The Science of Aging Gracefully with Watermelon Serum
Watermelon serum, seriously?! In the natural skincare world, where new “breakthrough” ingredients pop up like critters in Whack-a-Mole, it’s hard to trust them all. So what do we make around the popularity of watermelon skincare? Easy: we turn to science. Turns out, recent research around the rejuvenating benefits of this summer fruit is leaving us salivating! To learn why it earns the hype, read on for the full scoop (or slice).
How’s it made?
This unique serum starts with a fascinating process of transforming watermelon into a hydrosol.
This type of liquid is derived from the steam distillation of plant material, extracting its water-soluble components and aromatic compounds (similar to the steps in creating essential oils!).
So, in the case with watermelon serum, this thirst-quenching fruit is placed into a special apparatus, where a combination of steam and pressure transforms the vapor into a fragrant liquid, capturing the essence of summertime in every drop. The result? Watermelon hydrosol, a delightful elixir, crafted from nature's own juicy treat!
The skin-loving benefits of watermelon serum
Hydration hero
Watermelon is 92% water, making it a natural hydrator. When harnessed in a hydrosol serum, it delivers deep hydration to the skin, plumping cells and reducing the appearance of fine lines. Regular use can lead to a more youthful, dewy complexion.
Tip: Find a formula of watermelon serum that’s mixed with hyaluronic acid (the same water-soaking ingredient in dermal fillers)—it helps boost your glow even more!
Antioxidant abundance
Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C, which are powerful antioxidants. In serum form, these can help combat environmental stressors like pollution and sun damage (youth-suckers that drain collagen and hydration from our skin!). By guarding against these free radicals, watermelon hydrosol serum helps prevent premature aging and maintain elasticity.
Skin-soothing sensation
Want soft skin? Obviously. Well, the soothing properties of watermelon make its hydrosol serum an excellent skin tamer by calming irritation and reducing inflammation. So whether you're dealing with sunburn, acne or sensitive skin, this serum can provide cooling relief and promote healing for a silkier feel.
Brightening bonanza
Watermelon contains natural fruit acids that aid in gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells. By clearing those dull grayish flakes, watermelon hydrosol serum can unveil a brighter and more even complexion. And that’s how you get your skin looking as delicious as watermelon tastes!
Oil-control optimizer
Watermelon is naturally rich in vitamins A, a nutrient known for reducing oil secretion by skin glands. Using watermelon hydrosol serum can help balance oil production, reducing shine and preventing clogged pores. It's a boon for those with oily or combination skin types.
Collagen catalyst
There’s a reason the skincare community goes gaga for vitamin C—it boosts collagen, the protein responsible for skin strength and elasticity. Regular use of watermelon hydrosol serum helps deposit vitamin C into your skin, which stimulates collagen for a firmer, smoother look and faded wrinkles over time.
From taming oil to pumping up collagen, this serum is a refreshing cocktail of benefits for your skin! So why wait? The Watermelon Glow Serum has emerged as a beauty cult favorite! Not only does this version include hydrating ingredients like aloe, rose water and hyaluronic acid, it also features micro shimmer to enhance your natural radiance. With each use, you'll be one step closer to a radiant, well-balanced and summery complexion. Let your skin drink up!
Love + Be Well
Bakuchiol vs. Retinol
Bakuchiol oil, derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, has gained popularity and the latest buzz in skincare for its potential benefits as a natural plant-based alternative to retinol.
BTW, it's pronounced "buh koo chee all"
Here are some key benefits of Bakuchiol oil:
1. Graceful Aging Properties: Bakuchiol is known for its ability to promote collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.2. Gentle on Skin: Unlike retinol, Bakuchiol is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, without the common irritation and dryness associated with retinol use.3. Improves Skin Texture: Bakuchiol can help improve skin texture by smoothing out rough areas and promoting a more even skin tone.4. Antioxidant-rich: It possesses antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage.5. Enhances Skin Radiance: Bakuchiol oil can promote a healthy and radiant complexion, making the skin look youthful and refreshed.6. Reduces Hyperpigmentation: It can help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even skin tone.7. Anti-Inflammatory: Bakuchiol has anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm redness and soothe irritated skin.8. Suitable for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: As Bakuchiol is not a retinoid, it is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, offering a pregnancy-friendly skincare option.9. Natural Alternative to Retinol: Bakuchiol is often used as a natural alternative to retinol for those who prefer a plant-derived option in their skincare routine.
Vs. Retinol:
1. Derived from Vitamin A: Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and almost always synthetic.
2. Potent and Fast-Acting: Retinol is known for its rapid and visible results in addressing concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and improving skin texture.
3. Possible Irritation: Retinol can cause skin irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, especially when first introducing it into a skincare routine. Gradual and cautious use is recommended to build tolerance.
4. Sun Sensitivity: Users of retinol are advised to apply sunscreen diligently as it can increase skin sensitivity to the sun and make the skin more prone to sunburn.
5. Not Suitable During Pregnancy: Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are generally advised to avoid retinol due to its potential risks to the developing fetus.
We believe in treating our skin gently and with as much love and safety as we would our own baby, thats why we choose Bakuchiol oil in some of our products; Renew Facial Oil + Repair Facial Oil . Both of these premium facial serums pack a powerful punch while remaining plant based and gentle on the skin, nourishing and skin supportive, making them both microbiome friendly.
Love + Be Well
How Often Should I Exfoliate?
Here’s the thing about exfoliation: it’s hit or miss. Shedding your skin too often and using scratchy scrubs can make skin redder than a boiled Habanero, but find the sweet spot—that perfect buffing cycle—and you’ll have the silky, sunlit sheen everyone craves. So if you’re scratching to get your glow on (literally~), let’s explore this common beauty question:“how often do I exfoliate?”.
How often do I exfoliate?
Unlike what you might have heard, we CAN exfoliate everyday! As long as we’re using a gentle organic formula—without irritants like alcohols, fragrance or preservatives—our skin will benefit from daily resurfacing.
Raw Organic Persea Americana (Avocado Seed) Flour
This exquisite ingredient harnesses the natural power of avocado seeds to delicately slough away dead skin cells, revealing a sunnier and more radiant complexion.
But here’s the real kicker: it’s a synergistic ingredient! Meaning?? The exfoliating workmanship of the avocado seed flour is enhanced when this ingredient mixes with other skin-calming exfoliants. Like a symphony of notes, each ingredient performs better when combined with avocado seed flour—all working in harmony to keep your pores tight and toned for an illuminated look.
Organic Chondrus Crispus (Irish moss)
Also known as Irish Moss, this unique ingredient, derived from the sea, brings the gentlest exfoliating properties! It’s packed with enzymes (proteins that eat yuckies like excess sebum and dead skin), which keeps our skin fresh, polished and bright. Plus, Irish Moss has another benefit: antioxidants!
Packed with minerals and vitamins, it helps ward away free radicals—nasty molecules from sources like pollution, UV radiation and chemicals, all which cause aging. That’s what makes Irish Moss such an amazing exfoliant: it doubles as a complexion clearer and aging defender!
Organic Vitis Vinifera (Grape Seed) Flour
A bit bougie, this fancy-pants ingredient is made from wine grape skin and seeds. Uncommon in most skincare products, it’s more expensive to produce and thus tends to appear more with boutique skincare brands—not your standard cornerstore products!
These ground particles delicately polish the skin's surface, unveiling a renewed radiance—similar to that wine-buzz glow! Bursting with antioxidants, it protects against environmental stressors and promotes collagen production, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Organic Lavandula (Lavender) Oil
An oasis for your skin, this moisturizing essential oil gives our exfoliation experience that extra joie de vivre! With its serenading properties, it makes the perfect partner to other resurfacing ingredients to help calm our skin, restoring that supple dewy texture. Meanwhile, it also has gentle antiseptic qualities that fend off bacteria for skin that looks relaxed and unbothered.
Probiotics
Just like how probiotics in yogurt keep our tummy happy, these microorganisms also work wonders for our skin!
To understand this process more deeply, let’s get a little sciency: The surface of our skin hosts a warzone of good bacteria and bio-invaders: toxins, pathogens, allergens—all trying to crowd the dermis. This glob of live matter creates the microbiome of our skin, a delicate ecosystem that needs protection against nasty particles to prevent inflammation and infection.
To support our skin’s defenses, probiotics work in harmony with our natural dermal defenses by eating away dead skin cells and promoting a healthy microbiome.
A skin resurfacer that contains probiotics AND all these top exfoliating ingredients is not an easy find. That’s why the Sea Moss Exfoliator was designed--it contains all the right plant-based ingredients, backed by recent studies in natural skincare. Free from harmful additives or harsh chemicals, this soothing formula will jive seamlessly with your current skincare routine.
What's the Hype with Hyaluronic Acid?
With more medi spas popping up than McDonald’s, it’s tempting to wonder if it’s worth getting SUPERSIZED!!! But their hype aside, for many of us, getting dermal filler isn’t as casual as a drive-through lunch. Since the rise of #cleanbeauty, our tastes are shifting away from that blown-up Beverly Hills look and embracing other alternatives to looking fresh-faced. Among them, we’re seeing skincare products containing that same magical ingredient present in fillers: hyaluronic acid (~cue the angel choir~).
All about Hyaluronic acid
Highest on the skincare hierarchy, hyaluronic acid wins as today’s most popular ingredient. Like a sponge, this jelly-like substance attracts and holds water. Ergo, with higher amounts of hyaluronic acid, our skin becomes more water-filled, showing a youthful plumpness, firmness and elasticity.
Over time, however, with continued UV exposure and the normal aging process, our skin loses hyaluronic acid. And this matters because? Eventually, we’ll notice more skin dryness, wrinkles and laxity—signs of age that can be camouflaged (to a degree) with hyaluronic acid!
We can improve our hyaluronic acid levels in two ways: supplement it or protect it with skincare. Let’s snoop on a few products that play these roles.
Watermelon glow
Bursting with a tidal wave of water richness, experience the combined powers of watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid! Based on recent science that confirms the skin-protecting phytochemicals in watermelon, these daily glow drops are designed to reduce fine lines and restore radiance. This way, our skin gets both a hydrating vitamin boost from watermelon, along with the subtle plumping effects of our favorite fluid magnet: hyaluronic acid! This formula also features aloe—a skin soother for a clear complexion—and rosewater, which contains antioxidants for a refreshed glow.
Nourishing Face Cream
Like a youth shield, face cream acts as a defensive barrier for our skin. It blocks harmful age-causing intruders like pollution, pathogens and UV—hydration-sucking gatecrashers that lead to fine lines, laxity and dullness. By protecting our natural hyaluronic acid levels, we rely on safeguards like the Nourishing Face Cream to protect our face from these nasty invaders. It’s crafted with photo-blocking nutrients from coconut oil and shea butter, along with the UV-damage defensive properties of beeswax.
Keep in mind, however, that we still need a daily SPF sunscreen as we can’t get enough photo protection from plant-based ingredients alone.
Renew Facial Oil
For that dewy pick-me-up, facial oil restores that glossy sheen of healthy skin. Powered with antioxidants, it reduces the aging effects of oxidative stress, all the while, soaking in water like a desert to an oasis.
Seek formulas that contain botanicals with natural UV protection like the Renew Facial Oil which guards our natural hyaluronic acid. Due to the photo-defensive qualities of rosehip, this facial oil can reduce the impact of sun exposure. But again, remember, it cannot replace your sunscreen!
Honey Lip Mask
There’s a reason the beauty industry is obsessed with lip plumping. Full, moist lips (that aren’t over-filled or swollen-looking!) are a sign of youth! So when a syringe full of hyaluronic acid is out of the question, we can always perk up our pucker with nature’s booster: a honey lip mask.
We get the exfoliating effects from sugar and the moisturizing benefits of beeswax, honey and vitamin e—an invigorating blend of nutrients that leave lips soft and smoochable.
As with any beauty shortcut, like dermal filler, there’s usually always a catch (swelling, infection, irregularities—you name it!). That’s why we’re committed to natural enhancements—subtle ways to support our hyaluronic acid that doesn’t need needles.
Why Detox Masks w/ Probiotics are Better
A detox mask enriched with probiotics can offer a range of benefits for your skin, combining the power of cleansing with the goodness of probiotic nourishment.
Here are the key advantages:
How to Create an Effective Skincare Routine for Mature Skin
Of all the beauty rituals we cherish, few are more satisfying than a solid skincare routine. Done daily and carefully curated, our regimen should meet our personal skin needs—not just “skin type”—meaning it should adapt to the changes of our environment and habits. So, whether you're thirty-something or fifty-plus (and your current product stash feels “meh”), we’ve got you covered! Here’s how to create an effective skincare routine for aging skin.
Layering your skincare steps
Like a recipe, our skincare routine should follow a sequence of steps. We respect this logic because each product has its own unique qualities in terms of richness, weight and concentration of nutrients.
Generally, we follow a pattern of application, moving from lightest to heaviest. Watery fluids have smaller molecules, letting them absorb into our pores, while heavier formulas have bigger molecules which are suited for the superficial layers of our skin.
Double-duty clean: Makeup remover & cleanser
Remove the superficial gunk—then cleanse. Yes, it’s a two-stepper: getting that sparkling-fresh face means removing our makeup and sebum first, before face wash. This way, we clear that initial layer of residual dirt or bacteria that our cleanser could miss, preventing a buildup of microbes and impurities that can cause aging.
Or how about something easier? Perhaps both in one step?! A non-clogging plant-based oil cleanser gets it ALL done—plus it’s anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing! And while we’re praising multitaskers here, how about this product juggler: a cleanser that removes makeup, purifies pores and brightens our complexion! This coffee cleansing facial oil relies on dewy botanicals to clean and replenish skin, while its circulation-boosting effects perk-up your glow.
Or maybe the priority is acne control? In this case, go for a tea tree oil facial cleanser. This gem is a natural bacteria-killing, skin-calming treatment, IDEAL for treating adult acne.
Treatment treat: Mask
A mask treatment isn’t a daily spoil—it’s a go-with-the-flow kind of deal. Basically, whenever your skin is behaving abnormally—be it dry, hormonal or sensitive—a mask helps specific skin conditions.
Probiotic masks can treat a variety of skin problems, saving you tons of money on different mask formulas. How? Well, similar to the way vitamin supplements fix deficiencies in the body where needed, probiotics are balancers too; they help level the ratio of good microbes with bad microbes on the skin surface. When this ratio is balanced, it controls free radicals in the skin, helping slow down the effects of graceful aging.
Brighten & plump Hyaluronic serum
Known as the MVP of graceful aging, hyaluronic serum has become the creme-de-la-creme of ingredients. Bursting with water-loving molecules, it attracts hydration, saturating your skin for a fresh, illuminated look!
For that extra oomph, the watermelon glow serum combines hyaluronic acid with antioxidant-rich vitamins. Inspired by recent discoveries of anti-aging phytochemicals in watermelon, this cutting-edge serum actually feeds your skin cells with youth-boosting nutrients.
Quench the thirst: Hydrate & moisturize
Finally, we apply moisturizer or cream—a way to keep skin soft and dewy. But there’s more! It adds a layer of protection from the aging effects of our environment: pollution, UV, free radicals, etc.
This nourishing face cream is drenched in rose oil, coconut oil and beeswax—an enriching trio of superfood ingredients to cushion skin from the elements. Ultra-moisturizing, it promotes a supple texture while helping smooth fine lines. Or if you prefer a more basic cream for a complexion pick-me-up—you know, that rosy glow—opt for this coffee-enriched version!
In any skincare routine, especially for aging gracefully, don’t get caught up with fighting lines and wrinkles. Truly, our best beauty comes from skin that’s radiant and healthy!
Love + Be Well
Why We Choose Cold-Process Bar Soaps
We make our own bar soap because we wanted to control the ingredients.
Soap 101: When lye water is added to oils it goes through a chemical reaction called saponification. No lye remains in the final product. Soap can not be made without this process.
Pitfalls in conventional soaps: unlisted ingredients, toxic ingredients, fragrance oils, and artificial colors. Many homemade soaps contain fragrance oils and pigment colors. I wanted pure clean delicious soap.
There are 3 basic types of soap making: melt + pour, cold process, and hot process.
Melt + pour is a pre made base you can buy, melt, and add colorants and scents, you can not control the ingredients, Most natural soaps we found are being made like this. Benefit, you don’t have to work with lye and no cure time.
Cold process is working with ingredients at room temperature mostly, making your own lye water, going through the saponification process. Benefit, the ability to add therapeutic grade essential oils, fresh juices and purees.
Hot process starts out the same as the cold but you heat it for several hours before pouring it into molds. You can not use fresh juices or purees or essential oils. Benefit, cure time is only a few days.
We chose to make cold-process soap. We simply wanted to control all the ingredients, add freshly pressed juices, coconut milk, and use essential oils. The downside of cold processed soap....there is a 4-6 week cure time, so patience is a must!
Labeling of soap is very regulated and important, but let's save that for another day.
Shop our cold process organic bar soaps HERE. Happy lathering!
Love + Be Well,
by Natalie
Why is skin pH important?
Here is a crash course on everything you need to know about Skin pH + why it matters
We have all heard the words "pH balanced" and instinctively know its important but lets breakdown why, shall we.
What is skin’s pH?
Its all about balance, just like everything in life!
The skin’s pH maintains the balance of acidity and alkalinity that protects us from germs, the elements, and toxic substances while keeping us keeping us hydrated and storing nutrients and minerals.
The optimal pH level of skin on most of our face and body lies between 4.7 and 5.75. A pH of 7 (that of pure water) is considered neutral. Anything below that is acidic and above it alkaline, so skin’s natural pH is mildly acidic.
An acidic pH is optimal for proper cell turnover, hydration, and skin barrier function. Skin is protected by the acid mantle, which is a thin film on its surface composed of lipids from oil glands and amino acids from sweat that serves as a barrier, and a breakdown in this barrier leaves skin susceptible to inflammatory conditions, dehydration, and accelerated aging. An acidic pH helps keep your skin balanced, healthy, and radiant.
Why does skin’s pH matter?
pH has a huge impact on our skin’s barrier function, moisture retention, and our microorganism (bacteria) environment, just like our gut health. If the skin’s pH rises into the alkaline range, its natural balance is disturbed. Remember, it's all about balance! This could lead to compromising skin's barrier function, and water loss from the skin and overgrowth of acne-causing bacteria.
Some external factors that can stress the skin:
- Changes in temperature and humidity
- Dirt and pollution
- Chemical exposure
- Washing too frequently
- Using harsh products that strip your skin
- Over exfoliation
Overindulgence in these items can alter your pH to become more alkaline and cause your skin to overproduce oil:
- Dairy products
- Alcohol
- Sugar
- Deli meats
Our skins pH is constantly changing based on diet, sleep, environment, and the products we use. Supporting your skin's natural environment is the key to happy healthy balanced skin.
How to Support Your Skin's natural pH on the outside:
Ditch conventional skincare products that strip your skins natural acid mantel leaving it vulnerable
Nourish your skin with natural facial cleansing oils
Consume probiotics in your diet and use probiotic skincare to support healthy bacteria inside and out
Moisturize your skin with natural oil based products that seal in moisture and further protect your acid mantel from the elements
Hope this was helpful and you feel more empowered with knowledge to make better choices for your skin!
5 Dangerous Ingredients in conventional deodorants you should avoid
Not gonna lie, we like to brag on our clean products especially The Best Deodorant!
Our deodorant is our #1 selling product year round, no fail, reaching new customers every single day. Why? Because clean deodorant is a must do for all of us. Yes, it is still a choice, but once you know the dangers of conventional deodorants you just can't "un know" it.
We wouldn't swallow a spoonful of toxic ingredients, but for some reason we are ok smearing them all over our bodies with skincare and our underarms with deodorant, which actually may be worse!
Here's the truth - when we eat something our bodies break it down through our digestive system, but when we place something on our skin it enters our bloodstream directly...NO FILTER!
Conventional deodorants are filled with endocrine disruptors, these are chemicals that mess with your body's reproductive and developmental hormones. Some of these chemicals are absorbed through your skin and stored in your fat cells. Kind of a big deal right?!? We think so!
5 Dangerous ingredients conventional deodorants + skincare contain:
+parabens - preservative linked to estrogen interference
+aluminum - metal linked to tumor growth
+triclosan - disrupts your skins bacteria balance + thyroid function
+phthalates - compounds that makes fragrance "stick" around and is linked to testosterone disruption
+fragrance - it's impossible to know what chemicals are concealed under this word because scents are protected under the law and do not have to be disclosed
Even natural deodorants can cause irritation! from widely used baking soda
which can itch, stain your clothes and clog your pores, as well as butters and oils that can do the same. Most include heavy use of essential oils to "cover up" smell, and some even contain animal products
NOW you know
READING LABELS matters, even when it comes to our skincare. We are our own best advocate when it comes to our health. We get to decide what goes in our bodies!
Just say no to toxic chemicals
SWITCH you and your family to clean + safe The Best Deodorant w/ probiotics today
Love + Be Well