Search Results

Aaah, milia — most of us have had them, some of us still do, and many (myself included) have tried to perform DIY surgery with a sewing needle. Those tiny, stubborn white bumps that appear around the eyes or cheeks? They’re called milia  — small, hard cysts that form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin . They’re harmless, but persistent, and tend to show up in delicate areas that don’t exfoliate efficiently. Milia can appear at any age and are especially common around the eyes, temples, and upper cheeks  — areas where the skin barrier is fine, dry, and slow to renew. What Milia Are Made Of At their core, milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts  that sit just beneath the surface of the skin. Unlike breakouts, they’re not caused by bacteria or inflammation — they’re simply trapped dead skin cells that harden over time . They tend to appear where the skin’s renewal cycle is slower or the barrier is compromised — around the eyes, temples, and cheeks , but sometimes also on the nose, jawline, or chest . 🔍 Common Causes Milia can develop for a range of reasons — some internal, others environmental: • Delayed skin turnover or poor exfoliation • Long-term use of heavy creams or steroid ointments • Prolonged UV exposure and barrier dehydration • Chronic allergies or sensitive skin • Climate extremes — hot, dry days followed by cold nights (as seen in regions like Azerbaijan, where I often noticed the highest incidence of periorbital milia) • Post-treatment or trauma (after burns, rashes, or laser resurfacing) In essence, anything that slows normal desquamation (the natural process of shedding dead skin cells) or impairs barrier repair can trigger them. Environmental & Lifestyle Links Rapid temperature changes and humidity swings — particularly moving between air-conditioned interiors and dry outdoor heat — can cause micro-cracks in the barrier , encouraging keratin to accumulate below the surface. “This is why milia often flare in dry, sensitive, or environmentally stressed skin, or when thick occlusives are overused around the eyes.” Sandra ⚕️ Clinical Treatments (What Works — and What Doesn’t) In-clinic, milia can be removed using: • Sterile micro-cautery or plasma pen  (performed by trained professionals) • Fine-needle extraction  after a tiny superficial incision • Low-level cauterisation  for larger or clustered lesions ⚠️ Never attempt to remove milia at home. They sit deeper than they appear, and improper removal can lead to scarring, infection, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation . At-Home Management & Prevention You can’t exfoliate existing milia away, but you can  reduce recurrence by: • Using gel-based hydrators  instead of heavy creams (especially near the eyes)• Choosing enzyme or mild AHA/BHA cleansers  to gently refine texture • Avoiding long-term topical steroid use  unless medically necessary • Supporting your barrier with lightweight, non-occlusive hydration • Being consistent, slow, steady renewal prevents recurrence My Recommended Routine This is exactly why I formulated: • Revive & Glow Serum Drops  - with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5,  and botanical extracts  to deliver deep hydration without blocking pores. • Orange Blossom Enzymatic Gel Cleanser  - powered by natural orange blossom enzymes, Mandelic AHA, and Salicylic BHA  to promote gentle cell renewal and brighten dull skin without harsh exfoliation. • Organic Rosa Damascena Enzymatic Gel Cleanser  -featuring organic plant enzymes, Lactic and Mandelic AHAs  to smooth texture, refine pores, and support a balanced skin barrier. These gentle, targeted options keep delicate areas hydrated while encouraging the skin’s natural renewal rhythm. 🌿 My Final Thoughts and Encouragement 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 professional help if they linger. Your skin knows how to heal; it just needs the right environment to do it. 🌿 Sandra

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. Why Rigid Routines Don’t Work Most skincare advice divides us neatly: oily, dry, mature, sensitive. But what about the people who tick all of the above  depending on the week (or even the day)? That’s where rigid routines fall short. 👉 And honestly? I’m at the age where I find myself between “anti-ageing” formulas and “oily skin” care — noticing fine lines while still battling the occasional breakout. My skin doesn’t sit in one category, and I know I’m not alone. “I’m between anti-ageing and oily skin — and that’s exactly why I created mix & match skincare.” Skin isn’t static, so your skincare shouldn’t be either. Two Lines, One Philosophy I created two distinct ranges — but I ensured they  communicate with each other , not work in isolation. Orange Blossom Range :  Brighten, balance, and hydrate. Perfect when skin feels lacklustre, congested, or oily. Organic Rosa Damascena Range :  Nourish, restore, and illuminate. Designed for dull, ageing, or depleted skin. These aren’t opposing systems. They’re interchangeable allies that can be combined, layered, and adapted. My Own Ritual - Building a Mix and Match Skincare Routine Here’s how I personally cut-and-paste my routine depending on what my skin throws at me: Orange Blossom Enzyme Gel Cleanser:  my go-to for a fresh reset. Rose & Manuka Hydrosol:  to restore hydration and calm. Orange Blossom Oil-Free Moisturiser:  light, balancing, never heavy. Brightening Serum Drops when breakouts and congestion hit, Revive & Glow Serum Drops when dehydration takes over, and as a gentle, safe eye cream alternative , as I'm prone to milia. Age Rewind Oil Blend:  doubles as face, hair, and nail support. Kawakawa & Kānuka Oil Blend:  my secret weapon for the odd eczema rash, dry spot or flare-up. Some days, I reach for mostly Orange Blossom, and other days, I lean on the Organic Rosa Damascena Range. Most days, it’s a little of both. I know I’m lucky to have all these products on tap, but you can also create a  mini regimen  with them — all the information you need is available on our website. ✨ If it feels overwhelming or you’re unsure where to start, just reach out. I’m always happy to guide you. The Takeaway Think of skincare like a wardrobe. Some days you need jeans and a tee, other days it’s layers and a jacket. Your products should work the same way — flexible, adaptable, and able to shift with you. That’s why I’ve designed everything at Wild Alchemy Botanicals to work in synergy . You can pick, mix, and blend without fear of “breaking the rules.” Need a Hand Choosing? If your skin feels unpredictable or you’re not sure which products to mix and match, I’m here to help. Send me a message anytime and I’ll recommend a personalised ritual that works with your skin, not against it. You don’t need every product in the range — often just a few key pieces make a big difference. The products I’ve mentioned above (and how they can help) are also included in our curated kits. Each kit contains the products, along with detailed information to guide you in building your own personalised routine.

What Are Razor Bumps? Razor bumps, or pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) , happen when shaved hairs curl back into the skin. This causes redness, irritation, and inflamed bumps that often look like acne. It’s most common on the face and neck, especially for those with curly or coarse hair. For teens and young men just starting to shave, it can feel like an endless cycle: shave → bumps appear → bacteria spreads → skin gets more inflamed. Many try to “fix” it with harsh products that strip the skin, but that usually makes the problem worse by damaging the barrier. I remember battling severe acne myself in my early 20s, so I know how overwhelming it can feel when skin becomes a daily struggle. Having also worked with clients worldwide for nearly two decades, I’ve seen firsthand how much relief comes from understanding the difference between short-term fixes and long-term care. Folliculitis Barbae vs. Pseudofolliculitis Barbae It’s easy to confuse the two: Pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps):  hairs curling back into the skin after shaving. Folliculitis barbae:  a true infection of the follicle, usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus , appearing as pus-filled spots or boils that feel tender. 👉 If your acne is painful, spreading, or looks infected, see your GP for proper diagnosis and treatment Why Razor Bumps Happen Hair Growth Direction:  Curly or angled hairs are more likely to re-enter the skin. Shaving Technique:  Dull blades and shaving too close cause irritation. Barrier Health:  If the skin barrier is weakened, bacteria and inflammation spread more easily. Breaking the Cycle The key: reduce irritation, calm inflammation, clear bacteria, and support the barrier. Step 1: Cleanse Daily with Orange Blossom Enzyme Gel Cleanser Our Orange Blossom Enzyme Gel Cleanser  combines three powerful actions: Orange Blossom Enzymes:  gently break down surface proteins, loosening debris so hairs are less likely to get trapped. Mandelic Acid (AHA):  antibacterial, brightens, and fades post-bump marks; its larger molecule makes it gentler than glycolic acid. Salicylic Acid (BHA):  penetrates follicles to dissolve oil plugs, reduce redness, and stop hairs from curling back in. 👉 Together, this trio clears follicles, reduces bacteria ( C. acnes ), and helps prevent the cycle of irritation from repeating. Step 2: Refresh with Orange Blossom & Cucumber Hydrosol Hydrosols are gentle, water-based plant extracts ideal for post-shave care. Orange Blossom (Neroli) Hydrosol:  lightly antimicrobial, clarifying, and toning — supports a clearer complexion. Cucumber Hydrosol:  cooling, anti-inflammatory, and helps brighten post-inflammatory marks. This pairing hydrates while calming razor burn, redness, and early folliculitis flare-ups — without clogging pores. Step 3: Restore with Oil-Free Moisturiser After cleansing and toning, skin needs hydration and barrier support. Lightweight, oil-free texture:  hydrates without clogging follicles. Barrier-restoring actives:  calm inflammation, reduce redness, and support skin resilience. Keeps skin supple and less likely to develop ingrown hairs or infections. Extra Botanical Support Using oil on breakouts feels counterintuitive, I know. Our first instinct is often to ‘burn them off’ with harsh products — if it stings, it must be working, right? The reality is the opposite. When skin is already inflamed and irritated, stripping it only makes things worse. What your skin really needs is to be calmed and protected so it can repair itself. Our Kawakawa & Kānuka Oil Blend  is made with healing native botanicals, not heavy pore-blocking oils. Kawakawa   Oil and Leaf → treasured in Aotearoa for soothing inflamed, irritated skin with its natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Organic Kānuka Oil*  → antimicrobial, antifungal, and protective, helping keep C. acnes  and other bacteria in check. Organic Almond Oil*  → lightweight, nourishing, and easily absorbed, softening without suffocating the skin. Organic Vitamin E*  → antioxidant support that helps strengthen and repair a compromised barrier. ✨ Together, this blend creates a breathable, protective layer that quiets irritation, supports healing, and restores balance  — making it an ideal ally when bumps, barber’s rash, or folliculitis strike. *BioGro NZ Certified Organic Practical Hygiene Tips - during flare-ups ✔ Change pillowcases every few days (they collect oil + bacteria).  ✔ Use clean wash cloths each time — never reuse. ✔ Wash pillowcases and cloths in a hot cycle — drop in a Milton antibacterial tablet for extra protection. ✔ Avoid harsh, alcohol-based or foaming products that strip the skin. ✔ During flare-ups, switch to disposable razors or disinfect blades to reduce bacterial spread. ✔ Always shave with the grain, not against it. Looking Deeper: Beyond Topical Care Sometimes bumps keep coming back, even with consistent skincare and hygiene habits. When that happens, it’s worth looking at both deeper treatment options and the bigger picture of overall health. IPL & Laser Hair Reduction (LHR) Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)  and certain laser treatments can penetrate deeper into the skin, reducing Cutibacterium acnes  (the bacteria linked to acne and folliculitis) and calming inflammation. Studies show IPL can improve acne severity, regulate oil production, and help restore a healthier skin microbiome. Caution:  For men, laser hair reduction may also permanently reduce beard or neck hair. That’s why it’s usually best to first try topical care and, if needed, prescription options before considering light-based treatments. Gut, Stress & Emotional Health Skin conditions like folliculitis and acne don’t just live on the surface — they’re often influenced by what’s happening internally. Gut–Brain–Skin Connection:  Research suggests emotional stress can alter gut health, increase inflammation, and show up in the skin. People with acne are more likely to experience digestive issues such as constipation or IBS. Stress & Emotions:  Chronic stress, anxiety, or holding in emotions can heighten systemic inflammation and worsen breakouts. Lifestyle Factors:  Poor sleep, low-fibre diets, and lack of exercise can all influence both gut and skin health. Metaphysically, acne has long been linked with themes of anger, self-criticism, and stress  — the body’s way of signalling imbalance. While short-term solutions clear the skin, long-term resilience often comes from shifts in daily life, diet, stress management, and self-care. A Balanced Perspective Start with surface care:  cleansers, hydrosols, and lightweight moisturisers help restore calm and break the irritation cycle. You're probably doing all the hygiene stuff Medication:  If infection has already set in, medication may be needed to get it under control. Your GP can guide you easily on the best treatment. Consider deeper options carefully:  IPL or laser can help, but always with professional guidance. Look inward too:  nourishing the gut, easing stress, and supporting mental wellbeing can be as important as what you apply to your skin. These insights come from both my own journey with severe acne and the many conversations I’ve had with clients across the world. Skin health is never just surface-deep — it’s a mirror of what’s happening inside and around us. Razor bumps and folliculitis are common and manageable, but they can also be gentle reminders to pause, rebalance, and care for ourselves more fully.

Handcrafted skincare, born in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Wild Alchemy Botanicals combines nature and science to create natural skincare that restores your skin to radiant balance. Botanical Skincare. Crafted in Aotearoa. Formulated with Precision, Rooted in Taiao Handcrafted natural skincare, born in Aotearoa New Zealand. Wild Alchemy Botanicals blends science and nature to bring your skin back into radiant balance. SHOP THE COLLECTION Botanical to Bottle Rosehip, pomegranate, watermelon, and cucumber — crafted in small batches for radiant, healthy skin Real Skin. Real Care. Clean formulations for radiant, resilient skin SHOP THE COLLECTION Nature + Science, in Balance. Botanical wisdom meets clinical precision — delivering results you can see and feel. DISCOVER MORE Best-Sellers. Loved by Skin. Our most-loved products, chosen for their radiant results Nature Meets Science: Ingredient Glossary Curious about your skincare? Explore our A–Z glossary of ingredients EXPLORE INGREDIENTS Skincare Wisdom Explore insights, research, and tips for healthy, radiant skin Milia: What They Are, Why They Form, and How to Treat Them Safely Customer Care Mix & Match Skincare for Real, Changeable Skin Customer Care Razor Bumps: What They Are and How You Can Manage Them Skincare Education

Created by dermal clinician Sandra Moetara, Wild Alchemy Botanicals unites clinical precision with the natural wisdom of Taiao for radiant, balanced skin. ABOUT Wild Alchemy Botanicals – natural skincare, human connection Meet the Maker Sandra Moetara Ngāti Korokoro, Te Roroa Kia ora, I’m Sandra, creator of Wild Alchemy Botanicals. I craft small-batch skincare here in Aotearoa, blending a lifelong love of nature with nearly two decades of practice as a dermal therapist and educator. My work honours formulating with intention, skill, and deep respect for the land I come from. Formulated with Precision, Rooted in Taiao (Nature) After three years of careful development, Wild Alchemy Botanicals was born from my deep respect for nature and proven formulation science. Every ingredient is chosen with purpose, every batch handcrafted to meet the needs of real skin in the real world. Whether your skin is navigating acne, dullness, sensitivity, or the signs of ageing, I create formulations that support it, gently and effectively. Premium Ingredients. Real Results. Wild Alchemy Botanicals products are formulated with a balance of active and botanical ingredients, carefully chosen to restore, hydrate, and support the skin barrier. I formulate products blending active ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, CoQ10, Vitamin C, AHAs and BHAs, potent botanicals like Kawakawa, Mānuka and Kānuka, fruit extracts, and nutrient-rich plant oils - my formulations work in harmony with the skin’s natural rhythm of renewal. I believe that understanding your skin is powerful, which is why I share honest education, resources and downloadable user guides - to help you build confidence and create rituals that move with your skin, not against it. Global Expertise Local Roots With nearly two decades of hands-on experience in dermal therapy, my work has spanned clinical practice, medi-spa settings, and education - giving me a deep understanding of how skin behaves, heals, and responds in the real world. I hold a Diploma in Beauty & Spa Therapy from Elite (NZ), along with CIBTAC (UK) and CIDESCO (Swiss) international qualifications. My journey began at Caci Clinic here in Aotearoa, where I learned how the right treatments and formulations could transform both skin and confidence. From there, my career took me across Australia and the Middle East, expanding my knowledge of diverse skin types and climates. Licensed under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) as a Skin and Laser Technician, I worked under the supervision of dermatologists and cosmetic nurses to deliver results-driven skin health programs. After returning home to New Zealand, I joined Wintec as an academic staff member, teaching Beauty Therapy while completing my Adult Teaching Diploma and contributing to NZQA syllabus development - a role that reinforced my commitment to education and integrity in skincare. Today, I bring that global and educational perspective into Wild Alchemy Botanicals — blending clinical precision with a barrier-supportive, holistic philosophy that honours both science and nature. Clinical Expertise & Advanced Certifications LHR Laser Hair Removal IPL Photo Rejuvenation Microneedling, Light Therapies, Sonophoresis Skin Infusion Customised Skin Correction Programs (Dermamelan & Cosmelan Medical Depigmentation Treatments) Holistic, Barrier-Supportive Skincare (both topical care and internal balance) Nature’s Healing Power: My First Lessons My first lessons in skincare didn’t come from a clinic or a textbook—they came from the icy waters of the South Pacific and an intensely bitter herb I was made to drink. As a child, I struggled with recurring eczema that one harsh winter developed into juvenile plantar dermatosis (JPD)—a painful condition that left my feet cracked, inflamed, and raw. Every step was agony. We tried all the conventional options—steroid creams, ointments, even injections—but nothing brought lasting relief. In the end, it was a return to nature that made the difference. Every winter morning, my parents led me down to the sea. I’d stand barefoot in the freezing ocean, crying from the sting, while they trusted the mineral-rich saltwater to do what medicine had not. By sunrise, the swelling had eased, the cracks were softer, and walking hurt a little less. That ritual became part of our weekly routine for the rest of the season. Alongside that, pūhā (Sonchus oleraceus) became part of my daily meals—boiled into kai, or served as a hot, earthy broth. Its bitterness was unforgettable, but so were the results. Tradition Meets Science Years later, I would come to understand what my parents—and generations before them—already knew. Pūhā is packed with Vitamins A, B, and C: key nutrients that support skin healing, immune strength, and cellular repair. The ocean’s saltwater, too, is more than a comfort—it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, rich in minerals that soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin’s barrier. This experience shaped everything that followed. It showed me that science and nature are not opposing forces—they’re allies. True wellness, including skincare, honours both: ancestral knowledge and clinical evidence, the wild and the precise. It’s this belief that continues to guide me—both personally and in my work with Wild Alchemy Botanicals. Every product I formulate holds space for both worlds: the time-tested healing of taiao (nature) and the validating data of skin science. All content and formulations are original to Wild Alchemy Botanicals. For full details, see our Legal Notice Discover the Collection Handcrafted in Aotearoa Explore the products your skin’s been waiting for SHOP THE COLLECTION sandra@wildalchemy.online NZ 020 41367162

Clear shipping timeframes (NZ & international) and simple returns for Wild Alchemy Botanicals NZ-made skincare. Shipping & Returns New Zealand Flat-rate urban delivery is $8.50 (tracked) All parcels are sent with NZ Post Courier. Standard delivery takes 2–4 business days, with rural addresses requiring an additional 2–3 business days. Australia Shipping starts from $30 NZD (tracked), calculated by weight at checkout. Sent via NZ Post International Economy Tracked service. Estimated delivery: 7–14 business days. Japan, Singapore & South Korea Tracked international shipping starts from $46 NZD, calculated by weight at checkout. Shipped using NZ Post International Economy Tracked. Estimated delivery: 4–10 business days. United Arab Emirates Courier Tracked + Signature service from $55 NZD, calculated by weight at checkout. Delivered via NZ Post International Courier. Estimated delivery: 4–6 business days. Please note: We do our best to keep shipping rates up to date; however, prices may fluctuate slightly from time to time in line with NZ Post carrier adjustments. Customs & Import Fees International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, or import fees in the destination country. These are the customer’s responsibility. Returns & Exchanges As our skincare is handcrafted in small batches, we cannot accept returns for change of mind, or for opened/used products, due to hygiene reasons. If your order arrives damaged, faulty, or incorrect, please get in touch with us within 7 days of delivery with your order number and photos. We’ll arrange a replacement or refund. For support, please email us at Sandra@wildalchemy.online New Zealand Customers Your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 apply in addition to our policy above. If a product is faulty, unsafe, or does not meet the guarantees of the Act, you are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund. International Customers The Consumer Guarantees Act does not apply to overseas purchases. However, we’ll always handle returns and refunds in line with our policy and work with you in good faith to resolve any issues.