Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to pamper yourself and feel your best! At Bushbalm, we believe in celebrating love by starting with some self-love, and what better way to do that than ensuring your bikini line is smooth, soothed, and ready for whatever the day (or night) holds. Follow these 5 easy steps to achieve the perfect bikini line this Valentine's Day.
In the below advice we'd like to thank Kimberly Avalos, our in-house Esthetician for the advice. You can find her on Instagram @_WaxJunkie
Begin your journey to a flawless bikini line with a gentle exfoliation. This crucial step helps to remove dead skin cells, preventing pesky ingrown hairs and paving the way for a smoother waxing experience. Our Bushbalm exfoliating scrub is specially formulated for the sensitive bikini area, ensuring you get all the benefits without any harshness.
Timing is everything! Wax at least a day before your big Valentine's plans to give your skin enough time to recover. This minimizes redness and irritation, leaving your skin calm and smooth. If you're new to waxing, consider visiting a professional to ensure the best results.
Post-wax care is just as important as the wax itself. Nourish and soothe your skin with a Bushbalm oil, designed to reduce redness and irritation. Our oils are not just a treat for your skin; they're a sensorial experience that leaves you feeling pampered and cared for.
For those last-minute touch-ups or just to feel refreshed throughout the day, our Bushbalm Intimate Wipes are your go-to. They're perfect for a quick cleanse, ensuring you feel fresh, comfortable, and confident, no matter where you are.
View all Intimate pH Balanced Wipes
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we might encounter a bit of irritation. Fear not! A Vajacial mask can be a quick fix to soothe and calm your skin. It's like a mini spa treatment for your bikini area, leaving you feeling relaxed and your skin, extra loved.
View Hydrogel Vajacial Mask Options
With these 5 steps, you're all set for a Valentine's Day that's not just about romance but also about celebrating and caring for yourself. At Bushbalm, we're all about enhancing your natural beauty and ensuring you feel fantastic in your skin. So here's to a smooth, comfortable, and joy-filled Valentine's Day!
]]>Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are two excellent ingredients that can transform your complexion. When used correctly, these chemical exfoliants can help address a variety of skin concerns, from razor bumps and hyperpigmentation to ingrown hairs and clogged pores. In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps of incorporating a chemical exfoliant into your bikini line skincare routine.
Before diving into the routine, let's understand what AHAs and BHAs are and how they benefit your skin:
AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are water-soluble exfoliants that work on the skin's surface. They help remove dead skin cells, improve texture, and brighten the complexion.
BHAs, primarily salicylic acid, are oil-soluble and penetrate deeper into the pores. They are effective at treating acne, blackheads, and other forms of congestion.
Roller Rescue is a lightweight serum that gently smooths rough texture, helps visibly clear pores, and relieves redness after hair removal. Paired with an easy-to-use stainless steel rollerball applicator for a soothing and cooling effect.
This serum is formulated with a blend of natural botanical extracts, skin-soothing ingredients like Aloe Leaf Juice and Witch Hazel, and a delicate balance of AHA and BHA compounds.
Consumer Study Results
Twice a Week (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, with no back-to-back days)
*If you choose to use the acid in the morning, remember to apply sunscreen before exposing your skin to the sun.
Every Other Day (Monday-Wednesday-Thursday or Tuesday-Thursday-Friday)
As you progress in your skincare journey, it's time to adjust the application frequency to maximize the benefits of the product.
*If you find that three times per week is too much for your skin, please continue applying it twice a week. Week 5 & 6: Daily Usage
As you enter Weeks 5 and 6 of your skincare routine, we recommend adjusting the application frequency and providing your skin with consistent care. If you haven’t experienced any adverse reactions, your skin should have adapted to the acid by this point, allowing you to use it daily.
If you have any further questions or need additional guidance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you on your skincare journey!
It's quite common for people to consider alcohol based products for razor burn and ingrown hairs. These alcohol based products can be very harsh on your skin and ultimately degrade the skins barrier. Using a chemical exfoliant can help improve the health of your skin, and minimize the size of your pores. The deep exfoliation works on the skin in a longer term approach vs. the immediate burning sensation of alcohol.
Incorporating chemical exfoliants into your skincare routine can be a game-changer for your skin and bikini line. These chemical exfoliants offer a range of benefits, from improving texture to tackling razor bumps and hyperpigmentation. By following these steps and being patient, you can achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion while ensuring your skin remains balanced and well-cared for long. Remember that it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized advice tailored to your skin's unique needs.
]]>It has been said that shaving any part of the body exposed to water can improve a swimmer’s performance. Shaving body hair is a ritual for most swimmers that is done before a big meet. The goal is to reduce drag and enhance performance both mentally and physically. The average female swimmer has probably shaved five times more than both you or I, making them what we believe to be shaving experts. Let’s dive in!
The difference between an Olympic gold and silver is often a fraction of a second. Shaving body hair gained popularity in 1956 when Australian Olympic superstars shaved all their body hair and captured gold medals. The rest of the swimming community has followed this pre competition ritual ever since. Olympic swimmers shave their whole bodies in order to reduce drag, increase their feel for the water. Shaving prepares athletes not only physically but mentally. The psychological readiness paired with shaving is one of the final steps to be prepared for elite level athletic performance.
Swimmers maintain their bikini line and underarms on a weekly basis as they are practically living in a swimsuit 12 months a year. Shaving down is saved for the competitions where athletes are expected to perform their best. Such as the Olympic Games or World Championships. Generally this occurs only 1-2 times a year. The full shave down includes, legs, arms, bikini line, underarms, and facial hair for men. Once the hair and a layer of dead skin cells are removed swimmers feel lighter, smoother and more confident in the pool. Swimmers save this exhilarating feeling for events they are expected to perform their best.
The mental benefits of shaving are just as important as the physical benefits of a shave down. The feeling of unlocking a new layer of fresh skin ready for competition provides athletes with an all new level of preparation and confidence. Confidence is the last ingredient to contributing to the best performance.
Razors remove dead skin cells whereas, waxing only removes the body hair. Removing body hair and uncovering a new layer of skin leads to heightened senses of the water, allowing the athlete to have stronger pull, ultimately leading them to faster swimming.
Male swimmers shave down in the same way a female swimmer does. However, a male swimmer has a bit more work cut out for them due to having more body hair. Male swimmers start their shave down with a trimmer to remove the bulk of the hair, before shaving. Using a trimmer also helps to reduce cuts and irritation.
Taking care of your skin before and after is essential to achieve the perfect smooth shave. Implementing a pre and post care shave routine will contribute to more smooth healthy glowing skin in and out of the pool.
Take a warm bath or shower to cleanse and soak the skin’s rough patches. Ensure you are using a gentle pH-balanced cleanser that won’t further irritate or dry out your skin.
Use the Nude Exfoliating Body Scrub 2-3 times a week in the shower to remove dead skin cells and soften the skin. Exfoliating is important for healthy skin. This step will sweep away dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria from the surface of the skin to reveal a fresh, healthy, and supple layer of new skin. There are also studies that show that consistent body exfoliation can slow down the aging process by boosting collagen production throughout the entire body (if you're interested you can learn more here).
Apply a moisturizing oil daily right after the showering as this is when your skin is most absorbent. Be sure to moisturize daily whether you are shaving or not. Maintaining moisture will lead to a much easier, smoother, shave.
Use your favorite hydrating shaving cream, or soap to soften the skin. Make sure you razor blade is sharp to ensure a clean smooth shave. Using a dull razor blade can lead to more irritation. Apply long steady strokes with light pressure with your razor.
Right after the shower when your skin is most absorbent make sure you gently rub some Nude Ingrown Hair Oil onto your armpits. It's especially important to do this after shaving. This oil will help improve the look of razor burn, ingrown hairs, redness and any other irritations you may experience when removing body hair. We asked Baily Anderson, female Canadian Olympic Swimmer what she loves most about Bushbalm Ingrown Hair Oil and she said “Being a swimmer and being in tight bathing suit this oil gives me confidence and makes me feel comfortable whenever I go on the pool deck”.
Shave with Bushbalm, Swim with confidence!
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The human body contains 5,000,000 hair follicles, we have about 100,000 on our head with the rest on our body. Some of it visible with a melanin content and then the not so visible lighter Vellus hair, or what most people call peach fuzz. While we may think that our body hair is useless, it actually serves a pretty good purpose.
Fun Fact: The palms of our hands, bottoms of our feet and our lips are the only parts of the body that are hairless!
Human hair consists of:
The hair follicle is located deep within the dermis, at the bottom of that is the papilla where the growth actually happens. A cluster of cells within is being nourished by blood vessels, forming new cells at the base. As they begin to multiply it forms a new rod of cells that push upward out of the skin, dies or keratinizes, forming the hair shaft.
Each hair has three layers:
So much goes on beneath the surface of the skin within these hair follicles and with the hair itself. Tagging along closely with these components are the growth phases that make our hair move. Our hair has 3 phases of growth, each of which are important in your waxing journey. These stages are perfect to know, so you can see where your hair is at and why it may be growing back the way that it is.
Anagen (growth phase): the hair is being nourished through blood supply which helps it grow
Catagen (transition phase): the hair detaches from the hair follicle - lasts 1 to 2 weeks
Telogen (resting phase): the hair dies, falls out & new Anagen hair can regrow - can last 6 weeks to 6 months
When we wax, we are working to achieve at getting all of the hair into that new Anagen stage. When the hair is removed from the root at this stage, it damages the Papilla which is the hairs food source. When removed from its food source, the follicle will shrink, causing the regrowth to be less.
It is also very important that you refrain from shaving in between your wax sessions. I know, we’ve all been there. We’ve had something come up like a weekend away or a gathering where we would like to shave, but our appointment is a week or two away. But stay strong! Reverting back to shaving while wanting to hit your waxing hair goal, will have you right back at square one.
If your goal is to have your hair grow back slower and finer over time, it is very important to keep yourself on a consistent schedule. When we shave and then make the transition into waxing, our hair isn’t all on the same cycle but is in one of the three phases at any given time. It can take up to 3 sessions for your hair to be on the same cycle, depending on the area you are waxing, your schedule may look a little different.
If you’re coming in for leg waxing you may be asked to book as long as 6 weeks out, whereas for an area like the Brazilian Bikini you would be asked to come back every 4-5 weeks for the first 3 sessions. Keeping up with the recommended schedule will get you on the right track to slower and minimal regrowth.
Going hand in hand with a consistent wax schedule is your aftercare! The only true way to achieve your waxing goals is to treat your skin with love. Keeping your skin supple and exfoliated will help to encourage your hair to grow out of the follicle, instead of curling up underneath the skin creating a painful ingrown hair.
Exfoliating your skin 24-48 hours before your appointment with a body scrub or dry brush, will help remove those dead skin cells. Moisturizing is also key in keeping the skin smooth, using an oil or moisturizer every day after you get out of the shower. Honestly who doesn’t love a good aftercare routine!? That’s half the fun of it. Finding your new go to staples, seeing the results and just feeling good!
At the beginning of the whole hair removal phenomenon, woman were doing it because having body hair was viewed as uncivilized. It then grew into a beauty trend where home waxing, epilating and laser where huge, and are still of course big today.
Over the years after, society made the assumption that women should be stubble free and hairless at all times. But within recent years, and us now in 2022, body hair acceptance has shoved all of those assumptions right out the window. Whether you are choosing to remove the hair from your body or keep it, it is one million percent your choice!
We should continue to celebrate all beauty in all of its forms, hair or no hair, we love it all!
]]>The most important question of all! Everyone has a different situation, but we know of some very common causes of itchy armpits. Some are more obvious than others, but regardless of the issue itchy armpits can soothe and relieved. Below are the top issues that lead to itchy armpits.
One of the most common ways to get itchy armpits is by getting razor burn or ingrown hairs. Both skin conditions lead to redness, irritation and a constant feeling of discomfort. As your razor burn begins to heal you'll a notice a reduction in itching and discomfort. The placement of your armpit makes this area receptive to skin on skin contact, which prolongs the recovery time.
Tip - Use a razor burn & ingrown hair oil daily to moisturize the your armpit and reduce the appearance of razor burn.
Most common in the summer months heat rash can be a very frustrating skin condition. Since your armpits produce sweat and have skin folds they are more receptive to heat rash.
According to Mayo Clinic, "Heat rash develops when some of your sweat ducts clog. Instead of evaporating, perspiration gets trapped beneath the skin, causing inflammation and rash."
With increased humidity during the summer months heat rash can persist for several weeks, even months. In the armpit heat rash takes time to heal, as the folds of your skin are constantly chafing.
Tip - Use an unscented moisturizer day and night to heal the rash. If the problem persists look into a chaffing stick to carry with you on a daily basis.
As hair begins to grow back in your armpits you may experience some irritation or itch. The armpit is an especially difficult place for hair to grow back, as it's often rubbing back in forth with skin on skin contact.
Tip - Ensure you use a razor burn or ingrown hair oil during and after you shave your armpits. Another common, but more expensive, option is to get laser hair removal.
Contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or material that leads to an allergic reaction. The rash isn't contagious and mostly benign, but it can be very frustrating and itchy. Many substances or materials can cause contact dermatitis such as; soaps, skincare, fragrances, metal jewelry or plants.
Tip - If you experience contact dermatitis from a neckless or any sort of cream you'll need to be more cautious when it comes to your underarms. Be extra cautious and try to spot test all deodorants or other products that come in contact with your underarms.
According to the Cleveland Clinic over 15 Million Americans are effected by Eczema. Although Eczema isn't common in armpits many people experience it there.
Tip - Consult your dermatologist for recommended treatments.
Some basic skincare best practices can make a big difference for your armpits and the health of the skin in and around your armpit. These tips will help relieve armpit itch and hopefully prevent it altogether.
Relieving armpit itch starts with the following routine:
Exfoliate your underarms regularly
If your armpits aren't experience inflammation or itch you should work on preventative measures. One skincare best practice is to exfoliate. We recommend using a gentle exfoliating scrub that is filled with natural ingredients and nourishing oils.
Always use a sharp razor to shave your armpit hair
Shaving your armpit is critical to preventing itch and irritation. When you are shaving your armpit make sure to use a sharp razor. If you are using a disposable razor to shave your armpits make sure you replace it on a regular cadence, typically every 7 shaves. This keeps the razor sharp, which is helpful to preventing irritation and the itchy post-shaving feeling.
Another option is to use a close grooming trimmer for your armpits, as this won't cut the hair beneath the skin in your armpits. Trimming typically leads to less irritation, which in turn can cause less itch in your armpits.
Use a razor burn or ingrown hair oil in your armpit
It's important to moisturize your armpit regularly. We often have a moisturizing routine for our face, but rarely do we have one for our armpits. To reduce inflammation and armpit itch you should be using a moisturizing agent daily in your armpits.
Although underarm and armpit skincare is a relatively new concept having itchy armpits, however, is not. If you are frustrating with itchy armpits we hope this article was able to give you an understanding of why it occurs and what you can do to treat it.
]]>Can you remember learning how to clean your vagina properly? Me neither. The topic of vaginal hygiene is often overlooked and avoided. This trend creates a lot of confusion for women trying to figure out the best way to maintain a clean and healthy vagina.
Keep reading to learn more about the do's and don'ts when it comes to vaginal washing. This post will do a deep dive into how to wash your vagina (actually your vulva), as well as other tips for caring for your vagina. Let’s get into it!
First of all, it’s extremely important to note that you should not clean your vagina. Nothing should go inside of the vagina - no water, douching, or products. A vagina is a self-cleaning machine that will continue to clean itself. It has bacteria that are necessary to help with the daily cleaning of the vagina.
What you can and should be cleaning is your vulva. The vulva is the outer part of the female genitals. The vulva includes the labia (aka “lips”), clitoris, and clitoral hood. You can clean your vulva the same way you clean the rest of your body - just with a bit more caution and care. Here are some easy steps to follow next time you are cleaning down there, as well as a recommendation for what to use as a vaginal wash.
A soothing shower cleanser will ensure that no dirt, oil, and bacteria get near the vaginal opening. When in the shower or bath, wash your vulva with warm water (make sure the water is not too hot!) and a gentle all-natural cleanser that is safe for sensitive skin, and pH balanced. Separate your labia and let the warm water and cleanser clean all around the clitoral hood and between your labia.
Exfoliating the pubic skin is important for two reasons:
First, Bushbalm™ exfoliating scrubs soften the skin and hair. The softer the pubic hair and skin, the lower the risk of razor bumps, ingrown hairs, itchy pubic hair, and dark spots become. Soft skin allows the razor to glide seamlessly across the skin. Soft hair enables the blade to slice through the hair with minimal tugging. These two factors make the occurrence of razor bumps and/or ingrown hairs much less likely. Without razor bumps or ingrown hairs irritating the skin, the risk of dark spots decreases since hyperpigmentation and discoloration are the body's response to wounds/irritation. Finally, soft pubic hair means that itchy pubic hair is less likely to occur. Pubic hair is very coarse and is quite irritating as it rubs on the skin. Softening pubic hair is a blessing for pubic skin.
Second, exfoliation works to remove dead skin cells and unclog the pores. Using a combination of nourishing ingredients and essential oils, Bushbalm™ sugar scrubs will deep clean out the pores and let your skin breathe. Clogged pores can lead to razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Normally, the hair is supposed to grow up from its root and through the pore (the skin’s opening). When the pore is clogged, the hair strand cannot break through the opening and instead will curl back down underneath the skin’s surface - causing an ingrown hair or a rash of razor bumps. These skin concerns can irritate the skin and lead to scarring and dark spots appearing long after the wound is gone.
Having a nourishing treatment oil can do wonders for your pubic area. Pubic hair is unlike any hair on the rest of our body. Pubic hair is more thick, coarse, and wiry than the hair on our legs, chests, backs, underarms, and scalps. As such, pubic hair can cause a lot of irritation on pubic skin. The pubic region is prone to dark spots, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and itchiness (among other things). An effective treatment oil will soothe the skin and heal any skin irritations.
We recommend applying your soothing treatment oil within 2 minutes of stepping out of the shower. According to dermatologists, this window is the optimal time to apply any moisturizers to the skin because the skin is most absorbent at this time.
Before we move on, let's establish why it is important to incorporate pH balanced products into your vaginal hygiene routine.
pH stands for potential for hydrogen. The pH level of the skin refers to how acidic or alkaline the skin is on a scale from 1-14. On the pH scale, 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic (0 being the most acidic), and above 7 is alkaline (14 being the most alkaline). A normal vaginal pH level ranges from 3.8 to 4.5 (on the acidic side). An acidic pH kills bacteria and keeps the skin balanced, hydrated, and rejuvenated. An acidic pH helps keep your skin balanced, hydrated, healthy, and radiant.
So what does all that mean? Simply put, the skin must maintain a balance of acidity and alkalinity in order to combat germs, fight infection, retain/store nutrients and minerals and protect you against external stresses.
If the pH balance is off, the skin can have adverse reactions. See for yourself:
When the vagina is pH balanced on the interior and exterior, good bacteria will thrive and protect this intimate area from bad bacteria and yeast. On other hand, when the pH balance is thrown off this can lead to an imbalance in bacteria and yeast levels which puts you at risk of developing a number of infections such as UTIs, yeast infections, vaginal odor, or bacterial vaginosis. Bottom line: only ever use products that are pH balanced around the vagina and on the vulva.
For more information on the ideal ingredients to look for in your skincare products, check out this blog.
Remember, a vagina is self-cleaning. This does not change while on your period. Blood will naturally flow out without any additional help. However, you can help your vagina self-clean by changing your pad and/or tampon regularly. Depending on your flow, you should change your tampon every 4-8 hours. A pad should be changed every 3-4 hours. If you are feeling icky down there during your period, you can wash your vulva with warm water 2-3 times a day while on your period.
We asked Dr. Ruth Arumala, a board-certified gynecologist to provide us with insight and expert tips on how to keep your vulva clean without irritating this sensitive area. Here’s what Dr. Ruth Arumala had to say:
“I do not tell my patients to use soap when it comes to cleaning the vulva, it’s too harsh.. I tend to recommend and use a soft and foamy cleanser that includes natural oils and is pH balanced - like Bushbalm’s Skincare’s Nourishing Body Wash”.
“You never want to have squeaky clean skin in that area. Think about shampoo and your hair when it feels squeaky clean the natural oils have been stripped away. We don’t want our skin in sensitive areas to feel like that. Once you're finished you want to pat dry so no yeast grows. After the water has dried off, you should apply a soothing oil.”
Jojoba Oil is a soothing ingredient that coats the top layer of the skin in order to retain moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. This coat is rich in fatty acids and packed with Vitamin E, A, and D making it the ideal ingredient to preserve the skin’s natural moisture and restore/maintain a balanced pH level.
Packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, Tea Tree Oil is a natural healer fit to combat any bad bacteria down there. This star ingredient is the key to fighting off yeast or fungus growth around your vagina. This ingredient will also keep the vulva moisturized enough to be healthy but not too moist so bad bacteria can grow.
A major property of Copaiba Oil is Beta-caryophyllene; Beta-caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Like Tea Tree Oil, Copaiba is an all-natural anti-inflammatory agent that will heal skin irritations such as bad bacteria.
Grapeseed Oil protects and preserves the skin's soft and supple appearance. The ingredient has properties such as vitamin E and phenolic antioxidants which work together to remove bacteria from the surface of the skin. This lightweight oil penetrates the skin and activates Vitamin E and C in the skin which protects and preserves the skin from external agents.
Aloe is an amazing source of antioxidants and vitamins that help protect the skin.
What you decide to put in your body can have either positive or negative effects on your vagina. Dr. Ruth Arumala recommends eating good probiotics (such as yogurt, gummies, or probiotic pills). Foods high in probiotics help prevent yeast infections, vaginal odor, and bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics balance out the pH levels in the vagina which translates to a healthy and happy vagina.
Now, let’s talk about food to steer clear of. There are 5 main foods to steer clear of OR eat in moderation in order to promote vaginal health:
These foods either bring down your immunity or alter the pH balance of your vagina. This causes the vaginal region to become prone to infections and/or smell unpleasant (for lack of a better word).
According to Dr. Ruth Arumala, bad bacteria that cause vaginal infections do not like oxygen. So it’s important to allow oxygen to flow down there while you sleep to minimize bad bacteria and maintain a healthy vagina.
The right way to wipe the vagina after peeing is from front to back. It’s also important to not over wipe to ensure you don’t irritate your skin.
On that note, change out of your sweaty gym clothes right after your workout! Bad bacteria breeds in wet and dark spaces. By getting out of your wet clothing asap you will inhibit the multiplying process and save your vagina from bad bacteria.
There are 3 important rules to keep in mind before you and your partner have sex:
Our hands carry lots of bacteria; this bacteria has no place being inside the vagina. This bacteria can cause UTIs, yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other uncomfortable infections that are completely avoidable if you take the time to clean your hands.
After use, sex toys should also be washed and stored in a dry, clean space. You can clean your sex toys with the same gentle cleanser you use to clean your vulva.
Peeing before and after sex is crucial for vaginal health. If one does not pee right after, she runs the risk of developing a UTI. Ridding yourself of all urine before and after sex gives bacteria less time to multiply and develop into a urinary tract infection.
To maintain a healthy vulva you'll want to use a few other products. Below are the recommended choices for healthy skin around your vagina.
Ingrown hairs can be quite irritating to the skin. As a result, these pesky bumps can leave behind dark spots and scars long after they're gone. The Bermuda Oil formula gently breaks down melanin that is built up in the skin and over time will help you achieve a more even skin tone. The combination of fractionated coconut carrier oil, lemon essential oil, and rare copaiba oil work to even and diffuse the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.
As noted by dermatologist Marc Glashofer, the role of pubic hair is to prevent “friction during intercourse that can cause skin abrasion and rashes”. As such, the texture of pubic hair tends to be thicker and more coarse in order to maximize protection. Pubic skin and hair must be soothed and softened after hair removal to ensure that the hair grows back seamlessly - without creating an unbearable itch.
Using a treatment oil is a great way to get this job done. Bushbalm’s treatment oils are packed with a combination of rich oils that combat dryness and replenish your skin after hair removal. Each formula is infused with Tea Tree Oil - a natural healer with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. This star ingredient provides a soothing sensation to calm redness, swelling, and inflammation.
When it comes to the bikini area, exfoliation provides even more benefits! Using a hydrating exfoliant will soften the skin while simultaneously unclogging the pores - two birds, one stone.
Our Bushbalm™ exfoliating sugar scrubs will give your skin an irresistibly smooth look and feel. Each scrub is packed with star ingredients like Jojoba Oil and Copaiba Oil which coat the skin to create a hydrating protective barrier to external agents.
We hope that this guide on how to maintain vaginal health answered some of the questions which are often not addressed. If you have any other questions, feel free to DM us on Instagram @bushbalm and we will answer your questions as soon as possible.
]]>1. Hair Removal (mostly shaving)
When one shaves, the hair follicle is irritated and will balloon out to protect the skin. This reaction creates pimple-like bumps which later lead to acne scars, dark spots and discolouration.
2. Friction (chaving)
Frequent friction causes dark spots. You may notice where your skin touches (i.e. the thighs, underarms etc.) there are dark areas and hyperpigmentation - that’s from friction.
3. Hormonal Imbalance
Temporary Physiological States: i.e. pregnancy, breast feeding etc.
Acanthosis nigrican: Creates a velvety discolouration on the skin - this discolouration is a sign that something needs to be checked in the body (i.e. abnormal blood sugar, precursor to diabetes, stomach cancer).
New Medication: Medications like birth control can cause discolouration. If you are experiencing dark spots and hyperpigmentation after starting a new medication, it is worthwhile consulting your healthcare provider to see if the medication is the cause.
1. Don’t remove body hair - If this is not an option for you, there are other solutions!
2. Don’t shave, Trim Instead!
Using a trimmer is a great option to remove the hair while minimizing irritation to the skin. Bushbalm offers the Francesca Trimmer which is the perfect tool for close grooming and/or pre-wax preparation.
3. Use Skin Protectant After Hair Removal
Finding gentle but effective treatments for dark spots around your pubic area/groin is so difficult! This is why I am super excited to share Bushbalm’s Bermuda oil! Bermuda Oil is safe to use on the skin. Please note that this oil should not be used inside the vagina. The vagina itself is a self cleaning organ.
Anal bleaching is an instant and direct treatment for dark spots. On the other hand, Bermuda Oil is a natural and more gradual form of anal bleaching. This product will have to be used very consistently and for an extended period of time to have a similar lightning effect.
1. Helps with lymphatic support
The lymphatic system is an alternative system in the body that returns fluid back into the bloodstream. Dry brushing has been shown to support lymphatic return.
2. Perks you up!
Dry brushing allows you to have a particular zest in your day-to-day living.
3. Opens up the pores
Dry brushing opens up the pores so the skin can fully ingest whatever you’re treating your skin with. The dry brush can be used in conjunction with treatment oils, body washes, exfoliating scrubs and body moisturizers, to make your products more effective.
Lichen sclerosus is an autoimmune disease wherein the cells that are supposed to defend the body now start to attack the cells in the perineum; including the cliteris, vulva, vagina and the perirectal around the anus.
Lichen sclerosus usually occurs if you are really young or if you are older. It can be very devastating because it can change the architecture of your pubic area.
Lichen sclerosus is often accompanied with symptoms such as itching and irritation around the vulva. This disease must be diagnosed by a professional and is treated either with a high dose steroid or lasers.
I don’t know about any natural ways to treat lichen sclerosus. If you believe you have lichen sclerosus, you should seek out your health care provider ASAP.
I recommend speaking with your obstetrician, midwife or whoever is helping you through your pregnancy to review the products you are taking.
For now, there are some ingredients you should definitely stay away from. The no no’s include: anything that is accutane related, retinol, vitamin A derivatives that are concentrated. These have been shown to cause abnormalities in the development of a baby.
Rule of Thumb: Nothing goes inside of the vagina - no water, douching or products. Let the vagina stay on its own! The vagina is a self cleaning oven that will continue to clean itself. It has bacteria that is necessary to help with daily cleaning of the vagina.
If you need to, clean the vulva or the lips around the vagina. Never use a soap, instead opt for a gentle cleanser because they have oils that will soothe the skin and protect it as opposed to stripping it.
Another alternative is to eat good probiotics - you can get them from yogurt, gummies or probiotic pills.
Make sure you sleep without underwear on at night - especially avoid tight undies. You want oxygen to flow because bad bacteria that causes infection don’t like oxygen. I encourage my patients to go commando (when they are not on their period) to allow the oxygen to flow.
We hope that Dr. Arumala was able to answer your questions.
]]>Keep reading to learn about what menopause is, how it affects the skin and simple solutions to rejuvenate the skin. With this information you can help the women in your life by being understanding of the external changes the female body is going through and/or by gifting/recommending products to help the skin during this process.
Menopause is the natural biological process that marks the end of a female’s menstrual cycle. The hormones in the body, particularly estrogen and progesterone, decrease significantly. This major hormonal change can take a toll on the skin.
During and after menopause, the skin is more susceptible to drying out because the skin loses some ability to hold water.
Solution: A great way to save the skin would be to use products that are pH balanced to restore the skin’s normal pH level.
Product Recommendations: We recommend the Bushbalm™ Sweet Escape Collection and Tush Cream. The Sweet Escape Line is packed with natural ingredients, including tangerine essential oil which has extra hydrating and rejuvenating properties that will give the skin an irresistibly smooth look and feel. The Tush Cream is an ultra rich cream infuses thirsty skin with natural ingredients for skin-plumping hydrations.
During and after menopause, the skin loses collagen quickly. Collagen is the key to youthful-looking skin because it maintains the skin’s elasticity. As collagen levels drop, the skin begins to sag and will lose its firmness.
Solution: Exfoliation is an easy and effective way to stimulate collagen. When the skin is exfoliated, it activates fibroblasts; fibroblasts are cells that are responsible for making collagen (to learn more about the process of fibroblast activation click here). Simply put, consistent body exfoliation can slow down the aging process by boosting collagen production throughout the entire body).
Product Recommendation: We recommend working the Bushbalm™ Nordic Dry Brush and ultra hydrating sugar scrubs into your body care routine. Dry brushing can help improve circulation and boost skin regeneration. Each Bushbalm™ exfoliating scrub will naturally soften the skin and stimulate collagen levels.
As we age, the pH level in the skin changes and the skin becomes more sensitive. With this change, skin going through menopause can suffer from irritations, rashes and/or skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea.
Solution:
Product Recommendations: We recommend the Bushbalm™ Nude Collection. Nude is our signature barely-there scent that minimizes irritation and leaves the skin feeling fresh and smelling clean.
Years of sun exposure (without protection) typically start to show through around this time. Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can start to appear on the face, hands, neck, arms and chest.
Solution: Use products that are designed to target and treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Product Recommendations: We recommend the Bushbalm™ Bermuda Collection. The products in this collection will reduce the appearance of dark spots and help prevent future occurrences of hyperpigmentation.
Allow me to simplify these lengthy ingredients list and highlight key ingredients to look for as well as those to avoid when choosing products to put on the skin.
Known for its soothing properties and calming sensation, Jojoba Oil is a star ingredient for any skincare product. Jojoba oil comes in the form of a wax that coats the top layer of the skin in order to retain the moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. This waxy coat is rich in fatty acids and packed with Vitamin E, A and D which help to relieve irritation and discomfort. In addition, this ingredient has the unique ability to mimic the body's natural moisturizing properties and balance the oil in all skin types. As such, Jojoba Oil works to remove excess dirt and oil from the surface of the skin, minimize the appearance of pores and keep the skin feeling clean.
Packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, Tea Tree Oil is a natural healer. The benefits of Tea Tree Oil include, but are not limited too: 1) preventing and reducing the appearance of scars and blemishes; 2) calming redness, swelling and inflammation; and 3) balancing the oils in the skin. This star ingredient is key when it comes to naturally treating skin concerns.
Copaiba Oil promotes a clear, smooth and radiant complexion. A major property of Copaiba Oil is Beta-caryophyllene; Beta-caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It follows that Copaiba is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that will soothe and heal skin irritations.
Grapeseed Oil protects and preserves the skin's soft and supple appearance. The ingredient has properties such as vitamin E and phenolic antioxidants which work together to: 1) diffuse skin irritations such as acne breakouts; 2) protect the skin from the external environment like sun damage; 3) even out the skin tone; and 4) give the skin a softer feel and more supple appearance. This lightweight oil penetrates the skin to and activates Vitamin E and C in the skin which protects and preserves the skin from external agents.
SLS is one of the most common skin irritants. This ingredient is often used to make the shower cleansers/products foam up. SLS is extremely drying and strips the skin of its natural, protective oil barrier. Side effects of this ingredients include dry patches, itchy skin (especially in the winter months) and eczema in more sensitive skin.
Propylene Glycol is designed for water retention; it is meant to create a seal over your skin to prevent the escape of water. For a short period of time, the skin will feel smooth and appear soft as this seal draws moisture from the lower layers of the skin to the top layer. However, the top layers will eventually dry out and your skin will be left looking dull, dry and have an exaggerated appearance of wrinkles.
If you see SD alcohol and/or denatured alcohol in the ingredients of a skincare product, it's probably best to avoid that product altogether. These types of volatile alcohols are meant to create a quick-drying and non-greasy finish. This can be quite appealing (especially for oily skin types) as the skin is left with a weightless feeling. However, these short term benefits do not outweigh the negative long term effects. These ingredients are extremely drying and irritating for your skin. Alcohol strips the skin of its natural oils and damages its protective barrier.
]]>These symptoms are most commonly indicative that the skin is dry. Dryness can cause the skin to tighten which creates an itchy sensation.
Dry skin post-shower could result from a combination of factors. See the most common factors below:
Gentle shower cleansers with natural ingredients can go a long way for the skin. When choosing a shower cleanser, look for ingredients such as:
Incorporating products into your shower-routine that will soothe and hydrate your skin is game changing! Opt for cleansers that are made with a delicate blend of plant derived ingredients that will soothe and moisturize, such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, and glycerin. You should also try incorporating an exfoliating routine 2-3times a week. Our ultra-hydrating sugar scrubs will give your skin an irresistibly smooth look and feel. The star ingredient responsible for this baby-smooth effect is Jojoba Oil. This ingredient is known for its soothing properties and calming sensation that temporarily relieves irritation and discomfort - especially dryness. Jojoba oil comes in the form of a wax that coats the top layer of the skin in order to retain the moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. Investing in products that are designed to moisturize and nourish the skin is key to preventing that itchy and irritating feeling after the shower.
The skin is most absorbent within 2 minutes of stepping out of the shower so take advantage of this window! Using ultra-hydrating creams and oils while the skin is still slightly damp can help lock in moisture. We recommend applying your hydrating treatment oils, Tush cream and all-over body moisturizers right after patting the skin dry with your towel. This will soothe the skin and get rid of the itchy and tight feeling you may experience.
Cold water boosts blood circulation. The blood carries the necessary nutrients and oxygen needed by the body to function normally. It follows that when one showers using cold water (even luke warm water), the blood flows more effectively and in turn will completely nourish your skin cells and maintain hydration in the skin.
Showering less frequently/ for less time can preserve your natural protective oils that keep your skin healthy and hydrated. In fact, many dermatologists recommend showering at least every other day or 2-3 times a week. If you’re one to workout or do things in your day that require a shower try to keep your showers as short as possible (we recommend showering for 3-4 minutes)
Overall it's important to minimize the frequency by which you take showers, limit the length of the shower and/or reduce the temperature of shower. It follows that when you do shower, remember to utilize this time with quality products that will keep your skin clean, hydrated and nourished for days.
Jojoba Oil is a soothing ingredient that coats the top layer of the skin in order to retain moisture and prevent the skin from drying out. This coat is rich in fatty acids and packed with Vitamin E, A, and D making it the ideal ingredient to preserve the skin’s natural moisture and restore/maintain a balanced pH level.
Packed with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, Tea Tree Oil is a natural healer fit to combat any bad bacteria down there. This star ingredient is the key to fighting off yeast or fungus growth around your vagina. This ingredient will also keep the vulva moisturized enough to be healthy but not too moist so bad bacteria can grow.
A major property of Copaiba Oil is Beta-caryophyllene; Beta-caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Like Tea Tree Oil, Copaiba is an all-natural anti-inflammatory agent that will heal skin irritations such as bad bacteria.
Grapeseed Oil protects and preserves the skin's soft and supple appearance. The ingredient has properties such as vitamin E and phenolic antioxidants which work together to remove bacteria from the surface of the skin. This lightweight oil penetrates the skin and activates Vitamin E and C in the skin which protects and preserves the skin from external agents.
Aloe is an amazing source of antioxidants and vitamins that help protect the skin.
pH stands for potential for hydrogen. The pH level of the skin refers to how acidic or alkaline the skin is on a scale from 1-14. On the pH scale, 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic (0 being the most acidic), and above 7 is alkaline (14 being the most alkaline). A normal vaginal pH level ranges from 3.8 to 4.5 (on the acidic side). An acidic pH kills bacteria and keeps the skin balanced, hydrated, and rejuvenated. An acidic pH helps keep your skin balanced, hydrated, healthy, and radiant.
So what does all that mean? Simply put, the skin must maintain a balance of acidity and alkalinity in order to combat germs, fight infection, retain/store nutrients and minerals and protect you against external stresses.
If the pH balance is off, the skin can have adverse reactions. See for yourself:
When the vagina is pH balanced on the interior and exterior, good bacteria will thrive and protect this intimate area from bad bacteria and yeast. On other hand, when the pH balance is thrown off this can lead to an imbalance in bacteria and yeast levels which puts you at risk of developing a number of infections such as UTIs, yeast infections, vaginal odor, or bacterial vaginosis. Bottom line: only ever use products that are pH balanced around the vagina and on the vulva.
For more information on the ideal ingredients to look for in your skincare products, check out this blog.
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This is the guide to everything regarding the pH levels of the skin. In this guide, you will find an answer to all of the most frequently asked questions regarding pH balance: 1) what is pH; 2) what happens if the pH balance is off; 3) what is the ideal pH level; 4) does skin-type affect the pH level; 5) what factors affect the pH level; and 6) how to restore balance in pH levels.
]]>I like to think that the term pH balance is equivalent to gluten; it's often thrown around and talked about but no one knows what it actually is. If you're one of those people who doesn't know what gluten is, I can't help you - but if you're still not quite sure what pH balance is, then keep reading!
Below you will find an answer to all of the most frequently asked questions regarding pH balance.
pH stands for potential for hydrogen. The pH level of the skin refers to how acidic or alkaline the skin is on a scale from 1-14. On the pH scale, 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic (0 being the most acidic), and above 7 is alkaline (14 being the most alkaline).
So what does that mean? Simply put, the skin must maintain a balance of acidity and alkalinity in order to combat germs, fight infection, retain/store nutrients and minerals and protect you against external stresses.
If the pH balance is off, the skin can have adverse reactions. See for yourself:
The ideal pH level is on the acidic side; it falls between 4.5 and 5.5. An acidic pH kills bacteria and keeps the skin balanced, hydrated and rejuvenated. An acidic pH helps keep your skin balanced, hydrated, healthy, and radiant.
Yes, people with oily skin typically have a pH level that falls between 4 and 5.2. People with dry skin tend to have a pH above 5.5.
Your pH level depends on a variety of factors such as: 1) diet; 2) sleep; 3) environment; and/or 4) skincare and cosmetic products.
A balanced pH is maintained through healthy habits. Here is a list of some DOs and DONTs:
DO
Moisturize your skin - When the skin is dry it is prone to cracking. In other words, dry skin is vulnerable to wrinkles.
Use products that directly say they are pH balanced - Products that are pH balanced are very good for the skin. If your product doesn't mention it - it’s probably because it doesn’t include pH balancing properties and hence isn’t going to be good for your skin
Go NATURAL - Look for ingredients that are natural and won’t throw off your pH balance. Here are a couple examples of great ingredients to incorporate into your body care routine
DONT
Use harsh cleansers - harsh cleansers strip the skin of its natural protective oils and can dry it out. Instead, opt for gentle cleansers with a balanced pH that are gentle on the skin and don’t strip it.
Use harsh ingredients & artificial fragrances - These tend to strip and dry out the skin.
I first want to start by saying that there is nothing wrong with having cellulite, it’s a normal and natural feature and there should be no shame in that! That being said, I am a big advocate for women having ownership over how they want their body to look and any product/service that makes someone feel more confident gets five gold stars from me! So, when Bushbalm, an all natural skincare line that specializes in ingrown hair prevention, sent me their new Tush cream, I was so excited to incorporate it into a little experimental body care routine.
This is also the part where I should mention that while I love skincare for my face, I have never really thought about skincare other than body moisturizer. This is in part due to business, laziness, and fear/confusion about how certain products would affect my hypersensitive skin. Enter Bushbalm’s products. Other than my self-tanner (which is a necessity) everything that I am currently using on my body has come from Bushbalm, and my skin feels and looks amazing. I knew there should be a place for the Tush cream in my newly-found shower care routine. Like all skincare, you need to give everything an honest try, so every day for a week I did the exact same routine, and wow, I cannot rave enough about the difference an extra 7 minutes a day makes.
My shower routine actually starts before I even get in the shower, with Bushbalm’s Nordic Dry Brush. If you’ve never tried dry brushing, I highly recommend investing in one, especially if you have bad circulation and run puffy due to inflammation like myself. I use their Dry Brush all over my body (go towards the heart) to promote lymphatic drainage, circulation, and exfoliation. On the topic of exfoliation, I use Bushbalm’s Sweet Escape Exfoliation Scrub every other shower basically all over my body, and I’ve noticed such a difference in the number of ingrown hairs I get and the overall brightness of my skin. Bushbalm’s Nude Oil is also now a daily product for me on my underarms, bikini, and legs. Not only does it smell amazing, but my skin is also the softest it’s ever been with absolutely zero ingrown hairs and doesn’t cause any irritation at all.
If those products weren’t amazing enough, the Tush Cream is truly a game-changer for making your skin softer and working to hide your cellulite. I will be the first to admit that I am skeptical of any product that promises to get rid of stretch marks, and would never think about buying one. While it’s marketed towards areas where you might have stretch marks, it also works as an all-around body moisturizer that really helps your skin feeling softer and tighter. After 7 days of use, I noticed less visible stretch marks/cellulite, and just felt so much more confident about wearing a bathing suit in public. The ingredient list, the scent, and its effectiveness make the Tush Cream easily one of the best moisturizers I’ve ever used, and I will definitely be buying another one.
After the past week, I can honestly say I’ve had my eyes opened about how far just a little extra time to nourish your skin everywhere goes in terms of how it looks and how you feel. I have no doubt that I will be buying more Bushbalm products as soon as I run out, and I’ve already placed another order for the Tush Cream!
]]>At Bushbalm™, we love to see that facial skincare is trending - but why stop there?! All of your skin, including your tush, thighs, stomach, armpits and bikini line, deserve the same care and attention as your face. After all, your skin is the largest organ of the body and healthy skin is essential to your body’s overall wellbeing. That being said, allow me to tell you why your skincare routine should not only include your face.
A consistent body care routine can increase your level of well-being and mental health. You heard me right. This may seem like a bit of a stretch but I'll break it down for you. A study conducted by Yangmei Luo and his colleagues found that when humans experience “positive anticipation for a future event”, their overall well-being increases substantially (here’s a link to the study if you want to read more).
So what does this have to do with body care? A body care routine can increase the number of things in your life to positively anticipate and in turn improve your overall well-being.
Imagine you have an upcoming event where you need to be in a swimsuit. It’d be hard to focus on how much fun you’ll have, when all you can think about is your razor burn; or cellulite; or hyperpigmentation; or any other totally common skin concerns. On the other hand, if you have a holy grail body care routine that you can count on to keep your skin looking/feeling its best, you can blissfully forget about your skin concerns and enjoy the positive anticipation leading up to the event.
With consistent use, body care products, like our Exfoliating Sugar Scrub or Nude Oil, will target and treat your concerns so that you can get excited to show off your skin, as opposed to dreading it. By inviting more positive anticipation into your life, you will leave yourself open to the possibility of improving your well-being & mental health.
After my last point, some of you may be thinking: ‘I'll do body care when I have an important event coming up - why should I have to make it a routine?’.
Well, I’ll tell you why: when it comes to the skin, consistency is key. Establishing a body care routine is an extremely effective (& natural) way to experience long term benefits - not just temporary results.
For instance, getting into the routine of exfoliating your body 2-3 times a week can boost your collagen production. Collagen is the key to youthful-looking skin because it maintains the skin’s elasticity. With each year that passes, an adult will lose collagen and elastin which eventually leads to gradual sagging and wrinkles. But there’s an upside - collagen production can be stimulated and built up!
Exfoliation is an easy and effective way to stimulate collagen. When the skin is exfoliated, it activates fibroblasts; fibroblasts are cells that are responsible for making collagen (to learn more about the process of fibroblast activation click here). Simply put, consistent body exfoliation can slow down the aging process by boosting collagen production throughout the entire body.
This is one of many examples of how consistent body care can produce long term benefits.
Finally, investing your time into a weekly body care routine can boost skin regeneration.
Skin regeneration is the process by which the skin sheds dead skin cells to replace them with new skin cells. In our youth, the skin will regenerate fairly quickly (within approximately 28 days). As we age, the skin regeneration process slows down significantly. The issue is that the longer the skin takes to regenerate, the more time dead skin cells will rest on the surface of the skin. The more dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, the more dull your skin will appear.
So how will my body care routine aid skin regeneration? A body care routine will boost skin regeneration by minimizing the amount of time that dead skin cells spend on the surface of your skin.
There are different steps/products that you can work into your body care routine to boost skin regeneration:
All in all, your skincare routine should not just include your face because body care has the potential to: 1) improve your well-being & mental health; 2) produce long term health benefits; and 3) boost skin regeneration.
]]>You probably know about dry brushing and all of the great benefits that come with it. If you don't, click here to find out why you need to use our Nordic Dry Brush as part of your skincare, everywhere routine. What you may not know, is that dry brushing before you exercise can help increase these benefits and help your body sweat.
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As a single gal, Valentine’s day doesn’t mean much to me, but all the extra time spent at home this year has allowed me to focus more on self care than ever before. I realized that investing time into myself, whether it’s taking time to workout, read a book or put more effort into my skin care has been extremely beneficial to my mental and physical well-being. Because of this, I’m excited for Valentine’s day as it gives me an excuse to spend some extra money on myself.
I get it - Valentine’s day can be super corney, cheesy and filled with a lot of external pressure (even though there shouldn’t be). Don’t allow societal pressure to get to you. Do what I do, and take Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to treat yourself. Trust me, you deserve it. Here are some products that will give your skin some extra love in all the right places this Valentine's Day.
In August 2020 we traveled to downtown Toronto to pitch to the Dragons. It’s difficult to describe the nerves you experience in the weeks leading up, but I’ll give it a try in this blog post. For about a month before filming we worked with our Dragons Den producer to finalize our introductions, the set, and overall plans.
During the first call, our producer said something along the lines of… “I’m here to help you with your introduction elevator pitch, then after that, you are on your own in the den.” At first, we thought the show was more like tv, but it became clear it’s a natural fluid conversation with the Dragons.
After this realization, we wanted to get a few simple points across to the Dragons. No scripts. No canned lines. Simply talking points to show them the opportunity.
Key Points
Q: What advice would you give another business owner trying to go on Dragons Den?
We’d highly recommend practicing. The Bushbalm™ Team practiced answering questions and talking about our business strategy for months before. These conversations are generally easy to have with just your team, but when others ask they have follow up questions. We even made a ‘pitch-deck’ to talk through our strategy and pitch it to potential investors. This process helped us understand our business and the numbers behind it.
Q: How nerve wracking is it in the Den?
When you arrive at the filming studio you are greeted and given a room to essentially relax and wait your turn to pitch. As time goes on you get more nervous, but the producers at CBC do an excellent job to come around and hype you up. We had an amazing experience with the entire CBC team, as they are true professionals when it comes to the production of Dragons Den! We even got a sneak peek at some of the sets for Family Feud while on set.
Q: Did you prepare set lines for the show?
Not really. You prepare a lot for the first 30 seconds of the show with your elevator pitch, but after that, you are on your own. For us, we prepared by simply diving into every question we’d seen on previous episodes. This helped us prepare at a high level for what questions might come, so we could ensure we hit our main points! Our goal was simply to showcase the opportunity, our product-market fit, and our future ambitions with wholesale. We didn’t have any fabricated lines, as that felt too fake to us and we wanted to have a genuine conversation.
Q: Is there an NDA process?
Of course! This is a TV show and you don’t want to spoil anything. Signing an NDA was actually excellent for us, as it was the ultimate excuse to never tell anyone what happened! This just made watching the show that much more special.
Wrapping Up
This entire experience was one we will never forget! We highly recommend any of the entrepreneurial readers looking at this right now to consider applying for Dragons’ Den. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments section below.
Be sure to tune in on Thursday, December 10th @ 9PM EST on CBC to watch our pitch.
Interested in trying our products? Shop our Dragons' Den Kit here.
]]>Natural Skincare gifts for everywhere and everyone.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, meaning it’s time to make a list, add Bushbalm™ twice, and decide whose been naughty or nice. Given the year we have all lived through, and thinking about how different the holidays will look, any self-care gift for yourself or others seems like a no brainer. Plus, skincare is a gift that keeps on giving. Not only are you reminding someone to take care of themselves, you're also contributing to their healthy skin which will last much longer than an assorted box of chocolates.
So, here's your one-stop-shop Canadian made holiday gift guide to cross everyone (including yourself!) off that list and.
1) Sweet Escape Hydrating Oil
Okay, so maybe you can't gift a loved one that vacation they so desperately need this year. What you can do is gift them a quick Sweet Escape for post-shower, and help them say goodbye to ingrown hairs and keep them smelling like a tropical island all winter long.
2) Nude Oil
Who doesn't want soft, smooth, bump-free, healthy skin, everywhere? Let's face it, everyone gets razor burn and ingrown hairs in the worst places. Think underarm ingrown hairs, bikini line ingrown hairs, etc. Nude Oil is our signature oil that is perfect for any skincare enthusiast in your life who thinks they have their routine locked and loaded. Wait until you introduce them to skincare for everywhere, including down there! *Mind blown*
3) Pumpkin Spice Pubic Oil
Know someone that is a sucker for luxurious smelling fragrances and packaging? Or someone who is a Starbucks PSL fanatic? This anti-inflammatory oil will help reduce redness, treat ingrown hairs, and keep both skin and hair soft. The benefits and smell alone make this oil the perfect unexpected present under the Christmas tree this year.
4) Bermuda Oil
Just go ahead and call yourself Santa because this oil is literally going to change the gift receiver's skin. Know someone who struggles with dark spots in sensitive areas, or has scarring from hair removal? This oil is literally magical, or shall we say - a Christmas miracle.
5) Nude Body Polish Scrub
Do you or someone you know live for their bath time ritual? If the answer is yes, then our Nude exfoliating scrub is the gift for them. Our Nude Exfoliating Scrub is gentle on sensitive areas and will leave you glowing after you are done in the bathtub. This scrub is oil-based so the texture is super soft but still powerful enough to remove all unwanted baggage aka your dead skin.
6) Nordic Dry Brush
Dry brushing is an essential energizing skin-detox step that you should definitely add to your weekly routine if you have not already. You use it on dry skin, before your shower or bath, one or two times a week. It's a great addition for anyone looking to step up their self-care routine.
Oops - did we just convince you to buy a 100% natural oil, body polish scrub, and a dry brush? No worries! We have the ultimate bundle available for the holidays. Add this Essential Bikini Line Kit to your cart, and get it under that tree. Your friends and family will thank you later.
All of our skincare products are made in Canada. Our team is based in Ottawa, Ontario. It means the world to us that you took the time to read our gift guide, and decided to shop local this holiday season!
]]>"I was nervous when initially purchasing this product. Prom was coming up and I wanted to tackle my ingrown hairs, but many products promise similar results and I didn’t understand the difference between Bush Balm and the others. I emailed customer service and immediately got a response! Not only was I given tips and recommendations, but David said he hoped this would work well for me for prom! I was given a discount code and decided to purchase the nude oil! It smells strongly of tea tree oil, but I don’t mind. I use it on my underarms before and after I shower and shave. I decided to grow out my hairs until from so I would get a good shave but ended up waxing for the first time, and the Nude Oil made it easier to wax because my ingrown hairs were more cooperative! I was comfortable and confident during prom, and my hairs are softer and healthier than ever! I want to try out different oils now, I hear they smell amazing! Thank you David for your incredible customer service, and thank you Bush Balm for giving me the confidence to dance and take awesome photos all prom night long!"
Heaven is a place on earth & these oils are made there. I initially bought the sampler pack and I loved all the oils. It feels so soothing on freshly waxed skin. It makes you feel baby soft. Soft and smooth. I also love how these are all natural, no harsh chemicals that may break you out. I will be a return costumer, for myself and to give as gifts. 10 out of 10"
"Shipping was super fast. I LOVE this stuff so much I ordered the Bermuda a couple days after receiving the sweet escape. It smells really good, the bottles are cute and so far it’s keeping my skin soft and free of ingrowns. Love it and so does my husband :)"
"Been searching for something like this since my skin gets dry from shaving so much and I’m in love!! Doesn’t irritate my skin at all, has a clean scent and moisturizes. Will be purchasing again :-)"
"I have a hormone disorder which causes my thighs, bum, and bikini line to get little irritated bumps, so hair removal is very painful for me. I have tried everything to fix my skin so I feel confident showing off my legs. This stuff is INCREDIBLE! After 1 use it cleared up nearly every little bump. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am I found this product back. It gave me my skin back!!!!!! THANK YOU BUSH BALM SO SO MUCH! You gave me my skin and confidence back like I'm actually tearing up. I can't express how it feel to feel comfortable in your own skin again. Bless you!"
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