June 3, 2025

Aloe Vera - Absolute Powerhouse Ingredient

by Alana Wannell in Skincare Science

Hey there Natural Beauties! 🌿

If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably heard about aloe vera — that soothing, gel-like plant that’s been used for centuries.

Growing up my dad used to grow it on our balcony and much to my mortification (especially when my friends were visiting) smear it all over his head. He swore black and blue that it kept his hair from thinning! And my goodness... it pains me to admit it all these years later, but the man was onto something.

Besides its well-known calming effects on sunburns and irritated skin, aloe vera actually has some impressive scientific backing, not only for your hair but also when it comes to aging gracefully.

Let’s take a closer look at why this natural ingredient deserves a special place in your routine.

Not Just a Cool Coolant

Aloe vera is often found in after-sun gels and lotions, but it’s so much more than just a soothing remedy. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have relied on aloe for its healing and nourishing properties. Today, science continues to confirm what ancient civilizations knew — aloe vera is packed with benefits that can help support a youthful, vibrant complexion.

In fact, a relevant experimental study published in 2020 in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science investigated the effects of aloe vera gel on skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction. The results showed significant improvements in skin firmness and a notable decrease in wrinkle depth after a 12-week application of aloe-based formulations, directly supporting aloe vera's anti-aging potential.

What Makes Aloe Vera a Skincare Favorite of Ours?

1. Power of Antioxidants
Aloe vera contains antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help protect your skin from environmental damage caused by free radicals. These tiny particles can harm skin cells and speed up the aging process. Regular use of aloe vera can help neutralize these molecules, giving your skin a fighting chance at staying youthful.

2. Boosts Collagen Naturally
Collagen keeps our skin firm and elastic, and it diminishes as we age. Interestingly, some research suggests aloe vera can stimulate collagen production, which means it can help your skin stay plump and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. Pretty neat, right?

3. Deep Hydration
Aloe vera’s gel is excellent at drawing moisture into the skin—without feeling heavy or greasy. Its natural humectant properties help keep skin hydrated and luminous, which is key to maintaining a healthy, youthful glow.

4. Supports Skin Repair
Its regenerative qualities can help speed up healing of skin damage, scars, and age spots. The compounds in aloe vera promote cell repair, so your skin can recover and rejuvenate more easily.

5. Maintains Skin Elasticity
As we get older, our skin tends to lose some of its suppleness. Aloe vera’s phytochemicals can help support the skin’s natural elasticity, giving it a firmer, more lifted appearance over time.

How to Incorporate Aloe Vera into Your Routine

Using aloe vera doesn’t need to be complicated.

You could do it like my dad used to and grow it fresh to use yourself! Fresh aloe gel straight from the plant works beautifully. Or you can look for pure, minimally processed products online. It’s versatile — you can apply it as a gentle moisturizer, mix it into a homemade mask, rub it into your hair as a leave in hair mask overnight or simply keep it handy for irritated or dry skin patches.

At Lily Bee & Me most of our Primers and Toners contain 100% Aloe Vera gel as a primary ingredient. And our Moisture serums often use Aloe Vera Oil. So, if you're after something high quality, natural and pre-made we have you covered with our range of skincare.

A Simple, Natural Ally

Ultimately, aloe vera is one of those ingredients that nature has been using for ages because it works. Whether you’re aiming to hydrate, soothe, or support your skin’s natural aging process, aloe vera offers a gentle, scientifically supported touch of care. It’s a simple reminder that some of the best beauty solutions are rooted in the natural world.

So, here’s to celebrating our skin — naturally resilient, radiant, and full of life. Because feeling good in your skin starts with just a little bit of respect for what nature gives us.

Stay glowing, friends! 🌸✨

Remember: Your most radiant self is the one that embraces her natural beauty every day. 💖

September 12, 2025

Understanding Sensitive Skin: Causes, Variations, and How Lily Bee & Me Can Help

Sensitive skin is a common concern, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many people think that if their skin reacts easily or turns red after certain products, they have "sensitive skin." However, the truth is that skin sensitivity differs widely from person to person, and understanding these differences is key to choosing the right skincare routine - natural or otherwise. What Causes Skin Sensitivity? Skin sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices. Common causes include: Environmental irritants: Pollution, harsh weather, or UV exposure can weaken the skin's barrier, making it more reactive. Chemical sensitivities: Certain preservatives, fragrances, and synthetic ingredients can cause irritation. Natural ingredient intolerances: Paradoxically, natural ingredients like essential oils or botanical extracts may cause reactions in some individuals. For example, some people might react to lavender or citrus oils. Skincare habits: Over-exfoliating, using too many products, or harsh cleansers can strip the skin’s natural barrier. Why All Skin Is Different One person’s version of sensitive skin may not be the same as another’s. For some, it’s redness and itching; for others, it’s dryness, peeling, or breakouts. That’s because skin sensitivity depends on individual genetics, skin type, and current skin health. While many seek gentle, chemical-free skincare that respects this diversity, it’s important to recognize that even all-natural skincare can sometimes cause sensitivities. Ingredients like certain essential oils, botanical extracts, or even natural preservatives may not suit everyone. How Lily Bee & Me Supports Sensitive Skin At Lily Bee & Me, we prioritize safe, natural skincare formulas designed to be gentle and effective for most sensitive skin types. Our products are made with plant-based, cruelty-free ingredients, and free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. We carefully formulate each product to ensure they help soothe, hydrate, and support your skin’s natural barrier. For example, our vegan facial moisturizers and nourishing body lotions are crafted to reduce irritation and promote a healthy, radiant appearance. Important Tips for Those with Sensitive Skin Patch test: We strongly recommend performing a patch test before trying any new product. Apply a small amount to the skin behind your ear or on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction to any of the ingredients. Personal sensitivities: Remember, just because a product is gentle or natural doesn’t mean it’s suitable for everyone. Some individuals may react to specific ingredients like certain essential oils or botanical extracts. Contact us: If you experience any reaction, contact Lily Bee & Me immediately. We don't want you to be stuck with a product that doesn't work for you. We’re happy to help you swap out products or to offer a full refund (provided you notify us within 14 days of purchase, please see our refund policy). Our goal is to help you find the best possible skincare routine tailored to your unique needs. Final Thoughts Skin sensitivity can be complex, but with the right approach, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin. At Lily Bee & Me, we believe with careful formulation, personalized attention, and a gentle touch, everyone can enjoy effective skincare suited for sensitive skin. If you’re ready to discover natural, cruelty-free skincare that cares for your skin, explore our range — and remember, always listen to your skin and seek professional advice if needed.

Learn more

July 26, 2025

Myth or Fact - Does Drinking Water Clear Your Skin?

If you’ve ever wondered whether drinking more water can solve all your skin concerns, you’re not alone. It’s a common belief that hydration is the key to clear, glowing skin, but is it really that simple? Let’s dive into the truth behind this popular skincare myth. The Truth About Water and Skin Drinking water is essential for overall health, and your skin is no exception. Proper hydration helps maintain your skin’s elasticity, keeps it soft, and can prevent dryness and flakiness. When your skin is well-hydrated, it appears plumper, smoother, and more radiant. So, yes — water does play a vital role in supporting healthy skin. Does Water Really Clear Up Acne or Blemishes? While hydration is important, it’s a misconception that drinking water alone can “clear” your skin from acne, pimples, or other skin issues. Acne is primarily caused by excess oil production, bacteria, hormones, and inflammation—not dehydration. Drinking plenty of water won’t directly unclog pores or reduce breakouts unless combined with a comprehensive skincare routine and lifestyle habits. Hydration Supports Overall Skin Health What water does do is support your body’s natural functions, including the detoxification process. Proper hydration can help your body eliminate toxins and reduce dullness, giving your skin a healthier look. But it’s not a stand-alone solution for skin concerns — it’s part of a balanced approach that includes nourishing ingredients, good hygiene, and healthy lifestyle choices. Other Ways to Achieve Clear, Glowing Skin While drinking adequate water is beneficial, it should be complemented by: Using effective skincare products suited to your skin type = Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats Getting enough sleep and managing stress Avoiding excess sugar and processed foods Protecting your skin from environmental damage with a natural (and tested!) SPF In Conclusion Drinking water is an essential part of maintaining healthy skin, but it’s not a magic cure for all skin issues. Think of hydration as a foundation — it supports your overall health and skin’s vitality but isn’t the sole solution. For the best results, combine proper hydration with a holistic skincare routine and healthy habits.

Learn more

July 22, 2025

Caring for Your Skin and the Planet: The Importance of Sustainability in Skincare

In today’s world, our choices as consumers have the power to shape a healthier planet. When it comes to skincare, the impact of big companies mass-producing products at scale is far-reaching—both for our health and the environment. It’s time we all become more conscious about the true cost of the products sitting on our shelves. The Dark Side of Mass Production and Harmful Chemicals Many large skincare brands prioritize profit, often producing products in vast quantities to serve global markets. To do so cheaply, they turn to synthetic ingredients and harmful chemicals—preservatives, sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances—that can be potentially damaging to our skin and health. But beyond this, these chemicals also have serious environmental consequences. During manufacturing, toxic by-products are generated, often released into waterways or the air, polluting ecosystems and harming wildlife. Once the products are used and disposed of, the chemicals don't just disappear; they enter our wastewater systems, soil, and even our water supply, impacting aquatic life and ecosystems for generations. The Toll of Plastic and Waste Most skincare packaging is made from plastic, which is notorious for taking hundreds of years to decompose. While recycling is often touted as the solution, the reality is much grimmer. A significant amount of recycled plastic is shipped overseas, where it is either dumped in landfills, buried, or burned - practices that cause catastrophic environmental and health impacts for communities nearby. Burning plastics releases toxic fumes, contaminating the air and poisoning local populations, often in vulnerable communities lacking proper waste management infrastructure. This cycle perpetuates environmental injustice and global pollution, at the expense of our planet’s health. The Illusion of Recycling and Corporate Responsibility Big corporations often put the onus on consumers to "recycle," but the truth is that most recyclable waste isn't really recycled in a meaningful way. Instead, it leaves our shores and ends up in landfills, incinerators, or illegal dumping grounds, creating damage on a global scale. It’s not just an environmental issue—these practices threaten the health of communities, wildlife, and ecosystems worldwide. A Different Approach: How Lily Bee & Me Minimizes Its Impact At Lily Bee & Me, we believe that skincare shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. We’re committed to making conscious choices that reduce our ecological footprint while providing safe, effective products. Here’s how we do it: Small-Batch Production: To avoid waste and overproduction, we manufacture our products in small, artisanal batches based on customer demand. This approach minimizes excess and ensures freshness, reducing unnecessary waste. Natural, Ethical Ingredients: All our ingredients are ethically sourced from certified suppliers who can provide evidence of organic certifications and ethical practices. We prioritize natural, plant-based ingredients that are gentle on skin and kinder to the environment. Avoiding Harmful Chemicals: Unlike many mass-produced products, we do not use synthetic preservatives or harmful chemicals. The natural preservatives we do use are effective but require well-designed packaging to ensure product integrity and safety—something we take very seriously. Reusable Packaging where possible: We choose premium, reusable containers whenever possible. While our packaging needs to be sturdy and safe for our products—especially since we don’t use artificial preservatives - we carefully select options that can be washed, sterilized & reused and/or recycled responsibly. Future plans are to incorporate top-up packs at a reduced cost, however research is still ongoing to find suitable biodegradable packaging that will keep the product integrity at a high quality. Watch this space! We'll get there. Striking a Balance While we strive to be as eco-friendly as possible, we recognize that there are limits. Some of our packaging materials might not be fully biodegradable without compromising the product's safety or effectiveness. Our priority is our customers’ health and well-being, and we believe that responsible innovation—like selecting high-quality, reusable, and recyclable materials, creating small artisanal batches & carefully selecting our natural ingredients from responsible suppliers can reduce impact without sacrificing safety. In conclusion, choosing brands that prioritize sustainability doesn’t just benefit the planet - it also supports ethical practices, reduces waste, and promotes a healthier future for everyone. At Lily Bee & Me, we're dedicated to walking that path - creating beautiful skincare that cares for your skin AND the world around us.

Learn more