Microbeads are tiny grains of plastic found in many health and beauty products. However these plastic grains are causing not only harm to our skin but major harm to our planet. 8 million tonnes of plastic enters our oceans every year. This ends up in the stomachs of seabirds, whales, turtles and other marine life. Plastic can even wind up in the fish we eat! The USA and Canada have outlawed them. That’s why Greenpeace are campaigning for Prime Minister David Cameron to cut down on the plastic that fills our oceans. Even companies like Avon, L’Oreal, Asda, The Bodyshop and Boots are pledging to stop using microbeads in their products. So sign the Greenpeace petition here! – https://secure.greenpeace.org.uk/page/s/ban-microbeads?source=wb&subsource=20160114ocwb01

Microbeads don’t do our skin any favours either. They tend to pick up and move bacteria around the face, so anyone with acne is likely to spread the infection. They can also aggravate broken veins and capillaries, ouch! So lets first change our cleanser to something less harsh. Cream, balm and oil cleansers are great for any skin type and brilliant at removing make up with a hot flannel. But how do I make my skin polished?

1. Acid toners! Sounds scary but they’re totally fine for most skin types. I have pale, sensitive skin and have been using acid products for 3 years. I’ve tried both toners recommended below and have never come across any stinging or aggravation. When we wash our face with harsh cleansers, this alkalises the surface of the skin (and gives us that tight, squeaky feeling afterwards). So using an acidic toner after washing will first bring our faces’ PH level back to neutral (and eliminate that skin tight feeling). But most importantly work as an exfoliator, sloughing away any dead skin and grime! Finish off with your usual moisturiser and you’re good to go, this combo creates the best make-up base for smooth skin!

An affordable acid toner is the Ren Clarifying Toning Lotion at £13. This toner can be used everyday, morning and night.

A more luxury acid toner is the Clarins Exfoliating Brightening Toner at £25. Seems steep, but you only need to use this product 3-4 times a week (I got mine for my birthday back in July and I’m still only half way through it!).

There are plenty of acidic skincare products out there, so find one that’s perfect for you.

3. Facial cleansing brushes – for as little as £10! A rotating, vibrating bristle brush used with your cleanser and water that give a clean soft finish.

4. Another alternative to microbeads is making your own exfoliator. Mixing sugar and honey makes a great face and body scrub, and it’s much safer for the planet.

This post was written by Girls Talk Ambassador, Jessica Grogan. You can follow her on @jessicagroganx

Edited by @KatyJAshford