Small Micro-Changes: Clean Beauty and Paying Attention (and a few of my repeat offenders)
Small changes in your daily routine can transform your skin, your wellness, and the way you care for yourself.”
We make hundreds of choices every day—many small, seemingly insignificant. But these little decisions add up to how we care for ourselves, protect our bodies, and teach the next generation to do the same.
As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve learned that the products I use—and the ones my daughters use—matter more than ever. These micro-changes aren’t about fear or perfection; they’re about giving ourselves and our children tools, confidence, and awareness.
I’m not a beauty or skincare expert, but I am a deep researcher. I’m the person who double-checks labels and tests my favorite products to make sure they’re truly “clean.” With cancer, PCOS, and infertility on the rise in women, I believe the environment and the products we use every day may play a meaningful role
My Clean Beauty Journey
Over 10 years ago, I discovered my first “clean” brand in glass packaging: True Botanicals. At the time, clean beauty was rare, and options were limited. Today, there’s a plethora of thoughtful, safer brands, but you still need to read labels carefully—“organic” or “sustainable” doesn’t always mean safe.
Pure Radiance Oil quickly became my everyday, never-travel-without-it essential—and it still is today. I stalk their site often, hoping for a 20% off sale because it is pricey. I’ve tried many products from True Botanicals, but Pure Radiance Oil Chebula Active Serum and Bronze Glow Drops remain my top three on rotation.
It gives my skin a natural glow without unnecessary ingredients. Even then, I realized less is truly more.
Start Small: Micro-Changes That Matter
Skincare is not one-size-fits-all—we all have different needs. Do a little research, and don’t feel pressured to overhaul everything at once. For years, I used just one product on my skin; now I’m up to five daily (not including makeup). It took time to find the right sunscreen, cleanser, and eye cream, and some “clean” mascaras irritated my eyes before I finally found two that work. Thankfully, we now have more options, and I’ve been able to discover favorites I keep going back to. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars. Start with one thing and build—just like creating a capsule wardrobe.
Everyday “Clean” products:
Deodorant ( Native - EvolveTogether - Primally Pure)
Toothpaste (David’s Toothpaste)
Favorite mascara ( ILIA Limitless - Saie 101 )
Lip balm (Evolve Together - Mutha - OSEA)
Sunscreen (Odacite - Credo - True Botanicals)
Gut Health (Juna)
Better brand choices:
Fewer fillers
Sustainable packaging
Glass bottles instead of plastic
Short, readable ingredient lists - see the top 5 to avoid below
Click Here My Favorite Brands
Hair and Fragrance: Don’t Overlook Them
Hair dyes and styling products can contain harsh chemicals and hormone disruptors. I color my hair every 3–4 weeks, so I choose carefully. Amber Holistic Salon in Mar Vista is my choice—they use low-toxic dyes and products, and Amber is also a survivor. She uses Roz and Innersense, which I use to wash and condition my hair.
Tip: Ask your stylist about low-chemical or non-toxic options or steps to reduce exposure. Advocate for yourself.
Fragrance can hide dozens of chemicals, many are not great for hormones. Understanding what’s inside your products is self-respect, not fear.
Teaching Awareness: Tools for My Daughters
I prefer my daughters to refrain from Sephora and when they do, I have taught them to use the EWG app to scan or look up their skincare and makeup purchases. The app is user-friendly and resourceful. It lists the ingredients in each product, scores and rates the product. For example: True Botanicals Pure Radiance is EWG Verified with the highest score, noting that it does not contain specific cancer-causing chemicals) Download and you may be very surprised to see what’s in your make up and skincare. I encourage them to shop the clean brand sites, Credo Beauty or The Detox Market. These little habits build lifelong awareness.
Top 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Skincare - Keep handy!
1. Parabens
Preservatives linked to hormone disruption.
Look for: methyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutylparaben.
2. Phthalates
Hidden inside “fragrance/parfum.”
Why avoid: hormone-disrupting and common in scented products.
3. Formaldehyde + Releasers
Known carcinogen found in some hair + skin products.
Look for: DMDM hydantoin, ureas, quaternium-15, bronopol.
4. Oxybenzone & Octinoxate
Chemical sunscreen filters linked to hormone disruption.
Safer: mineral SPF with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
5. PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
Persistent, hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Look for: PTFE, ingredients containing “fluoro” or “perfluoro.
Self-care isn’t perfection—it’s attention, intention, and awareness.
Natural Glow Sources That Are Accessible
Dry brushing
Infrared sauna and sweating
Green juices
Deep hydration
High-quality serums
Sleep, sunlight, happiness
Dancing, Laughing
Bubble bath alternative: skip chemical induced bubbles—soak in baking soda and Epsom salts for relaxation and soft skin
“The real glow-up isn’t in bottles—it’s in your energy, habits, and attention to yourself.”
Resources and Events
For a deeper guide on breast wellness, mocktail recipes, clean skincare brands and daily rituals, download my Know Your Normal Guide.
In Los Angeles? Join me at Credo Beauty’s Holiday Shop Event on Saturday, November 22nd @ 6–8 PM: West 3rd Street location. A portion of the proceeds will go towards our organization. We’ll discuss healthier product swaps, enjoy mini-facials, makeup tutorials, and gifts you can feel good about. So grab your bestie, your daughter and shop for a cause. I would love to see you!
Here’s to micro-changes, cleaner choices, and loving the skin you’re in—from the inside out. Our products should support us, not overwhelm us. Start small, pay attention and feel good about your choices.
With Love & Gratitude,
Gina