Every few years, skincare discovers a new “miracle ingredient.”

Some deserve the hype.
Some quietly disappear.

But Bakuchiol is one ingredient we genuinely became excited about — not because it promised perfection, but because it aligned beautifully with the way we believe skincare should feel:

gentle,
supportive,
effective,
and deeply nourishing to the skin barrier.

(And yes… it’s pronounced buh-koo-chee-all.)

What Is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from the Psoralea corylifolia plant and has become known as a gentler alternative to traditional retinol.

It is especially loved for helping support:

• the appearance of fine lines
• skin texture
• radiance
• elasticity
• overall skin tone

…without many of the common side effects people often experience with stronger retinol products.

And honestly?
That softer approach feels very Love + Be Well.

A More Gentle Approach To Graceful Aging

One thing we believe deeply is that skincare should support the skin — not constantly stress it out.

While traditional retinol products can be highly effective for some people, they can also come with:
dryness,
peeling,
irritation,
sensitivity,
and a compromised skin barrier if overused.

Bakuchiol tends to feel different.

It works more gently alongside the skin while still helping support a healthy, radiant, more refined complexion over time.

The keyword here is:
consistency.

Not intensity.

Supporting Radiant, Healthy-Looking Skin

Bakuchiol is rich in antioxidant support, helping protect the skin against everyday environmental stressors while supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion.

We especially love it for skin that feels:
dull,
tired,
sensitive,
or simply overwhelmed by overly aggressive skincare routines.

Because skin often responds beautifully when we stop trying to “fight” it constantly.

Beautiful For Sensitive Skin

One of the reasons bakuchiol has become so loved is because many people who struggle with traditional retinol products find it significantly more tolerable.

That matters.

Especially for people with:
sensitive skin,
reactive skin,
dry skin,
or mature skin that no longer enjoys harsh correction.

Healthy skin should feel comfortable to live in.

Pregnancy + Nursing Friendly

Unlike traditional retinoids, bakuchiol is often considered a more pregnancy-friendly option within skincare routines.

Of course, everyone’s situation is different and we always encourage speaking with your healthcare provider during pregnancy, but many people appreciate having a gentler plant-based option available.

Why We Chose Bakuchiol

At Love + Be Well, we formulate products the same way we approach life:

slowly,
thoughtfully,
and with long-term skin health in mind.

We chose bakuchiol for select products because it aligns beautifully with our philosophy of supporting the skin barrier while still delivering visible radiance and nourishment.

You’ll find bakuchiol inside our:

• Renew Facial Oil
• Repair Facial Oil

Both created to help support graceful aging while remaining microbiome-friendly, plant-based, and deeply nourishing to the skin.

Because skincare does not need to feel aggressive to be transformative.

Sometimes gentleness is the real luxury.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

One of the most comforting rituals we return to daily is skincare.

Not because we are chasing perfection.
Not because we are trying to erase every line or expression.

But because caring for the skin can feel grounding.

A pause at the beginning and end of the day.
A reminder to slow down.
A ritual of caring for ourselves consistently over time.

And as skin changes with age, the routine often needs to evolve too.

At Love + Be Well, we believe skincare for aging skin should focus less on aggressively “fighting” age…
and more on supporting the skin beautifully through every stage of life.

Your Skin Changes — Your Routine Should Too

One thing we notice often is that many people continue using the exact same skincare routine for years, even when their skin has changed completely.

But skin evolves constantly through:
age,
stress,
hormones,
weather,
lifestyle,
sleep,
hydration,
and environment.

A good skincare routine should feel adaptable and supportive rather than rigid and overwhelming.

Healthy skin is rarely created through extremes.

It is usually built through consistency and nourishment.

Layering Skincare Properly Matters

One of the easiest ways to improve a skincare routine is understanding product layering.

In general, skincare works best when applied from:
lightest to richest textures.

Hydrating watery products first.
Then serums.
Then creams and oils to help seal everything in.

This allows the skin to absorb hydration effectively while still receiving the moisture and barrier support it needs afterward.

Cleansing Should Feel Gentle

Healthy skin begins with cleansing — but cleansing should never leave the skin feeling stripped or tight.

At Love + Be Well, we especially love cleansing oils because they help remove:
makeup,
sunscreen,
oil buildup,
and impurities…

while still supporting the skin barrier gently.

As skin matures, this becomes even more important because overly harsh cleansing can quickly leave the skin feeling:
dry,
reactive,
or depleted.

Clean skin should still feel comfortable.

Masks As Supportive Treatments

Face masks do not need to become an aggressive “fix everything” step.

We think of them more as supportive treatments for moments when the skin needs extra care:
hydration,
clarity,
calming,
or nourishment.

One reason we love probiotic masks is because they help support balance within the skin barrier and microbiome while still feeling incredibly gentle.

That balance becomes especially important for aging or sensitive skin.

Hydration Is One Of The Most Important Steps

Hydrated skin tends to look:
brighter,
softer,
smoother,
and more radiant overall.

That is one reason hyaluronic acid became such a staple within modern skincare.

We especially love pairing hydration-focused products like Watermelon Glow Serum with nourishing creams and facial oils for layered support.

Hydration alone is beautiful.
But hydration sealed into a healthy skin barrier is where the real glow happens.

Moisture + Protection Matter Too

As skin matures, maintaining moisture becomes increasingly important.

Rich creams, nourishing oils, and supportive ingredients help protect the skin barrier while reducing the feeling of dryness or tightness many people begin noticing over time.

Ingredients like:
rose oil,
beeswax,
coconut oil,
probiotics,
and botanical oils…

can help skin feel softer, calmer, and more supported overall.

Not overly processed.
Not overworked.
Just healthy.

The Goal Is Healthy-Looking Skin

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in obsessively chasing every line or wrinkle.

We are interested in skin that looks:
alive,
hydrated,
rested,
radiant,
and beautifully cared for.

Because truly healthy skin has a glow that feels different.

More natural.
More timeless.
More human.

And honestly?
That kind of beauty tends to age the most gracefully of all.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

Modern skin is dealing with a lot.

Pollution.
Stress.
Sun exposure.
Indoor heating.
Air conditioning.
Environmental toxins.
Overstimulation.
Lack of sleep.
Constant exposure to the outside world.

And honestly?
Our skin feels it.

At Love + Be Well, we believe healthy skin is not only about correcting visible issues once they appear —
it is also about supporting the skin against the everyday stressors constantly surrounding us.

Because the skin barrier is working hard every single day.

What Pollution Does To The Skin

One thing people often overlook is how much environmental exposure affects the skin over time.

Daily pollutants can contribute to:

• dullness
• congestion
• dehydration
• sensitivity
• breakouts
• uneven tone
• premature-looking aging
• weakened barrier function

When the skin barrier becomes overwhelmed repeatedly, skin often becomes more reactive and less resilient overall.

Healthy skin needs support — not constant stripping.

The Skin Barrier Is Your First Layer Of Protection

At Love + Be Well, we talk often about protecting the skin barrier because it plays such an important role in maintaining:
hydration,
resilience,
balance,
and healthy-looking glow.

When the skin barrier becomes compromised, skin often begins feeling:
tight,
inflamed,
dry,
or chronically stressed.

One of the healthiest things we can do is help strengthen and support it consistently over time.

Antioxidants Matter More Than Ever

One reason antioxidant-rich skincare and foods became so important in modern skincare is because they help support the skin against environmental stressors.

We especially love incorporating antioxidant-rich ingredients both:
inside the body through food,
and topically through skincare rituals.

Foods like:
blueberries,
spinach,
pomegranate,
avocado,
pumpkin,
and leafy greens…

support the body beautifully while contributing to healthier-looking skin overall.

Glow foods really do matter.

Gentle Cleansing Is Essential

Pollution, sunscreen, makeup, and buildup can sit heavily on the skin throughout the day.

That is one reason we love oil cleansing.

A good cleansing oil helps dissolve impurities while still respecting the skin barrier and maintaining hydration.

Especially for mature or sensitive skin, harsh cleansing often creates more imbalance instead of healthier skin.

Clean skin should still feel calm afterward.

Detox Rituals Can Help Reset The Skin

We also love incorporating weekly detox rituals into skincare routines — not aggressively, but supportively.

Gentle exfoliation and probiotic-rich detox masks can help refresh skin while supporting:

• smoother texture
• clearer pores
• balanced skin
• healthy barrier function

Especially algae and antioxidant-rich masks that help support skin feeling replenished rather than stripped.

Probiotics + Skin Balance

One thing we continually return to is supporting the microbiome.

Healthy skin contains beneficial bacteria that help protect and balance the skin naturally.

That is why probiotic skincare became such an important part of our philosophy.

Rather than constantly fighting the skin, we prefer helping strengthen its natural defenses and resilience over time.

Hydration + Protection Matter Daily

One of the simplest ways to support skin exposed to environmental stressors is through:
hydration,
moisture,
barrier support,
and daily SPF protection.

At Love + Be Well, we especially love layering:
hydrating serums,
facial oils,
probiotic toners,
and nourishing creams together.

Skin tends to glow differently when it feels protected and supported consistently.

The Glow We Believe In

At Love + Be Well, we are not chasing perfect skin.

We are interested in helping skin feel:
healthy,
hydrated,
balanced,
comfortable,
and beautifully resilient.

Because modern life already asks enough from us.

Skincare should feel like support —
not another battle.

And honestly?
That gentler approach tends to create the healthiest glow long term anyway.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

SPF is one of the most important parts of a healthy skincare routine.

And honestly?
It can also be one of the most confusing.

Between marketing claims, ingredient lists, reef-safe conversations, mineral vs chemical formulas, and endless conflicting information online…
it becomes difficult to know what actually matters.

At Love + Be Well, we do not currently create a dedicated SPF product —
but we do believe strongly in helping people make more informed choices for their skin.

Because protecting your skin matters.

Why Sun Protection Matters

One thing we can all agree on is that excessive UV exposure impacts the skin significantly over time.

Sun exposure can contribute to:

• premature-looking aging
• dehydration
• uneven tone
• loss of elasticity
• hyperpigmentation
• skin damage

Supporting healthy skin includes protecting it consistently.

Especially when spending time outdoors regularly.

Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen

There are two main categories of sunscreen:
mineral and chemical.

At Love + Be Well, we personally gravitate toward mineral-based options.

Especially those using zinc oxide.

Why?

Because mineral sunscreens work differently than many chemical formulas.

Instead of heavily absorbing into the skin, mineral SPF sits more on the surface and helps reflect or scatter UV rays.

That gentler approach aligns more closely with our skincare philosophy overall.

Why We Prefer Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is one of the most widely respected mineral sunscreen ingredients available today.

We especially appreciate it because it offers broad-spectrum support while generally feeling gentler for many skin types.

At Love + Be Well, we personally prefer:

• mineral-based SPF
• zinc oxide formulas
• non-nano options when possible
• simpler ingredient lists overall

Because ingredient transparency matters to us.

What “Non-Nano” Means

One thing people often see on sunscreen labels is the term “non-nano.”

In simple terms, non-nano zinc oxide refers to particles that are larger and designed to remain more on the skin’s surface rather than becoming highly absorbable.

Many people seeking cleaner beauty routines prefer non-nano mineral SPF for that reason.

Reading The Entire Ingredient List Matters

One thing we always encourage is looking beyond the front label.

Words like:
“natural,”
“clean,”
or “reef safe”

do not always tell the full story.

Reading the full ingredient list matters.

At Love + Be Well, we generally lean toward formulas with:
recognizable ingredients,
minimal unnecessary fillers,
and barrier-friendly formulations overall.

Simpler often feels better to us.

Ocean + Reef Awareness Matters Too

One thing many people are becoming increasingly aware of is how personal care products impact the environment too.

Especially when products wash into oceans and waterways.

At Love + Be Well, we love seeing more people becoming thoughtful not only about what goes onto their skin —
but also how products impact the world around us.

That awareness matters.

SPF Is Part Of A Healthy Routine — Not Fear

We also believe it is important to approach sun exposure with balance rather than fear.

Fresh air,
movement,
sunlight,
and time outdoors matter deeply too.

The goal is not avoiding life.

The goal is supporting healthy habits while protecting the skin thoughtfully.

And one very important reminder:
SPF should always be your final skincare step before makeup.

The Kind Of Skincare We Believe In

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in fear-based beauty.

We are interested in:
healthy skin,
thoughtful ingredients,
barrier support,
hydration,
and helping people feel empowered in their choices.

Because skincare should feel supportive —
not overwhelming.

And honestly?
Healthy glowing skin usually comes from consistency, balance, and thoughtful care over time.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

Creating recipes to nourish the body came first for me.

Long before skincare…
there was food.

Real ingredients.
Whole foods.
Simple nourishment.

When I began learning how deeply the body responds to what we consume daily, it completely changed the way I viewed health and wellness overall.

And eventually, I began asking myself:

Why should skincare be any different?

Feeding The Skin Like We Feed The Body

At Love + Be Well, I approach skincare very similarly to the way I approach food.

I think in terms of:
ingredients,
nourishment,
balance,
support,
and how things work together synergistically.

Not just trendy actives or marketing claims.

Every formula begins more like a recipe than a product.

What ingredients support hydration?
What ingredients calm inflammation?
What ingredients help support the microbiome?
What ingredients work beautifully together?

That philosophy became the foundation of everything we create.

Simpler Ingredients Changed Everything For Me

Years ago, I began looking more closely at the ingredient labels lining my bathroom shelves.

And honestly?
It was overwhelming.

Long lists of ingredients I could barely pronounce.
Heavy fragrance.
Fillers.
Harsh preservatives.
Complicated formulations that often left my skin feeling reactive instead of healthier.

The more I learned, the more I felt pulled toward creating something simpler and more intentional.

Skincare that felt nourishing instead of overwhelming.

Why We Focus On Recognizable Ingredients

One thing that became deeply important to me was transparency.

At Love + Be Well, we aim for ingredients that feel familiar and recognizable whenever possible.

Botanical oils.
Probiotics.
Plant-based ingredients.
Hydrating ingredients the skin naturally responds beautifully to.

Because skincare should not feel mysterious.

It should feel supportive.

The Skin Absorbs More Than We Realize

One thing I became increasingly aware of over time was how frequently we use skincare products throughout daily life.

Morning.
Night.
Repeatedly.
Year after year.

That awareness changed the standards I personally wanted for my own products and routines.

Not from fear.
But from intention.

Because what we place on our skin matters too.

Skincare Should Work Together Synergistically

One thing I love most about creating skincare is designing products that support one another beautifully.

Like a thoughtfully prepared meal, skincare ingredients work differently when paired intentionally.

Hydration paired with moisture.
Probiotics paired with botanical oils.
Barrier support paired with antioxidants.

That layered nourishment creates a healthier, more radiant kind of glow over time.

Not overnight perfection.
Just healthier skin consistently supported.

The Glow We Believe In

At Love + Be Well, we are not interested in aggressive beauty standards or impossible perfection.

We are interested in helping people feel:
comfortable,
healthy,
radiant,
and supported in their skin.

The kind of glow that comes from:
hydration,
nourishment,
rest,
consistency,
and thoughtful rituals.

The kind of beauty that still feels human.

What Can I Make For You Today?

Every product we create begins with the same intention:

To nourish the skin gently and thoughtfully using ingredients chosen with care.

Because skincare should feel less like chemistry…
and more like feeding the skin something beautiful.

And honestly?
That softer approach has always felt the most magical to me.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie
Founder + The Skincare Chef

There are moments in business that feel almost impossible to process while they are happening.

This was one of them.

When we first started Love + Be Well, everything was handmade in small batches with a very simple goal:
create products that genuinely helped people while staying true to the slower, more intentional life we believed in.

No giant investors.
No massive corporate teams.
No elaborate launch strategies.

Just heart, persistence, and a skincare studio filled with ingredients, ideas, and a lot of late nights.

So receiving the news that The Best Deodorant had been shortlisted for the Pure Beauty Awards UK honestly felt surreal.

A Small Brand From Virginia… Standing Beside Global Beauty Brands

Out of hundreds of entries submitted from beauty brands around the world, The Best Deodorant was selected as a finalist for Best New Natural Product.

And yes…
standing alongside major industry names felt both wildly exciting and slightly unbelievable.

Especially considering this product began as a personal mission to solve a problem so many people quietly struggled with:
finding a natural deodorant that actually worked comfortably in real life.

Without irritation.
Without staining.
Without overpowering fragrance.
Without disappointment.

The Product That Changed Everything For Us

The Best Deodorant became one of those products that customers could not stop talking about once they tried it.

The messages started almost immediately:
people saying they had finally found a natural deodorant they could trust,
people who had given up on clean deodorants entirely,
people shocked they no longer felt self-conscious halfway through the day.

As a founder, there is something deeply meaningful about creating a product that genuinely becomes part of someone’s everyday life.

Especially something as personal as body care.

Recognition We’ll Never Forget

The Pure Beauty Awards are known within the beauty industry for recognizing innovation, efficacy, and thoughtful formulation.

To see our small handmade brand included in that conversation meant more than we can properly put into words.

Not because awards define success.

But because moments like this quietly remind you that thoughtful products, created slowly and intentionally, still matter.

Most Of All, Thank You

None of this would have happened without the incredible support of our customers, community, ambassadors, and longtime supporters who believed in this brand from the beginning.

Every order.
Every review.
Every message.
Every person sharing our products with a friend.

You helped build this.

And whether we win awards or simply continue creating products people genuinely love using each day, that will always be the part that matters most to us.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie

Winter can be especially tough on the skin.

Cold air outside.
Dry indoor heat.
Hot showers.
Less humidity.
Less hydration overall.

And suddenly the skin starts feeling:
tight,
dull,
dry,
sensitive,
or simply “off.”

At Love + Be Well, we believe winter skincare should focus less on aggressive treatments and more on nourishment, hydration, and barrier support.

Because healthy glowing skin begins with supporting the skin gently — especially during colder months.

Why Skin Gets Drier In Winter

As temperatures drop and humidity levels decrease, the skin naturally loses more moisture.

Indoor heating systems can make this even worse by drying out the air around us constantly.

And when the skin barrier becomes compromised, it can lead to:

• dryness
• irritation
• flaking
• redness
• dehydration
• dullness

Winter is really the season of protecting and replenishing the skin.

1. Stop Over-Stripping The Skin

One of the biggest winter skincare mistakes?

Over-cleansing and over-scrubbing.

Harsh soaps,
foaming cleansers,
strong exfoliants,
and alcohol-heavy products can strip the skin barrier and leave the skin even more dehydrated.

Instead, winter is the perfect time to lean into:

• oil cleansing
• gentle exfoliation
• nourishing creams
• hydrating oils

Gentler skincare often creates healthier skin long term.

2. Turn Down The Water Temperature

We know.
Hot showers feel amazing in winter.

But excessively hot water can strip the skin of its natural protective oils very quickly.

Try keeping showers warm rather than scorching hot whenever possible.

And if you love baths, consider adding:

• magnesium salts
• nourishing oils
• skin-softening botanicals

to help support hydration while you soak.

3. Moisturize Damp Skin

One of the easiest ways to boost hydration?

Apply moisturizer or body oil onto damp skin immediately after showering.

This helps trap moisture into the skin rather than allowing it to evaporate away.

Winter skin especially loves:

• body oils
• nourishing creams
• balms
• richer textures

that help cushion and protect the skin barrier.

4. Focus On Barrier-Friendly Ingredients

Winter is not the season for overly harsh skincare.

At Love + Be Well, we personally gravitate toward skincare that supports the skin gently with:

• botanical oils
• probiotics
• hydrating ingredients
• soothing ingredients
• barrier-supportive formulations

Avoiding overly drying ingredients like heavy alcohols and harsh synthetic fragrances can make a huge difference during colder months.

5. Add Probiotic Skincare

One thing we especially love during winter?

Supporting the skin microbiome.

The skin barrier works hard during colder months, and probiotic skincare can help support a healthier, more balanced environment on the skin.

At Love + Be Well, barrier support has always been one of the foundations of our skincare philosophy.

Because calm, balanced skin tends to glow differently.

6. Hydrate From Within Too

Skin hydration is not just topical.

Your skin reflects what is happening internally too.

Winter is often when people unintentionally drink less water overall, which can show up quickly in the skin.

Simple supportive habits matter:

• drink more water
• eat healthy fats
• prioritize mineral-rich foods
• nourish the body consistently

Glowing skin is always an inside-and-out process.

7. Add Moisture Back Into Your Environment

Indoor heating can seriously dry out the air around us.

One simple winter upgrade?

Adding a humidifier to:

• bedrooms
• offices
• living spaces

especially where you spend the most time.

Even small shifts in your environment can help support healthier skin during winter.

Winter Skin Needs Gentleness, Not Punishment

At Love + Be Well, we believe winter skincare should feel comforting.

Less attacking the skin.
More supporting it.

More hydration.
More nourishment.
More slowing down.

Because healthy radiant skin is not created by stripping it raw —
it is created by consistently feeding the skin what it truly needs.

Love + Be Well,
Natalie