From a debilitating MS diagnosis to creating wildly fresh skincare
Our founder Natalie, the Skincare Chef, has been successfully reversing her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis since being carried into the hospital by her husband unable to walk or talk in 2014. Natalie began studying the power of superfoods and probiotics for the body. Radically changing her life, she immediately adopted a clean eating and clean living lifestyle. Today Natalie has fully regained her health and has made it her mission to share the importance of REAL food and CLEAN skincare.
"July 2nd, 2014 lying in the ER, unable to walk or talk I was handed the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis(MS).
MS is an incurable, unpredictable, often disabling autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system disrupting the flow of information within the brain, and thus the body. The cause of MS is still unknown. It affects 2.3 million people worldwide.” Find out more about MS here.
From my best guesstimate, I have been sharing the real estate in my head with MS since the year 1999, right after the birth of my second child. Then in my mid 40's, the progression and effects became full-blown, my former life began to crumble and enormous amounts of pressure and stress began to build within my body. Isolated, sick and feeling helpless I decided to change my story.
After intense research, I came to the conclusion that toxins in my life and the very food I was eating contributed greatly to my illness. Three days after my diagnosis I began treating my MS with a real whole food, toxic-free lifestyle bypassing all conventional drugs. Within 3 days of purging chemical laden foods from my life, I began feeling better and my symptoms began to dissipate. Energy began to return to my once broken and lifeless body, needless to say, I was inspired and on a mission to reverse my MS!
Now understanding the power of a toxic-free lifestyle, organic clean skincare was quickly proving to be one of the hardest to replace as many well-known brands are loaded with chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances to name a few. So, my mission became clear to formulate and produce my own organic, toxic free skin care line that was luscious, nutritious and fed my skin beautiful.
Be Well Skincare was launched in May 2017.
Now 50 years old, I am thriving and absolutely loving the skin I am, and I am so excited to share be well with you. After all, what we feed our skin is just as important as what we feed our bellies"
Love + Be Well,
Founder | CEO Be Well Company
Love + Be Well believes...
Living starts with simply getting back to the basics, our roots, fueling our bodies the way they were designed to function, on real food.
Feeding our skin is just as important as feeding our bodies. After all, the skin is the largest organ we have making up 60% of our body!
There is no room in skincare for parabens, preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, dyes, or any other ingredients you do not recognize. If you don’t recognize it, neither will your body.
You should recognize each and every ingredient in your organic skin care product. that is why we have taken the time to list every single ingredient, their origin, and therapeutic benefits.
All humans should have the opportunity to live a toxic free, clean lifestyle with just a little knowledge and know how.
Embracing the skin you're in at every age is is our goal for everybody. Feeling beautiful, confidant and healthy is easy when using be well superfood skincare.
From the Be Well Blog
Five Hygienic Habits you NEED to Update Right Now
After some-odd years of life, you probably think, “haven’t I got this all figured out?!”. Erm, maybe not. Sure, you’re washing your hands and brushing your teeth, but we’re not talking about the basics. In this labyrinth of cleanliness, we’re breaking down your bathroom door, invading your makeup bag, and even sneak-peaking that messy drawer. So, are you ready to take a deep (disinfected) breath and roll up your sleeves? Well grab your sanitizer! Here we go!
Cleansing with regular body wash
Standard body wash smells and lathers up amazing—no question about it! Just one problem though: we’re soaking up the good as well as the bad! Basic drugstore body washes serve a toxic buffet of chemicals: parabens, perfumes, alcohol, sulfates, etc.
Instead, opt for an organic artisanal soap. Crafted with plant-based nutrients and skin-balancing probiotics, it hydrates and cleanses skin, leaving it butter-soft and fresh!
Using dirty makeup brushes
As one of the most common bathroom no nos, dirty makeup brushes are the crème-de-la-crème of hygienic mishaps! Think about the amount of microbial grime that festers in our brushes. Bacteria, oil, dirt—sometimes even fungi (ew!)—these are the culprits coating our skin in filth!
To prevent breakouts, we must cleanse our makeup brushes every two weeks with organic plant-based soap and warm water. And be sure to blow dry them to prevent mold from growing in the wet bristles.
Extra tip: As a side note, remember to cleanse your phone screen regularly too (for the same reason).
Leaving dry shampoo in your hair
Every lazy girl who loves fluffy hair swears by dry shampoo. We get it! As a one-day shortcut, this option is fine—BUT not as a daily hair hack for more volume!
Dry shampoo accumulates on the scalp, blocking the hair follicles which can stunt growth overtime. We’re better off settling for a couple days of flat, semi-greasy hair than clogging our roots with this chalky residue!
Using basic deodorant
Having blossom-fresh pits is a peace of mind. Sure. However, with standard deodorants, that waft of perfume under your arms comes from toxic chemicals like alcohol and aluminum. Meanwhile, this gunk doesn’t only block our sweat glands, it also contains drying ingredients which irritate our under arms.
For a healthier route to breezy-clean pits, go for a plant-based deodorant. And no, this isn’t a hipster hygiene hack for naturalists who don’t mind extra BO. Read our article on the perks of plant-based deodorants to learn more!
Creating scented baths
For the same reason we don’t use standard deodorants, we don’t take dips in candy-scented bubble baths—one word: toxic! These standard aromatic formulas contain phthalates, alcohols and other hard-to-pronounce nasties.
So skip the standard bath soaps and instead opt for Dead Sea salt. Enriched with 21 skin-loving minerals, it helps calm and nourish your skin, while turning your tub into a floaty aquatic escape you’ll love repeating!
Hygiene isn’t just about forest-crisp scents or the appearance of purity—after all, looks can be deceiving. And this includes other naughty habits: the 'five-second-rule' food pickups, neglecting the 'behind-the-ear' clean, or keeping that mascara for decades. Ultimately, hygiene is more than a choice, it’s a lifestyle.
5 Reasons You Need a Plant-Based Deodorant
Some say plant-based deodorants are for hippies who don't mind a little body odor. So not true! Let’s clear the air here (with a fresh, breezy waft)—that's an old myth! Plant-based deodorants are for anyone who wants to keep fresh, naturally. And so long as we’re using a premium formula, they’re as effective as they are earth-friendly. Let’s turn our attention to these 5 reasons you need a plant-based deodorant.
As consumers grow smarter about ingredients in cosmetics, more of us are reaching for alcohol-free deodorants without toxic chemicals. To name a few, we often see parabens, aluminum and propylene glycol—the toxic trio of underarm trouble!
Ever get itchy armpits? There’s a reason. The chemicals often found in regular deodorants interfere with the skin’s microbiome and the release of sweat. As moisture builds up, our skin can get irritated, developing bumps and rashes. Worth smelling like a fruity bouquet? We think…not.
Care for a pit detox? With a plant-based deodorant, you avoid clogging your armpits with that artificial soapy gunk, which blocks your pores from releasing sweat.
The best plant-based deodorants contain botanicals with natural anti-bacterial properties to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria without clogging pores! This award-winning plant-based deodorant, for example, is formulated with the gold standard of pit-loving ingredients: natural mineral salts, skin-softening rose water, alcohol-free witch hazel, probiotics and cold-pressed aloe.
Still worried about the smelling? This deodorant also features a proprietary blend of essential oils, leaving you with a pleasant scent of arm-lifting freedom. Plus, no white residue! You’re welcome, black shirts.
With generic deodorants, it may seem like you’re controlling odor, but really, you’re just masking the problem with perfume and powder—it’s actually not hygienic!
Since plant-based deodorants are mixed with essential oils (nature’s perfume), they blanket your pits in a delicate aroma. Meanwhile, their gentle bacteria-fighting powers ward off stink. Together, the effects are hydrating and pH-balancing, complimenting your skin’s microbiome for healthier, softer underarms.
Your armpits need buddies too! Enter probiotic plant-based deodorants. Probiotics are like the bouncers for your sweat glands, guarding against impurities from overcrowding the party of microbes. In this case, the good bacteria are invited to frolic freely, while stinking ones are escorted out, so you can raise your arms high!
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27892611/
Plant-based deodorants moonlight as an environmental superhero. With their organic ingredients, these green warriors, packed with nature's finest, reduce your carbon pits-print, trading harsh chemicals for biodegradable botanicals. So, if you dream of smelling fresh (but in a sustainable way), plant-based deodorants are your ticket to safer sniffing!
So long as you're opting for a premium plant-based deodorant with probiotics, smelling clean and keeping it natural will NEVER be a trade off. So let’s laugh off the stereotypes and roll in the reality: plant-based deodorants work!
The Rise of Plant-Based Soaps - Benefits for your Skin and the Environment
Ever question if your soap is clean? Not in the literal sense, but in its ingredients. Many soaps are more 'chemical cocktail' than 'cleanse and care'. But fear not, there's a hero in the soap dish: plant-based soaps! They're like a kale smoothie for your skin, all-natural and full of goodness. So swap your synthetic suds for these green gems! Not only will you be scrubbing up your hygiene routine, but also your environmental impact.
Generic soaps versus plant-based
We rarely consider our soap to be a problem. Since we’re too busy putting a magnifying glass to the formulas for our facial products, we often neglect to inspect the quality of our body cleansers! To offer some much-needed clarity, let’s consider the key differences between your average drugstore-caliber soap, versus a plant-based boutique version.
Standard soaps
Standard soap contains sulfates, parabens and perfumes—a trifecta of toxins—along with a laundry list of other skin-drying chemicals. So although yes, you’re technically getting a “deep clean”, using a harsh antiseptic to bulldoze through bacteria and grease, will also hurt your skin in the process. These powerful suds alter your skin’s acidity and protective moisture barrier, resulting in dryness and irritation.
Plant-based soaps
By switching to a plant-based soap, we’re getting all those deep-cleaning benefits without the drawbacks. Instead of harmful additives, we’re using calming botanical oils to gently cleanse and strengthen our skin.
Look for artisanal creations, made in limited quantities, like this luxury organic soap! It features shea butter which coats the skin in nourishing fatty acids, while coconut milk (drenched in minerals) works to protect collagen and elasticity. There’s also olive oil, a classic ingredient working as both an antibacterial and softening agent.
All working in synergy to leave skin cloud-supple and smooth, this high-end mixture even includes probiotics to protect the dermal barrier even further! These “good microbes” help balance the ratio of harmful bacteria with the friendly ones, maintaining an overall healthy ecosystem in the microbiome.
A price comparison
This army of plant-based benefits is why boutique soaps are far more expensive than drugstore versions. Needless to say, due to high quality standards and pricy ingredients, the plant-based formulas are much more expensive to manufacture—which is why many major brands opt for cheaper shortcuts in the development process.
Yet, to create the illusion of quality, these basic soaps may still feature one or two “hero ingredients” like a nut butter or fruit extract, distracting us from the other not-so-friendly culprits on the ingredient list. Ultimately, however, getting luxury results far outweigh the cons of the standard chemical soaps.
Our soapy footprint
Ever think our shower could double as an environmental hazard? Think about what goes down our drains! Standard soaps carry tons of chemicals into our water systems, eventually increasing toxicity levels of our oceans. That’s why plant-based soaps are also an integral part of the #bluebeauty movement!
These eco-crusaders lather up a storm while washing away our eco-guilt. Each sudsy experience is akin to giving the planet a gentle, moisturizing hug. Sweet, right?!
So, lather, rinse, repeat and rejoice! Because with plant-based soaps, keeping clean just got a whole lot cleaner (and smarter).
From the Be Well Kitchen
Replenishing Electrolyte Water
Low on energy or feeling depleted? Try this hydrating and refreshing Electrolyte Water recipe.
When we are burnt out or stressed our body burns through mineral and nutrient stores much faster. This beverage can help replenish and support your body through these transitional times.
We choose Himalayan pink salt as it also has the ability to help detoxify the body and soften the skin. It also contains a unique combo of minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium. that help to stimulate circulation and detoxify the body. By helping to flush out toxins, it can reduce puffiness, and support healthy skin.
Raw honey not only improves digestion and strengthens the immune system it keeps your body hydrated and promotes that healthy glow.
Fresh lemon juice also aids in digestion, reduces inflammation in the body, and gives your immune system a boost....yes, all supporting healthy glowing skin!
When choosing sparkling water we always choose bottled in glass over cans, as aluminum as been linked to some diseases so we just avoid it whenever possible.
Fun fact: staying hydrated and flushing toxins from your body can help reduce dark circles under the eyes.
INGREDIENTS:
1 lemon juiced
1 pinch pink Himalayan salt
1/4 cup warm water (hot water will kill the enzymes in the honey)
1 tbls raw honey (local if possible)
8-10 oz sparkling water
HOW TO:
Place your honey in a heat safe jar, add your salt and pour the warm water over. Stir to dissolve.
Add in your lemon juice and top off with sparkling water. ENJOY!
Love + Be Well
Lasagna Soup (gluten + Dairy free)
Our family loves lasagna and this lasagna soup does not disappoint in any way. Comforting and delicious without being heavy make it a winner any night of the week. If you are good with regular pasta feel free to substitute and just adjust cooking times to a bit longer or pre-cook then drop in. Remember, always opt for the best quality ingredients you can, shop local, and choose organic when possible.
Ingredients:
*organic
1 lb grass-fed beef
1 lb pastured pork sausage
1 medium *yellow onion chopped
2-3 small *carrots chopped
3-4 *cloves garlic chopped
2 tbsp grass-fed butter
1-2 tbl extra virgin olive oil
2 tbs *tomato paste
Seasonings added to mortar - 1/2 tsp fennel seed + dried chili flakes, 1 tsp basil + oregano
S + P
1 qt grass-fed beef broth
24 oz canned *tomatoes or pre-made sauce of choice
8oz of almond ricotta (we use the brand kite hill)
9 oz box of almond lasagna sheets (we use Cappellos from the frozen section)
Parmesan (optional)
How To:
In a large stock pot add your butter and olive oil and turn heat to medium. Add your onion, carrot, and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until onions are translucent.
Add tomato paste incorporate well and cook for a minute. Then add your broth, tomatoes, and half of your seasoning mixture. Bring to a simmer.
In a skillet brown your beef and pork with the other half of the seasoning then add to your stock pot. Let simmer on low awhile.....the longer the deeper the flavors or you could eat right away.
When ready to serve, cut your thawed lasagna sheets into squares and drop them into the pot, give a stir, and let cook for 15 minutes or so. They will firm up when ready.
Last, add your container of ricotta and stir until completely melted and mixed in.
Serve into bowls and nosh away!
Optional: If you eat parm you can top it with parm and even throw a rind from the cheese block into the stock pot while cooking.
ENJOY:)
Love + Eat Well
Fruit + Oat Bake
5 mins to prep and 25 min. to bake this delicious Fruit + Oat Bake. No special chopping or baking skills needed here. We have been throwing this together in the mornings while we sip our coffee. Works wonderfully with any frozen berry or fruit, we used peaches and blueberries here. We have even added chia seeds before baking making this a powerhouse GLOW food!
Berries are full of antioxidants to help repair and brighten the skin. oats help boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall complexion. Banana is a great antioxidant that helps remove toxins from the body and clear the skin.
Ingredients:
1 banana
2 oz rolled oats
5 oz nut or oat milk
4-5 oz fruit/berries
Optional - 2-3 tsp chia seeds and or unsweetened shredded coconut
How To:
Heat oven to 325
Grab a small baking dish and wipe with coconut oil. Place banana in the dish and smash up with a fork.
Sprinkle with oats. Pour milk over. Top with fruit and coconut.
Place in the oven to bake for 25 mins.
When done you can dish up as is, or sometimes we serve with some vanilla greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey!
Enjoy:)
Love + eat Well
