September 12, 2025

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

by Alana Wannell in Skincare Science

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.

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.

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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.

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July 2, 2025

Evening Primrose Oil for Skincare

The Beautiful Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil for Skincare — and How Lily Bee & Me Uses It Did you know that one tiny flower, the evening primrose, packs a powerful punch for your skin? At Lily Bee & Me, we love harnessing the natural goodness of Evening Primrose Oil in our facial serums because it's a game-changer for healthy, glowing skin. Let’s dive into why this botanical ingredient deserves a spotlight! What Is Evening Primrose Oil? Extracted from the Evening Primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), this oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) — a type of omega-6 fatty acid that is essential for maintaining skin’s barrier and overall health. The best part? It’s naturally derived, cruelty-free, and packed with antioxidants. Why Is Evening Primrose Oil Good for Skin? Hydrates and Moisturizes — Its fatty acids help to trap moisture in the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Calms Inflammation — Perfect for sensitive or irritated skin, GLA reduces redness and inflammation, making it ideal for conditions like eczema and acne. Balances Oil Production — Helps regulate excess sebum, reducing breakouts while preventing dryness. Supports Skin Elasticity — Promotes a plump, youthful appearance, fighting the first signs of aging. A Natural Solution for Skin Aging & Hyperpigmentation Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, Evening Primrose Oil helps combat free radical damage that accelerates aging. It also aids in reducing hyperpigmentation and age spots, promoting an even skin tone — a perfect match for our skin-loving Facial Moisture serums (LBM Radiance & LBM Defy) at Lily Bee & Me. How We Use Evening Primrose Oil in Lily Bee & Me In our Facial Moisture Serums, we incorporate cold-pressed Evening Primrose Oil for its gentle, nourishing, and anti-aging properties. This natural ingredient works synergistically with other botanical extracts to provide deep hydration, reduce redness, and promote skin renewal—all while keeping our formulations vegan and cruelty-free. Fun Fact! Did you know that evening primrose blooms open at sunset and closes with the dawn? Just like this beautiful flower, our serums help your skin bloom at night and shine all day long! Discover the magic of Evening Primrose Oil in our Facial Moisture Serums LBM Radiance & LBM Defy and give your skin the nourishment it deserves, naturally.

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