Creating your own reusable cotton pads at home is a great way to incorporate sustainability into your skincare routine. Here's a simple step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Materials Needed:
1. Organic cotton fabric or old cotton t-shirts
2. Sewing machine or needle and thread
3. Scissors
4. Round object for tracing (like a glass or a jar)
5. Marker

Steps:

1. Wash and Dry Fabric: Start by washing and drying your fabric to pre-shrink it. This is important because cotton tends to shrink after the first wash.

2. Trace Circles: Use your round object to trace circles onto your fabric. The size of the circles will determine the size of your cotton pads. A standard size is around 2-3 inches in diameter.

3. Cut Out Circles: Use your scissors to cut out the circles. You'll need two circles for each cotton pad.

4. Sew Circles Together: Place two circles together with the right sides facing each other. Sew around the edge of the circles, leaving a small gap for turning.

5. Turn Right Side Out: Turn the pad right side out through the gap you left. Then, sew the gap closed. You can do this by hand or with your sewing machine.

6. Quilt the Pad: To prevent the layers from shifting during use and washing, sew a few lines across the pad. This step is optional but recommended.

7. Repeat: Repeat the process until you have as many pads as you need.

To clean your reusable cotton pads, simply toss them in a mesh laundry bag and wash them with your regular laundry. Avoid using fabric softener as it can leave a residue on the pads that may interfere with their absorbency.

Remember, the skin is our largest organ and it absorbs what we put on it. Therefore, it's crucial to use organic cotton fabric, as conventional cotton is often treated with pesticides and other chemicals that you don't want on your skin.

Making your own reusable cotton pads not only reduces waste, but also allows you to control what materials come into contact with your skin. It's a win-win for both your skin health and the environment.