BRAZEN BLOG

The Herbalist’s Secret to Silky, Balanced Hair: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

The Herbalist’s Secret to Silky, Balanced Hair: Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Posted by Brazen Bee Beauty on May 19th 2025

As a skincare herbalist, I've been using apple cider vinegar on my hair for YEARS! One timeless yet often overlooked remedy for healthy hair is the humble apple cider vinegar (ACV) rinse—especially when paired with traditional handmilled soap-based shampoo bars like those we handcraft here at Brazen Bee Beauty. Let’s dive into why ACV is a powerful tool for your hair routine, and how to use it properly for the best results. Why Use an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse? Soap-based shampoo ba … read more
Dyshidrotic Eczema: A Skincare Herbalist’s Guide to Root-Cause Relief and Herbal Healing

Dyshidrotic Eczema: A Skincare Herbalist’s Guide to Root-Cause Relief and Herbal Healing

Posted by Brazen Bee Beauty on Apr 29th 2025

Dyshidrotic eczema—also known as pompholyx or vesicular eczema—is a particularly frustrating and often chronic form of eczema that uniquely affects the hands, fingers, toes, and soles of the feet. It presents as tiny, fluid-filled blisters that cause intense itching, burning, and sometimes pain. After the blisters dry, the skin may peel, crack, or thicken. As a skincare herbalist, I understand this condition as not only a dermatological issue but also a signal from the body pointi … read more
What Does "Preservative-Free" Really Mean — and Why It Matters for Your Skin and Health

What Does "Preservative-Free" Really Mean — and Why It Matters for Your Skin and Health

Posted by Courtney Henslee on Apr 23rd 2025

As a skincare herbalist, I spend a lot of time educating people about the beautiful intersection between nature, skin, and health. One of the most common — and important — topics that comes up is preservatives. You might see skincare brands proudly advertise “preservative-free” formulas, but what does that really mean? And why should you care? Let’s dive deep. Why I Started Making Skincare Before I became a skincare herbalist, I was a chef — and someone deeply … read more
Gua Sha for Radiant Skin: A Skincare Herbalist’s Guide

Gua Sha for Radiant Skin: A Skincare Herbalist’s Guide

Posted by Courtney Henslee on Apr 21st 2025

Gua sha is an ancient healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Once used primarily on the body to treat stagnation and chronic illness, it has beautifully transitioned into the skincare world, offering a gentle, natural method to lift, tone, and detoxify the skin. As a skincare herbalist, I love gua sha because it not only supports the skin physically but also energetically — clearing tension, promoting circulation, and moving lymph fluid for a truly holistic glow. T … read more
Mast Cell Activation vs. Histamine Intolerance: What They Are, How They Differ, and How They Affect Your Skin

Mast Cell Activation vs. Histamine Intolerance: What They Are, How They Differ, and How They Affect Your Skin

Posted by Brazen Bee Beauty on Apr 18th 2025

As a skincare herbalist, I see many of my clients struggling with mysterious skin issues that don't always respond to the usual treatments. Often, the root cause lies deeper, involving imbalances in the immune system and the body's histamine pathways. Two common but often misunderstood culprits are Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Histamine Intolerance (HIT). Today, we'll dive into what they are, their differences, similarities, and how they can show up on your skin. What is Mast Cell A … read more