In Part 1, we explored why persistent breakouts and oil imbalance don’t always respond to topical skincare alone — and why that isn’t a failure of products or the person using them. This second journal gently widens the lens. Rather than offering solutions or advice, it outlines a few internal and lifestyle areas that people commonly choose to reflect on when their skin feels “stuck,” despite consistent, well-chosen skincare.

Good skincare can support the skin beautifully — but it works on the surface. When the skin continues to feel inflamed, congested, or reactive despite a gentle, consistent routine, it’s often a sign that something else may be contributing behind the scenes.

Through face-mapping, we begin to understand that no product or treatment exists in isolation. The forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin all tell different parts of the same story. These areas aren’t diagnostic zones but mirrors reflecting how our systems interact - digestion, circulation, hormones, and breath. When we learn to listen, patterns start to reveal themselves.

Hydrate, Plump, and Protect. Citrullus lanatus, more commonly known as watermelon, is more than just a refreshing summer fruit—it's a skincare powerhouse when extracted into a glycerite. Rich in lycopene, vitamins, and amino acids, this botanical offers gentle yet effective hydration and antioxidant protection for all skin types.

Each plant carries layers of chemistry that respond to what the skin needs in that moment. Mānuka doesn’t only purify; it also supports collagen renewal. Orange Blossom doesn’t only brighten; it clarifies, soothes, and restores balance. Kawakawa calms irritation while encouraging repair. Kānuka brings clarity and comfort in equal measure.

In the rhythm of everyday life, our skin absorbs stress as easily as sunlight. Heat, fatigue, and imbalance can leave it reactive or dull — and that’s where our HydraCalm™ Complex comes in.

Mānuka and Kānuka are often mistaken for one another — both are white-flowering natives that perfume the air each summer, both are treasured in rongoā Māori (traditional medicine) as powerful rākau rongoā — healing trees. Yet beneath the surface, these close cousins carry distinct personalities, chemistries, and gifts for the skin.

Serums have earned their place as a cornerstone of modern skincare — and for good reason. These concentrated, fast-absorbing formulas deliver high-performing actives deep within the skin to address dryness, dullness, and uneven tone. Our Revive & Glow Serum Drops embody this philosophy: a silky, lightweight infusion of hydration, renewal, and natural radiance designed to elevate your skincare routine.

Milia are benign but persistent - and I get them too, thanks to a mix of skin allergies, sensitivities, eczema, and past steroid use. They irritate me constantly, but they’re not a flaw, just a signal that our skin’s natural shedding cycle needs a little guidance. These experiences have shaped the way I formulate every product at Wild Alchemy Botanicals with sensitivity, barrier health, and real skin challenges in mind. Treat them patiently, protect your barrier, and seek pr

Some days, my forehead is flaky, my nose is oily, and my chin decides to throw a hormonal tantrum. Welcome to life — skin that shifts, changes, and never quite fits into one tidy box. If that sounds familiar, you’re not broken and you’re not doing skincare “wrong.” It just means your skin is alive, dynamic, and responding to hormones, stress, and the environment.

For teens and young men just starting to shave, it can feel like a cycle: shaving causes irritation → bumps appear → acne bacteria spreads → skin gets even more inflamed. To make matters worse, many reach for harsh, stripping products that dry out the skin and make the irritation worse.

There are times when our skin loses its spark - tone uneven, glow muted, vitality hidden beneath Ageing Skin: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and uneven tone while supporting firmness and elasticity. Dry or Dehydrated Skin: Rich in moisture-retaining compounds, it leaves the skin feeling deeply nourished, plump, and smooth. Sensitive or Irritated Skin: With calming, anti-inflammatory benefits, it’s perfect for reducing redness and soo

Keratosis pilaris (known to you and me as “chicken skin”) is a very common skin condition. I’ve seen it so often in clinic, and I experience it myself from time to time. Clients often ask me about it on the sly, because it’s something many of us see as an “imperfection” we should hide.

A closer look at our botanical ingredient philosophy - crafted for balance, purity, and radiant skin.

Skincare ingredients can have varied effects on different individuals. While a component might work wonders for one person, it could cause i