I have 20 Top Bar hives in my orchard in Arroyo Seco, near Taos, NM, at 7,600ft.

I call it a sanctuary for the bees, because I care for them and provide them with shelter from this changing environment.

I treat the bees with respect and naturally (no chemicals) so that the products they make are clean. I leave them with lots of their own honey every winter.

I’m passionate about bees and the environment, and simple stuff. I grow my own organic food and want to put organic products on my skin too, that’s why I hand-craft this skin care line in small batches based on all the amazing products that the bees produce.

Raw honey is honey in its purest form. Raw honey is never micron filtered or heated above natural hive temperatures. One of the major benefits of raw honey is that it’s nature’s own multivitamin. Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it’s great for acne treatment and prevention. It’s full of antioxidants, it is great for slowing down aging. It is extremely moisturizing and soothing, so it helps to smooth out your skin.

Raw beeswax has been touted since ancient times for its healing and protective qualities. It is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that softens and protects skin from irritants. It forms a light barrier on the skin, helping to seal in moisture without clogging pores.

Propolis is a sticky resin that seeps from the buds of some trees and bark, the bees use it to seal their hives. Propolis is anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal,  anti-acne and high in antioxidants and phytochemicals and flavonoids and increases circulation in the skin.

Royal Jelly is made by young bees to feed the queen, who can live for years compared to the worker bees who only live for weeks. It contains water, proteins: amino acids, including all the amino acids that are essential for human nutrition; fructose and glucose; lipids; minerals; and vitamins. Royal Jelly’s fats, suspended as a natural emulsion, have moisturizing properties, protect skin from dehydration and reduce inflammation. Amino acids are a component of collagen, which keeps the skin firm.

Bee pollen is collected from flowering plants and is loaded with ‘skin health’ boosting substances like zinc, silica, and dozens of anti-oxidants and fatty acids. Due to its high content of nucleic acids, bee pollen can prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulate the growth of new skin. When bee pollen penetrates the skin it automatically nourishes the cells and tissue beneath the skin.

Sunflower seed oil is a rich, hydrating oil that is used as a moisturizer. It nourishes cells while providing a protective barrier to prevent water loss from the skin.