Back to the Basics: Personal Care Reset

Because what we use every day deserves a second look.

This post is part of my Back to the Basics: A Lifestyle Renovation series—a season of clearing out, leveling up, and living well.

There are seasons when life naturally asks you to simplify — not in a forced or dramatic way, but in a quiet, steady way that makes you look around and ask… what actually matters right now?

This season, that question has shown up for me in more ways than one.

In my routines. In my environment. In what I choose to keep… and what I’m ready to let go of.

In many ways, this isn’t new for me.

Over the past year, I’ve been making similar shifts—revisiting my cleaning supplies, upgrading my water filters, and making changes in my kitchen.

One area at a time.

One decision at a time.

And while I’ve been focusing on getting back to the basics in my day-to-day life, I realized there was one area I hadn’t fully revisited in a while—my personal care products.

The things I use every day.

The things that touch my skin without a second thought.

Because the truth is, what we put on our bodies matters just as much as what we put in them.

Why Personal Care Matters

We often focus on food, supplements, and what we’re consuming internally.

But our skin is our largest organ. And it absorbs more than we realize.

From lotions and deodorants to body wash and toothpaste, these products are part of our daily routine—used consistently, often without much thought.

And it’s not just the products we choose.

It’s also things like the water we shower in. The water we soak in.

Things we come into contact with every single day without thinking twice.

Over time, those small exposures add up.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness.

And once you’re aware, you can make better choices—without feeling like you have to overhaul everything at once.

Where I Started (And What I Learned)

I’ll be honest—I didn’t ease into this slowly. I did throw things out overnight — partially used products, some barely touched. A whole shopping bag full of things I decided I wouldn’t use again.

Is that necessary? Not at all.

But once I became more aware of what I was using, it didn’t feel right to keep going through the motions.

And yes—did I waste money? Absolutely.

But I also had to be honest with myself:

My health is worth more than the cost of a few products.

One thing you might notice is that I haven’t mentioned makeup. Not because it’s not important—but because I personally don’t wear much of it. Outside of a little mascara, a brow pencil, and something on my lips, I keep it pretty minimal.

That said, it’s still something I’m paying attention to. I’m currently on the lookout for mascaras and lip products that align with what I want—and more importantly, what I don’t want—in my products.

So while I may not speak on it as much, it’s definitely part of the bigger picture.

The same goes for other areas like nail products, hair color, and even things like lash adhesives that seem to be everywhere these days. These are all part of our everyday exposure too.

Some of them I use occasionally, some I’ve been rethinking, and some—like hair color—I’m still figuring out in my own time. Because let’s be honest… everything isn’t always easy to let go of overnight.

The goal for me isn’t perfection.

It’s awareness, and making better choices where I can.

Simplifying My Routine

One of the biggest surprises in all of this was how much simpler my routine became.

Fewer products. Less clutter on my counters. More space in my cabinets.

And the part I didn’t expect?

I didn’t lose anything.

My skin still feels clean. Still soft. Still has that glow.

My hair still feels clean and has that body and bounce.

My teeth and underarms—although finding the right products took a little time—are still taken care of in a way that feels just as effective.

And if you know, you know… finding a good natural deodorant is not for the weak.

I realized there are products that can give you the same results—without the ingredients that don’t support your health.

That shifted everything for me.

Because it’s not about sacrificing beauty or results.

It’s about choosing better ingredients to get there.

A Tool That Helped Me

One thing that helped me along the way was the Yuka app. It allows you to scan products and get a clearer picture of what’s actually in them.

It’s not about becoming obsessive. But it does help bring awareness to things we might not think twice about otherwise.

Sometimes just seeing a product broken down like that is enough to make you pause and reconsider.

It’s also worth mentioning—just because a product is labeled “natural” doesn’t always mean it is. That word isn’t as regulated as many people think.

Some brands use it loosely, while still including ingredients that don’t fully align with a cleaner approach.

That doesn’t mean you have to become overly cautious or overwhelmed.

But it does mean taking a moment to look a little deeper when something is marketed as “clean” or “natural.”

Awareness, more than anything, is what makes the difference.

If you’re wondering what to look out for, here are a few commonly discussed ingredients that come up often:

• Parabens – used to preserve products and extend shelf life; they can mimic estrogen in the body interfere with hormone balance

• Phthalates(often hidden under “fragrance”) – used to help scents last longer; have been linked to reproductive and hormonal concerns

• Formaldehyde & releasers – found in some hair, nail, and skincare products; known cause irritation and classified as a carcinogen

• PFAS (“forever chemicals”) – often found in long-lasting or waterproof products; can build up in the body over time and have been associated with various health risks

Some of these ingredients have been linked, over time and with repeated exposure, to more serious concerns — including hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and in some cases, certain cancers.

This isn’t about memorizing every ingredient or becoming overwhelmed.

It’s simply about becoming more aware—so you can make more informed choices over time.

Where to Start

If you’re thinking about making changes, start simple. You don’t have to clear out your entire cabinet overnight like I did.

Start with the products you use every day:

• Deodorant

• Body lotion

• Toothpaste

• Body wash

The ones that stay on your skin. The ones you reach for without thinking. Then go from there.

And don’t forget—this also includes things like your shower and bath water.

If you haven’t already looked into that, I shared more about it in my Back to the Basics: Water Filters post.

This season, I’ve been returning to what actually supports me. Simplifying my routines. Paying attention to what I’m consuming—internally and externally. Letting go of what no longer fits.

This personal care reset is just one part of that.

Because sometimes the biggest changes don’t come from doing more.

They come from doing the basics… better.

✨ Back to the Basics: A Lifestyle Renovation ✨

Simple swaps. Lasting change.

Creating a lighter, cleaner, more intentional way of living—one decision at a time.