Founder. Mom of four. Skincare enthusiast. Baylee Relf built DIME on the belief that clean products can deliver real results—and that motherhood doesn’t mean putting yourself last. We chatted with her about feeling beautiful through every season, balancing innovation with intuition, and why the best self-care sometimes starts with a candle and a book.
Baylee! How are you doing this week, this month, this year?
This time of year is so hectic. My kid’s schedules are so busy that sometimes I feel like we’re in survival mode but in the best way. I’m feeling so happy yet so tired!
You’re having an explosive year with DIME, how did the idea for DIME come to you?
When I started my own practice seeing clients everyday, I started to notice how certain ingredients and products were affecting my clients’ skin for the better or for the worse. At this time my husband was in contract manufacturing and was helping other people make their products, so we started to talk every night about different ingredients—specifically clean and safe ones—and how we could develop better products. By that I mean not only using clean, safer ingredients to not compromise our bodily health, but also using New Age technology and techniques to create better performing formulas.
We’re always striving to stay on top of innovative blends that are coming out and trying to educate people that clean isn’t all natural. We use safe synthetic ingredients as well as natural ingredients that are actually good for you, and it’s the marriage between the two that really gives people the results they’re looking for.
What makes you the most excited about DIME?
I’m excited about creating solutions for people’s everyday lives that I know are better for them from a health standpoint, without sacrificing the amazing results that we’re all looking for. We would never use ingredients that would compromise the body’s ability to function how it should. I’m also really passionate about providing cleaner alternatives to anti-aging and acne products for people that don’t want to compromise their health or skin barrier, while still providing real results.
What’s your philosophy when it comes to “clean” beauty?
I define clean beauty as anything that is not compromising your skin health, your bodily health, and even the environment. Clean beauty is still very efficacious but safer and healthier to use.
Rumor is you have a new pregnancy safe product bundle…what inspired this?
I have four kids and I feel like I’ve been pregnant/having babies the whole span of DIME’s life, and I didn’t want to create products that I couldn’t use myself during that time. I also believe there are ingredients out there that we should be avoiding while pregnant, and I feel like why use those ingredients at all? All five products in our ‘Pregnancy Glow’ bundle are clean and formulated with EWG verified ingredients, so you can nurture your skin without worry throughout every stage of motherhood.
What does the current market lack or get wrong when it comes to pregnancy-safe beauty options? Are there any myths to debunk?
People would always tell me that they can’t use anything effective to take care of acne and anti-aging while pregnant, and I was always so excited to debunk that! I would educate them on our products and the many ingredients that are safe, healthy, and still effective at treating skin concerns and issues.
Any tips for women who are currently pregnant or postpartum and are finding it challenging to “feel beautiful”?
I always remind myself when I am feeling this way that first, it is normal and okay to feel imperfect, and second that it’s just a season. I won’t feel this way forever. The best thing for me to do is prioritize things that make me feel better—whether it’s a nice long walk around a store or a book and a long bath. If I can make myself feel a little taken care of, then I stop focusing on how I look and more on how I feel.
As a mom and founder, how has your approach to beauty and self-care evolved over the years?
When I was younger I used to be all about the quick fixes and instant results. Now I’ve learned that slow and steady, and consistent efforts for my skin, is better in the long run. I’ve taken a more healthy and sustainable approach to beauty and self care.
What’s a beauty must-have or ritual you stand by and will always make time for?
I always always always make time for my night time routine. I love a good night time routine. Right now mine looks like getting in my pajamas, lighting a candle, doing my skin care, and getting into bed to read my book. It helps me to unwind and take care of me, even if it is romanticized a little bit haha!
Current state of mind? Grateful
Advice to ignore? Enjoy every moment. Sometimes motherhood or womanhood is really hard and when you feel like you’re struggling and not favoring every second I feel guilty because I feel like I’m doing something wrong. So, I’m trying to accept the feelings I’m having no matter what season I’m in.
The first thing you did after birth? I had gestational diabetes with three of my babies so the first thing I did after birth was having as many carbs as I could. I wanted pasta, fries, and bread!
Your go–to pregnancy craving? A bagel with cream cheese, and what’s funny is that was what my mom craved when she was pregnant with me. It was passed down I guess.
This article was written in partnership with DIME.
