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Part 2: Internal & Lifestyle Factors People Often Reflect On Series context 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. The observations shared here are offered for general awareness and personal reflection only. They are not intended as medical, nutritional, or diagnostic advice. For personalised guidance, consult a qualified health professional. Skin as a reflection, not a problem to solve | Internal factors affecting skin Internal factors affecting skin are often considered when breakouts or congestion persist despite consistent, supportive skincare. Skin is often treated as something to correct or control. But for many of us, ongoing congestion or breakouts behave less like a surface issue and more like a reflection of what the body has been navigating over time. When skincare is supportive but results plateau, it can be helpful to step back and ask broader questions — without assuming anything is “wrong.” Digestion and elimination Some people notice a relationship between how their digestion feels and how their skin behaves. Feelings of sluggish digestion, bloating, or irregular elimination are commonly discussed in relation to systemic inflammation — which, for some, may show up through the skin as congestion or dullness. This is an area many people choose to explore further with qualified practitioners, especially when skin concerns persist despite topical care. Food sensitivities and low-grade inflammation Not all reactions are immediate or obvious. Low-grade food sensitivities are often described as subtle and cumulative rather than acute. For some individuals, these sensitivities are associated with general inflammation in the body, which may influence skin behaviour over time. This isn’t about restriction or elimination — it’s about awareness and noticing patterns. Stress and the nervous system This is one of the most consistently observed influences on the skin. Periods of prolonged stress can coincide with: Increased oil production Slower skin recovery More frequent or stubborn flare-ups Many people notice that their skin changes less in response to products — and more in response to what their nervous system has been carrying. The gut–brain–skin conversation The connection between the gut, the brain, and the skin is increasingly discussed in both research and clinical settings. Rather than separate systems, they are often described as communicating continuously — meaning strain in one area can sometimes be reflected in another. For some people, this broader understanding offers reassurance: skin struggles don’t always originate at the surface. Holding the line with skincare When internal or lifestyle factors are under strain, the role of skincare often shifts. Instead of correcting or transforming, skincare becomes about: Maintaining the barrier Reducing additional irritation Supporting calm and consistency In these periods, gentle, non-reactive routines can help the skin feel supported while other aspects are explored at a personal pace. Coming up next In Part 3 , we’ll look at how to use skincare wisely during times when the skin is influenced by internal stress — including why consistency often matters more than intensity. → Continue to Part 3: Using Skincare Wisely When Skin Is Under Internal Stress

Part 1: Why Breakouts Don’t Always Respond to Products Topical skincare plays an important role in supporting the skin barrier, regulating surface oil, and calming visible inflammation. Thoughtfully formulated products can make a meaningful difference to how skin looks and feels. However, when breakouts, congestion, or oil imbalance persist despite consistent skincare, it’s often a sign that other factors may be influencing the skin from within. In these cases, skincare alone may not be the full answer — and that’s not a failure of the products or the person using them. This journal series explores where skincare fits, where it reaches its limits, and other areas some people choose to reflect on when their skin feels “stuck.” The observations shared in this series are offered for general awareness and personal reflection only. They are not intended as medical, nutritional, or diagnostic advice. For personalised support, consult a qualified health professional. When skincare isn’t the whole story, it can be helpful to pause, reduce product changes, and consider whether other factors may be influencing the skin. When you’re doing “everything right” — and your skin still struggles It can be deeply frustrating to invest time, care, and money into skincare, only to feel like your skin isn’t responding the way it should. Many people in this position assume they simply haven’t found the right  product yet. In reality, persistent breakouts or oiliness are not always a topical issue. 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. This doesn’t mean skincare is pointless. It means it has a defined role . What topical skincare does well Thoughtful formulations can: Support the skin barrier Help regulate surface oil production Calm visible inflammation Encourage gentle renewal Reduce post-breakout irritation and uneven tone This is where calming, balancing routines — such as those built around gentle cleansing, barrier support, and non-stripping hydration — are most effective. Skincare sets the conditions for healthier skin. It creates stability. What it can’t always do is override internal stressors. When product changes don’t alter the pattern If breakouts keep returning in familiar ways — along the jawline, through the T-zone, or during periods of stress — changing products repeatedly often brings diminishing returns. Many people notice that: Skin flares during stressful periods Congestion coincides with feeling run-down or inflamed Oiliness persists regardless of how “light” or “balancing” products are These patterns are not a reflection of poor skincare choices. They’re signals that the skin may be responding to more than what’s being applied topically. This is where barrier support during periods of skin stress  becomes important. A gentler way to look at skin that feels “stuck” Rather than asking “What product should I buy next?” , it can be more supportive to ask: What has my body been under lately? Has anything shifted in my stress levels or routines? Is my skin asking for steadiness rather than correction? Sometimes the role of skincare isn’t to fix — it’s to hold the line  while other pieces are explored. And that’s not giving up. That’s listening. Coming up next In Part 2 , we’ll gently explore some internal and lifestyle factors people often choose to reflect on when their skin doesn’t respond to skincare alone — without diagnosis, advice, or quick fixes. → Continue to Part 2: Breakouts That Linger — Internal & Lifestyle Factors People Often Explore

Face Mapping: Listening to the Body’s Language The skin, as part of the integumentary system , is the largest organ of the body, and it speaks loudly when something beneath the surface is out of tune. Every flare, flush, or dullness is a form of communication, shaped by countless internal and external influences. Educating ourselves to recognise these signs becomes a quiet form of empowerment. It’s how we learn to discern between what our body is truly asking for and what marketing trends are trying to sell us. 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. The Forehead - Stress and Digestion The forehead often mirrors our mental and digestive states. Tension, dehydration, or irregular digestion can all appear here as fine bumps or uneven tone. Rather than seeking an instant topical fix, it may be worth slowing down meals, hydrating properly, and easing the nervous system. Gentle exfoliation and botanical hydration can support the skin’s renewal, but calm digestion and rest often restore the glow that products alone can’t reach. The Nose - Circulation and Emotion In many traditional systems, the nose corresponds to the heart and circulatory network. Redness or congestion may point to emotional strain, stress, or elevated internal heat. Breathing exercises, magnesium-rich foods, and time outdoors can help rebalance this flow. When our emotional rhythm settles, the complexion often follows suit. The Cheeks - Breath and Environment The cheeks are deeply connected to the lungs and respiratory health. This area reflects how we breathe, the air we live in, and the environments we move through. Sensitivity or congestion here can relate to allergens, pollutants, or even shallow breathing. Prioritising fresh air, movement, and botanical ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier — such as niacinamide, rose, or cucumber — can help restore clarity and resilience. The Chin and Jawline - Hormones and Cycles This lower region of the face is influenced by hormonal shifts and reproductive rhythms. Breakouts here often surface around the menstrual cycle or periods of stress, when the endocrine system is taxed. Supporting balance through sleep, mindful nutrition, and mineral-rich botanicals helps the skin return to equilibrium. Topically, this is a zone where gentle exfoliants and non-comedogenic hydration make a visible difference. The Ongoing Conversation When we view the skin as part of a larger conversation between body, mind, and environment, skincare becomes less about correction and more about understanding. The body speaks in patterns; our job is to listen, learn, and respond with care. When we understand how the integumentary system responds to stress, hormones, and environment — and how these factors translate into inflammation and visible skin changes — we become less susceptible to hype and confusion.  Knowledge becomes our quiet rebellion against quick fixes.

Natural skincare NZ, formulated in Aotearoa New Zealand by a clinical skin therapist. Small-batch botanical serums, oils, hydrosols, and bath salts designed for real skin and long-term balance. Skincare. F ormulated with precision. Rooted in Taiao. SHOP THE COLLECTION Designed for real skin. Every day Skin is not static. Skincare shouldn't be either. SHOP THE COLLECTION Signature Complexes. Precisely formulated. Small-Batch by Design Crafted in Aotearoa New Zealand. From The Journal Insights, rituals, and research on skincare that connect science, nature, and daily care. Internal factors affecting skin: when skincare isn’t the whole story Customer Care When skincare isn’t the whole story for persistent breakouts Customer Care READ MORE ARTICLES Join the Botanical Circle Be the first to know about new launches and exclusive offers. First name * Email Subscribe I want to subscribe to your mailing list. Submit

Clear shipping timeframes (NZ & international) and simple returns for Wild Alchemy Botanicals NZ-made skincare. Shipping & Returns Processing Times Orders are packed and dispatched within 1–2 business days (Tuesday–Saturday). Delivery timeframes are outlined below. New Zealand Flat-rate urban delivery is $8.50 NZD (tracked). All parcels are sent via 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. Orders are sent via NZ Post International Economy Tracked service. Estimated delivery: 7–14 business days. Japan, & South Korea Tracked international shipping starts from $46 NZD, calculated by weight at checkout. Orders are shipped via 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. Shipping rates are kept up to date; however, prices may change occasionally 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 charges are the responsibility of the recipient. Returns & Exchanges As our skincare is handcrafted in small batches, we do not accept returns for change of mind or for opened or used products, due to hygiene considerations. This does not affect your rights under the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act. If your order arrives damaged, faulty, or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days of delivery with your order number and photographs. A replacement or refund will be arranged where required. For support, please contact wildalchemy.skincare@gmail.com New Zealand Customers Your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Fair Trading Act 1986 apply in addition to our policies. If a product is faulty, unsafe, or does not meet the guarantees of the Act, you are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund, as applicable. International Customers The New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act does not apply to international purchases. However, returns and refunds are handled in accordance with our policy, and we’ll work with you in good faith to resolve any issues.

Wild Alchemy Botanicals’ legal notice outlining brand ownership, website use, and intellectual property rights — from our studio in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Wild Alchemy Botanicals — Aotearoa New Zealand Last updated: 10 October 2025 Intellectual Property All content on this website — including text, product descriptions, formulations, images, graphics, videos, and branding elements — is the intellectual property of Wild Alchemy Botanicals. This material is protected by copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws in New Zealand and internationally. You may not: Copy, reproduce, or distribute any content without prior written consent. Imitate, rebrand, or misrepresent our products, packaging, or trademarks. Use our formulations, product names, content, or brand assets for commercial purposes without explicit authorisation. Enforcement Unauthorised reproduction, imitation, or distribution constitutes a breach of intellectual property rights. Wild Alchemy Botanicals actively monitors infringement and reserves the right to pursue legal action under applicable NZ and international law. We take brand protection seriously to ensure the integrity of our work and the authenticity of our handcrafted products. Disclaimer The information on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. All Wild Alchemy Botanicals products are blended with care using natural and active ingredients in accordance with industry standards. However, individual results may vary based on skin type, health, and lifestyle factors. Please: Perform a patch test before use . Consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have skin concerns, allergies, or are using prescribed treatments. Wild Alchemy Botanicals accepts no responsibility for misuse, allergic reactions, or outcomes beyond our control. By using this website and our products, you acknowledge and agree to these terms. Contact For questions about our Legal Notices or Intellectual Property, please contact: wildalchemy.skincare@gmail.com