Aging Gracefully | My Bodycare Ritual for Smooth, Hydrated, & Radiant Skin
Hello, Everyone!
I hope all is well!
In today’s Aging Gracefully episode we will discussing body care! Bodycare is more than just lotion after a shower — it’s a ritual of care, grounding, and glow. For me, it’s also a legacy. My mother, who first taught me the importance of skin nourishment, remains my foundation and inspiration for loving beauty and aging gracefully.
Why I Transitioned to Plastic-Free Body Care
As I delved deeper into the effects of plastic on human health, I became increasingly aware of the risks associated with plastic-packaged body care products. Studies have shown that plastic packaging can leach harmful chemicals into the products it contains, particularly under conditions of heat or prolonged storage. Since the skin is a permeable barrier, these contaminants can be absorbed and subsequently enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting overall health.
Our skin is our largest organ, accounting for about 16% of our total body weight. Unlike the heart or liver, it’s one we can actually see. It shields us daily from pollution, UV radiation, bacteria, and changing climates, while also recording our lineal and environmental history in every freckle, scar, and stretch mark. Research even shows that up to 80% of visible aging is linked to UV exposure, which is why consistent bodycare matters for the long term. Because of that, I believe the skin deserves the same TLC we give to our internal organs.
This realization prompted me to reevaluate my routine, shifting toward non-toxic, cruelty-free, and plastic-free alternatives that align with both my personal health goals and environmental values. Below, I’m sharing my step-by-step routine, pairing each phase with the products I currently use or plan to bring into rotation. It’s a ritual shaped by science, sustainability, and self-love.
Step 1: Cleanse
Clean, nourished skin is the foundation of aging gracefully. I choose gentle body washes that respect the skin’s natural barrier while offering aromatic moments of calm or invigoration.
When I use it: Every shower, morning or evening, depending on my energy and mood.
Products:
The Powder Shampoo Relaxing Body Foam Wash (Lavender & Chamomile): Still on my list to try, but I love that it’s designed for evening calm.
The Powder Shampoo Energising Body Foam Wash (Lemongrass & Turmeric): Another I haven’t tried yet, but I’m drawn to its bright, zesty profile for morning refreshes.
Plaine Products Body Wash: I haven’t purchased this one yet either, though the refillable aluminum packaging makes it a strong zero-waste contender.
Rooted Beauty Bar Soap (Cedar and Sage): Another on my list to try.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a shower steamer on mornings when you need a pick-me-up or evenings when you’re winding down. Eucalyptus clears the mind, lavender calms the senses, and citrus brightens your mood — turning an ordinary shower into a spa-like reset.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is key to graceful aging — it boosts cell turnover, reveals fresher skin, and helps moisturizers and oils work their best. It’s also a ritual of renewal, polishing away buildup while keeping the skin’s surface bright and healthy.
When I use it: I like to exfoliate physically twice per week and chemically once per week. I’ll also prep before special occasions when I want my skin at its smoothest.
Products:
Nerra Exfoliating Body Glove (100% plant viscose): My go-to for a deep, even polish.
Kitsch Exfoliating Dry Brush: A lighter option I keep on hand, though I rely on the glove most.
Fur Chemical Exfoliant: A once-a-week treatment for gentle resurfacing and ingrown prevention.
Step 3: Hair Removal
Hair removal, for me, is as much about comfort as it is about aesthetics. It’s part of how I embrace bodycare on my own terms.
When I use it: As needed — not daily, but woven into my self-care cycle.
Plastic-free shaving options – Swap disposable razors for a stainless steel safety razor and organic shaving soap.
Note: I’ve shared my full hair removal story in two separate posts, covering salon experiences and my transition to at-home methods with my mom’s guidance.
Step 4: Hydrate & Moisturize
Hydration maintains elasticity and softness as skin matures. A good moisturizer doesn’t just make skin feel nice — it supports long-term resilience, helping to preserve its bounce and glow.
When I use it: Daily, after showers. I’ll reach for a lighter formula in summer and a richer one in winter.
Products:
By Rosie Jane Body Milk: Light and silky, perfect for layering or warmer weather. I’ve been loving the Chill scent.
OSEA Anti-Aging Body Balm: Richer and indulgent, ideal when my skin craves extra nourishment.
Fur Oil: A multitasker I use on hair-bearing areas, primarily my pubic region. It’s especially good for softening, reducing irritation, preventing ingrown hairs, and adding a subtle, lasting layer of hydration.
O’Keeffe’s for Healthy Feet: Keeps dry, tired soles soft, hydrated, and comfortable with nightly use.
💡 Pro Tip: Pour your favorite lotion into a travel-sized jar for an easy, on-the-go daily hand cream.
Step 5: Seal in Moisture
Sealing in moisture is like placing a protective shield over all the work done before — vital for keeping skin supple and preventing dryness. Oils, in particular, are my favorite for long-term elasticity and glow.
When I use it: After moisturizing, especially in colder weather or when my skin feels extra thirsty.
Products:
OSEA Undaria Algae™ Body Oil: The one I’ve tried and love; it’s become a staple for its balance of nourishment and luxury.
Nerra Dry Body Oil: Still on my wishlist for its plant-based simplicity and waste-free design.
Brunel Beauty RENEWAL Hair and Body Oil: A multitasker I plan to bring into rotation for both body and hair.
Oui the People Unscented Hydrating Body Gloss: A fragrance-free option I’m excited to add for minimalist, sensitive-skin days.
Step 6: Body Glow
Sometimes, aging gracefully also means celebrating our radiance. A glow oil gives skin a youthful sheen, turning everyday care into an act of confidence.
When I use it: For sleeveless outings, summer evenings, or moments when I want my skin to catch the light in a sun-kissed way.
Product:
Brunel Beauty GOLDEN HOUR Glow Body Oil: Lightweight, nourishing, and radiant without being over the top.
Step 7: Funk & Freshness
Caring for underarms is a small but powerful part of bodycare. Beyond odor control, it’s about maintaining balance in an area that’s often overlooked. Aging gracefully means treating every part of the body with intention — even the ones we keep tucked away.
When I use it: Daily deodorant, with a detoxifying mask weekly or as needed. To avoid over-exfoliating, I rotate between my two favorite formulas:
Each & Every Unscented Deodorant: My everyday go-to for gentle, fragrance-free protection. I wear this during the day when I want reliable freshness that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
Kosas Chemistry Unscented Deodorant: Because it’s formulated with AHAs, I treat this as more of a skin treatment than just a deodorant. I’ll apply it at night a few times a week, letting it work undisturbed while I sleep to gently resurface skin, minimize odor-causing bacteria, and keep my underarms smooth.
Underarm Detoxifying Mask: A weekly reset that helps clear buildup and makes the transition between deodorants easier.
Step 8: Protect
Sun protection is the quiet hero of bodycare. It prevents premature aging, shields skin from environmental stressors, and preserves the work of every other step.
When I use it: Daily, especially on exposed areas like arms, chest, and legs.
Products: My sunscreen rotation is still evolving, but I’ll update once I’ve landed on a reef-safe, mineral-based, non-toxic option that feels right.
Final Thoughts
My bodycare ritual is both a practice and a promise: to honor my skin, to nurture the lessons passed down by my mother, and to age gracefully with intention. While OSEA products are already part of my rotation, I plan to add the others listed as I continue building a non-toxic, sustainable routine.
Just like our skin — which reflects both our lineage and the environments we’ve lived in — this routine will continue to evolve. After all, the skin renews itself approximately every 27 days, a reminder that it’s never too late to nourish and care for it. And that, to me, is the heart of aging gracefully: care, consistency, and allowing space for growth.
I’d love to know how you care for your skin beyond the face. Do you have a bodycare step that feels sacred to you — like exfoliation, moisturizing, or a favorite glow oil? Share your ritual in the comments below so we can continue learning and aging gracefully together.
