Why I Stopped Using It—and What I Do Instead

For years, dry shampoo was marketed as the ultimate beauty shortcut.

Skip a wash day.
Add volume.
Refresh your roots.

And while I understand the appeal, I’ve personally moved away from dry shampoo altogether—even the natural versions.

What many people don’t realize is that dry shampoo doesn’t actually clean your hair or scalp. It simply absorbs oil and leaves behind a layer of powder designed to make hair look fresher.

Over time, I noticed my scalp felt increasingly congested. My hair lost some of its natural shine and movement, and I experienced more shedding than usual. While many factors can contribute to hair loss, I began questioning whether repeatedly coating my scalp with powders—even natural ones—was helping or hurting.

The more I learned about scalp health, the more it made sense.

Your Scalp Is Skin

We often forget that our scalp is simply an extension of the skin on our face.

Imagine applying layers of powder to your face day after day without properly cleansing underneath.

Eventually, your skin would likely feel congested, dull, and irritated.

The same can happen on the scalp.

Whether a dry shampoo is conventional or natural, most contain ingredients designed to absorb oil, such as:

• Arrowroot powder
• Tapioca starch
• Rice starch
• Corn starch
• Kaolin clay
• Bentonite clay
• Silica

While these ingredients may be natural, they still leave residue behind until thoroughly removed.

Over time, that residue can mix with:

• Sebum
• Sweat
• Dead skin cells
• Environmental pollutants
• Styling products

Creating buildup on the scalp and around the hair follicles.

Why Scalp Buildup Matters

A healthy scalp creates the ideal environment for healthy-looking hair.

When buildup accumulates, you may notice:

• Itching
• Flaking
• Increased oiliness
• Dull hair
• Heavy roots
• Lack of volume
• Difficulty styling
• Increased shedding

The scalp thrives when it can breathe, renew itself, and maintain a healthy balance.

Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Buildup-Free

One of the biggest misconceptions in clean beauty is that natural automatically means harmless.

While natural dry shampoos may avoid aerosol propellants, synthetic fragrances, or harsh ingredients, they still function by depositing powders onto the scalp.

The issue isn’t necessarily the ingredient itself.

It’s the accumulation.

A healthy scalp still requires regular cleansing and renewal.

How I Care for My Scalp Instead

Today, I focus on supporting scalp health rather than masking oil.

1. Wash When My Scalp Needs It

Rather than stretching wash days as long as possible, I listen to my scalp.

When it feels oily, heavy, itchy, or uncomfortable, I wash it.

There’s no prize for going the longest between washes.

2. Massage While Shampooing

A gentle scalp massage helps loosen buildup, increase circulation, and create a more thorough cleanse.

I spend an extra minute or two massaging with my fingertips—not my nails.

3. Exfoliate Regularly

Just like facial skin, the scalp benefits from gentle exfoliation.

Scalp exfoliation can help remove:

• Dead skin cells
• Excess oil
• Product residue
• Environmental buildup

You don’t need aggressive scrubs.

Gentle is often best.

Simple DIY Scalp Exfoliation

Before shampooing, try:

Brown Sugar + Shampoo

Mix a teaspoon of fine brown sugar into your shampoo and gently massage into the scalp.

The sugar dissolves as you wash while helping lift buildup from the surface.

Clarifying Treatments

If you use styling products regularly, an occasional clarifying wash can help reset the scalp and remove stubborn residue.

Think of it as a seasonal deep clean.

4. Support Scalp Health From Within

Healthy hair doesn’t start with products alone.

Nutrition, hydration, stress management, sleep, and overall wellness all play a role in supporting healthy hair growth and scalp function.

The Bottom Line

Dry shampoo may make hair look cleaner.

But looking clean and being clean are not always the same thing.

For me, letting go of dry shampoo was part of simplifying my routine and prioritizing scalp health.

The result?

A scalp that feels healthier, less congested, and more balanced.

Because beautiful hair begins where healthy skin begins—at the root.

And sometimes the most effective beauty ritual is the simplest one: giving your scalp the care and attention it deserves.

Love + Be Well,

Natalie

I never gatekeep things that work for me—

There are certain wellness practices that become part of your life because they make a noticeable difference.

For me, NAD+ is one of them.

At 54 years old, I’ve learned that aging well isn’t about chasing youth. It’s about supporting the body in ways that help you feel vibrant, energetic, clear-minded, and capable of fully enjoying your life.

After my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in 2014, I became deeply committed to understanding how the body works and what it truly needs to thrive. That journey led me to clean eating, reducing toxic exposures, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and nourishing my body from the inside out.

But in recent years, I’ve become increasingly interested in cellular health and longevity.

That’s where NAD+ entered the picture.

And for me, it has been a game changer.

What Is NAD+?

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every cell of the body.

Think of it as one of the key molecules involved in cellular energy production.

Your body relies on NAD+ to help support:

• Energy metabolism
• Mitochondrial function
• Cellular repair processes
• Healthy aging
• Brain function
• Overall vitality

The challenge is that NAD+ levels naturally decline as we age.

Research suggests that by middle age, our NAD+ levels may be significantly lower than they were in our younger years.

This decline is one reason many people begin to notice changes in energy, recovery, focus, and resilience as they get older.

Why I Started Paying Attention to NAD+

I’ve always believed that how we age is influenced by the daily choices we make.

As someone who is passionate about graceful aging, I wasn’t looking for a quick fix.

I was looking for support at the cellular level.

I wanted to continue feeling strong, capable, mentally sharp, and energized—not just for myself, but for my family, my business, and the life I love.

The more I learned about NAD+ and its role in cellular energy, the more intrigued I became.

What I Personally Noticed

Everyone’s experience is different, but these are some of the changes I noticed after making NAD+ part of my wellness routine.

More Consistent Energy

Not the jittery energy that comes from another cup of coffee.

A steadier, more sustainable kind of energy.

The kind that helps you move through a full day with less of the afternoon slump many of us have come to accept as normal.

Better Mental Clarity

One of the biggest benefits I noticed was feeling more focused and mentally sharp.

As a business owner, wife, mother, and now grandmother, I have a lot of moving parts in my life.

Having clear, steady focus is something I deeply value.

Improved Recovery

Whether it’s exercise, travel, busy workdays, or simply the demands of everyday life, I feel like my body bounces back more efficiently when I’m supporting my cellular health.

Greater Vitality

This is the hardest benefit to describe, but perhaps the most meaningful.

I simply feel more like myself.

More vibrant.

More resilient.

More capable of showing up fully in my life.

Aging Gracefully Starts at the Cellular Level

At Love + Be Well, we talk often about nourishing the body from within.

Healthy skin starts from within.

Healthy aging starts from within.

Energy starts from within.

NAD+ reminded me that true wellness isn’t only about what we see in the mirror.

It’s about what’s happening inside our cells every single day.

The choices we make today influence how we feel tomorrow.

And while there’s no magic pill for aging, there are ways to support our bodies as they move through the natural aging process.

My Philosophy on Longevity

Longevity isn’t about living forever.

It’s about maintaining quality of life.

It’s having the energy to play with your grandchildren.

It’s feeling strong enough to enjoy a morning walk.

It’s having the mental clarity to pursue your passions.

It’s waking up excited for the day ahead.

For me, NAD+ has become one of the tools that helps support that vision.

Not because I’m trying to turn back the clock.

But because I want to feel my best as I move forward.

The Bottom Line

At 54, I’m more interested in vitality than vanity.

I’m interested in supporting my body, honoring the wisdom that comes with age, and investing in the habits that help me feel strong, energized, and well.

NAD+ has become an important part of that journey.

Alongside nourishing food, restorative sleep, movement, sunshine, stress management, and clean living, it has earned a permanent place in my wellness routine.

Because aging gracefully isn’t about becoming younger.

It’s about becoming your healthiest, most vibrant self at every age.

And for me, NAD+ has been one more step in that direction.

You can find the exact NAD+ I use daily in our Lifestyle Edit section.

Love + Be Well,

by Natalie

How Safe, Consistent Sun Exposure Supports Healthy Skin, Better Sleep, Hormone Balance & Graceful Aging.

For years, we’ve been taught to fear the sun.

While excessive sun exposure can absolutely damage the skin, the conversation around sunlight has become surprisingly one-sided. Like most things in nature, the sun isn’t simply “good” or “bad.” It’s a powerful biological signal that our bodies have evolved alongside for thousands of years.

When approached mindfully, sunlight supports healthy skin, balanced hormones, circadian rhythm, mood, metabolism, eye health, and overall vitality.

The goal isn’t to burn.

The goal is to gradually build what many wellness practitioners refer to as a solar callus—your body’s natural adaptation to sunlight that allows you to enjoy its benefits more safely and comfortably throughout the year.

What Is a Solar Callus?

A solar callus isn’t a literal callus. It’s a term used to describe the skin’s natural ability to adapt to increasing amounts of sunlight over time.

Just as your muscles become stronger with progressive training, your skin develops greater resilience through gradual, consistent sun exposure.

As spring transitions into summer, regular exposure to natural sunlight encourages:

• Increased melanin production
• Thickening of the outer protective layers of the skin
• Enhanced antioxidant activity
• Improved vitamin D production
• Better tolerance to UV exposure

This gradual adaptation is very different from spending months indoors and then suddenly exposing your skin to intense midday sun for hours.

Nature thrives on consistency.

Our bodies do too.

Why Morning Sun Matters

The first rays of sunlight after sunrise provide one of the most powerful signals for your internal clock.

Morning light enters the eyes and communicates directly with the brain’s master circadian clock, helping regulate:

• Sleep quality
• Cortisol rhythm
• Hormone production
• Mood
• Energy levels
• Metabolism

Morning sunlight contains a higher proportion of red and near-infrared light and lower levels of ultraviolet radiation.

These wavelengths are believed to support cellular energy production within the mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses inside our cells.

Even 5–15 minutes outdoors shortly after waking can help anchor your circadian rhythm and improve sleep later that evening.

No sunglasses.

No window glass.

Just your eyes receiving natural daylight as nature intended.

Sunlight & Graceful Aging

When we think about aging well, most of us immediately think about skincare products, collagen supplements, or treatments.

But one of the most powerful influences on how we age is something far more fundamental: light.

Our bodies use natural sunlight as information.

Morning sunlight helps regulate the hormones that influence sleep, stress resilience, metabolism, and cellular repair. These systems all play a role in how we feel, how we recover, and even how our skin ages over time.

Early morning sunlight is rich in red and near-infrared wavelengths, which have been studied for their ability to support mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are the tiny energy-producing structures inside every cell, including skin cells.

Healthy mitochondria mean healthier, more vibrant cells.

And healthier cells are the foundation of radiant skin at every age.

Graceful aging isn’t about avoiding every wrinkle.

It’s about supporting the body’s natural ability to repair, renew, and thrive.

The Mid-Morning Sweet Spot

As the sun rises higher in the sky, UV levels begin to increase.

This is often one of the most beneficial times to begin building your solar callus because UV exposure is present but generally less intense than during peak afternoon hours.

Depending on your skin type and location, brief exposures may help:

• Support vitamin D production
• Stimulate natural melanin production
• Enhance mood and energy
• Strengthen the skin’s adaptive response

The key is stopping before your skin becomes pink or irritated.

Sun exposure should feel nourishing—not stressful.

Midday Sun: Respect, Don’t Fear It

Midday sunlight is when UVB rays are strongest.

These are the wavelengths primarily responsible for vitamin D production.

This doesn’t mean everyone should spend long periods in direct midday sun. It means learning to work with your body’s signals.

A few minutes may be enough for very fair skin.

Darker skin tones may require more time.

The goal is always the same:

Receive the benefits without crossing the line into inflammation or burning.

When exposure extends beyond your skin’s comfortable limit, seek shade, wear protective clothing, or apply mineral sun protection.

Building a solar callus is never about “pushing through.”

It’s about honoring your individual capacity.

The Hidden Benefits of Sunlight for the Eyes

Many people are surprised to learn that healthy sun exposure isn’t just about the skin.

Our eyes are designed to receive natural light.

Specialized cells in the retina measure brightness and communicate with the brain, influencing:

• Circadian rhythm
• Hormone production
• Sleep quality
• Mood regulation
• Seasonal adaptation

Research has also shown that spending time outdoors may support healthy visual development and may help reduce the risk of certain vision issues in children.

Natural daylight provides a richness and intensity that artificial indoor lighting simply cannot replicate.

Of course, this does not mean staring directly at the sun.

Instead, it means allowing your eyes to experience natural outdoor light throughout the day.

Supporting Your Skin From Within

One of the most overlooked aspects of sun resilience is nutrition.

Healthy skin is built from the inside out.

Nutrient-dense foods rich in antioxidants can help support the body’s natural defenses against oxidative stress from UV exposure.

Some of our favorite glow foods include:

• Colorful berries
• Wild salmon
• Pasture-raised eggs
• Leafy greens
• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Fresh herbs
• Fermented foods rich in probiotics

Hydration also plays an important role in maintaining healthy, resilient skin throughout the summer months.

Healthy Skin Was Never Meant to Live in Fear

For many women, decades of beauty messaging have created an exhausting relationship with the sun.

We are told to avoid it, cover from it, hide from it, and fear every moment spent outdoors.

Yet some of our happiest memories involve sunshine—morning walks, beach vacations, gardening, hiking, and time spent with family.

The goal isn’t reckless exposure.

The goal is balance.

Healthy aging comes from understanding that our skin is intelligent. It was designed with natural protective mechanisms and remarkable adaptability.

When we nourish our bodies, support our skin barrier, stay hydrated, and gradually build sun tolerance, we create resilience rather than fear.

Because true beauty isn’t found in avoiding life.

It’s found in fully living it.

Aging Well Under the Sun

At Love + Be Well, we believe aging gracefully isn’t about chasing youth.

It’s about cultivating vitality.

It’s waking up energized. Sleeping deeply. Feeling strong in your body. Nourishing your skin from the inside out. Spending time in nature. Gathering around the table with the people you love.

Sunlight has always been part of that story.

When approached with mindfulness and respect, daily sun exposure can support healthy skin, balanced hormones, better sleep, improved mood, and the cellular energy that helps us thrive as we age.

So step outside.

Watch the sunrise.

Feel the warmth on your skin.

Let nature remind you that wellness was never meant to be complicated.

Sometimes the most powerful tools for graceful aging have been shining above us all along.

At Love + Be Well, we believe wellness is often found in returning to the simple rhythms nature has always provided—real food, clean living, movement, rest, and mindful time in the sun.

Love + Be Well, by Natalie

There comes a season in every woman’s life when her body begins to change in ways she never expected.

Maybe your skin suddenly feels drier than it ever has before. Perhaps you’re noticing increased sensitivity, unexpected breakouts, or fine lines that seem to appear overnight. You may find yourself reaching for products that once worked beautifully only to discover they’re no longer enough.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it.

Perimenopause and menopause bring significant hormonal shifts that affect nearly every part of the body—including the skin.

The good news? Understanding what’s happening beneath the surface can help you support your skin with greater intention, compassion, and confidence.

Why Your Skin Changes During Perimenopause and Menopause

As estrogen levels begin to decline, several changes occur within the skin.

Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining:

• Collagen production
• Skin elasticity
• Natural hydration
• Barrier function
• Skin thickness

Research suggests women can lose up to 30% of their skin’s collagen during the first five years after menopause, followed by a more gradual decline in the years that follow.

The result?

Skin may become:

• Drier
• Thinner
• More fragile
• Less elastic
• More prone to fine lines and wrinkles
• More sensitive to environmental stressors

While these changes are completely natural, they can feel frustrating when they seem to happen all at once.

Dryness Isn’t Just a Skincare Problem

One of the most common concerns women experience during this transition is persistent dryness.

As estrogen declines, the skin produces less natural oil and has a harder time retaining moisture.

This is why skin may suddenly feel tight, rough, or depleted—even when you’re using products you’ve loved for years.

Supporting hydration becomes essential both internally and externally.

This means focusing on:

• Water-rich foods
• Healthy fats
• Consistent hydration
• Barrier-supportive skincare
• Ingredients that replenish moisture without irritation

The Importance of Protecting Your Skin Barrier

Think of your skin barrier as your body’s natural shield.

When the barrier becomes compromised, skin loses moisture more easily and becomes more vulnerable to irritation, redness, and sensitivity.

During perimenopause and menopause, protecting the skin barrier should become one of your top priorities.

Look for nourishing ingredients that support barrier health, such as:

• Probiotics
• Ceramides
• Hyaluronic acid
• Squalane
• Plant oils rich in essential fatty acids

At Love + Be Well, we believe skincare should support the skin rather than overwhelm it.

Sometimes less truly is more.

Beauty Begins From Within

Healthy skin is not only influenced by what we apply topically.

What we eat matters.

A nutrient-dense diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and colorful fruits and vegetables can help support skin health from within.

Focus on foods such as:

• Avocados
• Wild salmon
• Berries
• Leafy greens
• Olive oil
• Nuts and seeds
• Hydrating fruits and vegetables

These foods provide nutrients that help support collagen production, hydration, and overall skin resilience.

Stress and Skin Are Deeply Connected

Hormonal shifts often coincide with increased life stress, sleep disruptions, and emotional changes.

Unfortunately, all of these can impact skin health.

Prioritizing restorative practices such as:

• Daily movement
• Quality sleep
• Mindfulness
• Time outdoors
• Nourishing meals

can support both overall wellness and skin vitality.

The goal isn’t perfection.

It’s creating habits that help your body feel supported during this transition.

Aging Is Not Something to Fight

One of the most powerful mindset shifts we can make is understanding that aging is not a problem to solve.

Perimenopause and menopause are natural phases of life—not flaws that need fixing.

Our skin tells the story of our experiences, our wisdom, and the life we’ve lived.

Supporting healthy skin during this season isn’t about looking younger.

It’s about feeling vibrant, nourished, and confident in your own skin.

The Love + Be Well Perspective

At Love + Be Well, we believe every stage of life deserves to be embraced with grace.

Perimenopause and menopause invite us to care for ourselves differently—not because we’re losing something, but because our needs are evolving.

By nourishing your body, simplifying your skincare, and supporting your skin from within, you can cultivate a healthy, radiant complexion at every age.

Because beauty isn’t about turning back time.

It’s about feeling comfortable, confident, and well in the skin you’re in.

Love + Be Well,

by Natalie

There’s no shortage of skincare products promising radiant, hydrated skin. But one of the most powerful beauty rituals doesn’t come in a bottle—it comes from your plate.

While drinking plenty of water is important, true hydration starts at the cellular level. And some of the most hydrating foods found in nature can help nourish your skin from within, supporting elasticity, radiance, and that healthy glow we all crave.

The beauty of eating for hydration is that you’re not only supporting your skin—you’re nourishing your entire body in the process.

Why Hydration Matters for Your Skin

Our skin is made up of approximately 64% water. When we’re properly hydrated, skin appears smoother, plumper, and more luminous. When hydration levels drop, skin can begin to look dull, tired, and more prone to fine lines.

Hydration helps support:

• Skin elasticity
• A healthy skin barrier
• Natural detoxification
• Improved circulation
• A radiant, youthful appearance

While topical products can help lock moisture into the skin, the nutrients and water-rich foods we consume provide support from the inside out.

Nature’s Most Hydrating Foods

Cucumber

Made up of approximately 96% water, cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods you can eat.

They’re also rich in silica, a mineral that helps support healthy connective tissue and skin structure.

Add sliced cucumber to water, salads, or enjoy it as a refreshing snack with hummus.

Watermelon

This summertime favorite is more than just delicious.

Watermelon contains about 92% water and is naturally rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.

Think of it as hydration with a beauty bonus.

Strawberries

These vibrant berries contain around 91% water and are packed with vitamin C, one of the key nutrients involved in collagen production.

Healthy collagen supports skin firmness and helps maintain a youthful-looking complexion.

Celery

Celery provides hydration, potassium, and antioxidants that support fluid balance throughout the body.

Its natural electrolyte content makes it a wonderful addition to juices, salads, and nourishing soups.

Citrus Fruits

Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are rich in water and vitamin C.

Not only do they contribute to hydration, but they also help support collagen production and protect the skin from oxidative stress.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, romaine, and other leafy greens contain significant amounts of water along with essential minerals that help support healthy skin function.

These nutrient-dense foods deliver hydration while providing vitamins A, C, and K.

Hydration Beyond Water

One of the biggest misconceptions about hydration is that it only comes from drinking water.

In reality, many fruits and vegetables contribute significantly to our daily hydration needs while delivering vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that water alone cannot provide.

This is one reason why nature’s foods are so powerful.

They don’t just hydrate—they nourish.

A Simple Daily Glow Ritual

One of my favorite ways to support hydration is by building meals around water-rich produce.

Try starting your day with:

• A smoothie made with cucumber and berries
• Fresh citrus in your water
• A colorful salad at lunch
• Watermelon or strawberries as an afternoon snack

Small habits practiced consistently often create the most beautiful results.

The Love + Be Well Perspective

At Love + Be Well, we believe healthy, glowing skin is a reflection of how we care for ourselves as a whole.

Beautiful skin isn’t about chasing quick fixes or the latest trends.

It’s about nourishing your body, supporting your wellness, and creating daily rituals that help you feel your best at every age.

When you choose foods that hydrate and nourish from within, you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs to thrive.

And sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most powerful.

Because true beauty starts from within.

Love + Be Well,

by Natalie

 From Natalie

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There is a particular kind of pressure in this industry.

Launch more. Innovate faster. Keep up. Stay relevant. Drop something new before the season changes, before the algorithm shifts, before your customer forgets you exist.

I've felt it. And I've chosen, again and again, to ignore it.

Not because I'm resistant to growth — but because I've learned that the most powerful thing I can offer you isn't something new. It's something *true*.

---

What We're Actually Building Here

Love + Be Well was never meant to be a product line. It was meant to be a return.

A return to ingredients your body recognizes. A return to rituals that slow you down instead of speeding you up. A return to yourself — the version of you that isn't performing or optimizing, but simply *being*.

When I talk about ritual, I mean the quiet, unhurried act of feeding your skin the way you'd feed your body before something important. Intentionally. With care. With the best possible ingredients, chosen not for novelty, but for *nourishment*.

That's the sanctuary I'm building. Not a storefront. Not a content calendar. A place — physical and felt — where your nervous system exhales.

---

On Trends, and Why We Don't Follow Them

Every few months, there's a new hero ingredient. A new format. A new "revolutionary" approach to aging that promises to change everything.

I've watched them come and go.

What doesn't change? The skin's fundamental need for food. For probiotics that restore its living ecosystem. For oils that mirror its own lipid barrier. For botanicals that have been trusted for centuries — not because they're trending, but because they *work*.

When we do introduce something new at Love + Be Well, it arrives the same way our ingredients do: thoughtfully sourced, carefully considered, and only included because it genuinely belongs. No fillers in our formulas. No filler launches either.

If it doesn't serve you deeply, it doesn't come through the door.

---

What Mature Skin Has Taught Me

I'm in my 50s now, and I'll be honest — my skin has become my most honest teacher.

What I've learned firsthand is that mature skin doesn't crave more. It craves *better*. Fewer products, chosen with precision. Ingredients that respect the skin's intelligence rather than override it. Rituals that restore rather than strip.

Less, done beautifully, is almost always the answer.

This isn't a trend I'm following. It's something I've lived into — through my own skin, my own healing, and years of formulating with the belief that what you put on your body should be as clean and intentional as what you put in it.

---

The Ritual Is the Point

I want to gently offer this: the goal was never to sell you more things.

The goal is for you to find the two or three products that become yours — that you reach for without thinking, that anchor your morning, that signal to your body *this is how I care for myself*. That ritual, repeated with consistency, is where the real transformation happens.

Not in the launch. In the return.

Come back to your ritual. Come back to your skin. Come back to yourself.

That's what we're here for.

Love + Be Well,

Natalie — The Skincare Chef