead Ban
Due to environmental and health concerns, there has been a worldwide trend towards the banning of plastic microbeads. Currently, microbeads are banned in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland. Several other countries are considering similar bans on the product.
Exfoliating Alternatives at our Kelowna Skin Clinic
At our Kelowna Skin Clinic, we understand that exfoliation is an important part of skin care, helping you attain a fresh, youthful, and healthy appearance. That’s why we offer a number of cosmetic exfoliation treatments. Not only are they more luxurious than your microbead-containing face scrub, but they're tailored to your needs and have powerful, long-lasting effects.
1. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are one of the least invasive ways to improve the look and texture of your skin. This exfoliating treatment offers a whole host of benefits to men and women, including:
- dramatic reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.
- improved skin texture.
- cost-effective procedure.
- even skin tone and a vibrant complexion.
- removal/reduction of skin imperfections such as age spots, freckles and acne scars.
- collagen growth for naturally younger, healthier skin.
Customized Chemical Peels
Using advanced technology, the skin care specialists at our Kelowna clinic can create customized chemical peels tailored to your skin type, aesthetic goals, and unique cosmetic needs.
2. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, yet powerful cosmetic skin care treatment that uses tiny crystals or diamonds to gently exfoliate and remove the superficial layer of dead and damaged skin cells.
Uses Of Microdermabrasion
- Reducing or eliminating unwanted wrinkles
- Improving the appearance of acne and acne scars
- Treating age spots, sun damage and any other form of skin discolouration
- Reducing stretch marks
- Eliminating blackheads and whiteheads
- Removing dead and unhealthy skin
Unique Microdermabrasion Treatments at Okanagan Skin Care
Our skin care specialists can tailor the procedure to your specific needs and concerns, rejuvenating your skin from the inside out. Our treatments will vastly improve the quality of your skin tone and texture, leaving you feeling fresh, young, and incredibly nourished.
Say Goodbye To Microbeads And Opt For Customized Care at our Kelowna Skin Clinic
At our Kelowna skin clinic, we offer safe skin care alternatives to your exfoliating soap or facial scrubs! Our cosmetic treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels can give you soft, youthful, and healthy looking skin.
Additionally, we can point you to natural or biodegradable at-home products so that you won't have to worry about the impact on your health or the environment. To find out more about the costs and benefits of our environmentally-friendly, safe, and effective exfoliating skin care treatments, contact our Kelowna clinic today at 250-868-9290 or book a consultation today.
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