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Watermelon Glycerite Extract – Citrullus lanatus Hydrate, Plump, and Protect Citrullus lanatus , better known as watermelon, isn’t just a summer treat. When extracted into a glycerite, it becomes a genuinely useful skincare ingredient - light, hydrating, and packed with antioxidants. Think of it as a simple, skin-loving botanical that actually does what it promises: helps skin feel fresher, softer, and more resilient. Hydrating Skincare Benefits You’ll Actually Notice Deep hydration  that feels light, never sticky — ideal if your skin gets tight, dull, or dehydrated. Brighter, fresher-looking complexion  thanks to naturally occurring antioxidants. Supports elasticity  and helps soften the look of early fine lines. Calms irritation  and helps balance oil — gentle enough for sensitive or breakout-prone skin. Gives a plump, dewy feel  without relying on heavy creams or oils. Watermelon extract has been studied for its ability to support the skin barrier and reduce trans-epidermal water loss. In plain terms: it helps the skin hold onto hydration for longer. That’s why it works so well in everyday formulas - it doesn’t overpromise, but it quietly makes a noticeable difference. — Sandra A Deeper Look Lycopene Power: This antioxidant helps shield the skin from daily environmental stress and oxidative damage - two major contributors to premature ageing. It supports elasticity and encourages a smoother, more even complexion. Hydration Hero: Glycerine draws moisture into the skin; watermelon naturally contains water and nutrients. Together, they provide deep, lasting hydration for dry, rough, or tired skin. Vitamin-Rich Revival: Vitamins A and C help support collagen production, repair the look of stressed or damaged skin, and brighten areas of dullness. Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing: Watermelon’s amino acids help calm redness, soften irritation, and support oil balance — making this extract suitable even for sensitive and acne-prone skin. You’ll find it in our: Juicy Skin -Wild Alchemy Botanicals

The most beautiful thing about working with botanicals is their complexity- their botanical intelligence They don’t perform just one task; they adapt, multitasking intuitively to meet the skin’s shifting needs. Each plant carries layers of chemistry that respond in real time to what the skin requires. Mānuka strengthens and supports collagen renewal, and purifies. Orange Blossom brightens clarifies, soothes, and helps regulate excess oil. Kawakawa calms irritation while actively encouraging repair. Kānuka is one of Aotearoa’s most broad-spectrum botanicals - naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal - helping to purify and protect while bringing calm to the skin. We know plants possess an innate intelligence that has evolved over millennia to protect, heal, and harmonise their own ecosystems. On our skin, that same adaptability translates into equilibrium and renewal. I choose ingredients that address multiple concerns at once. Real skin is never static; it’s alive, responsive, and beautifully changeable. My formulas reflect that truth, helping your skin rediscover its rhythm and resilience - Sandra

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.

Small-batch botanical skincare handcrafted in Aotearoa NZ. Blending botanical wisdom with clinical precision for real skin and honest results. ABOUT Wild Alchemy Botanicals – natural skincare, human connection Meet the Maker Kia ora, I’m Sandra Moetara (Ngāti Korokoro, Te Roroa) — founder of Wild Alchemy Botanicals. My path to formulation began long before the lab, in a tiny Kiwi town where sea air, ritual, and resilience intertwined. Today, that same intention runs through every product: to restore, rebalance, and remind the skin how to heal itself. 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 lived with severe eczema and juvenile plantar dermatosis — cracked, inflamed, and raw. Conventional medicine offered little relief, so my parents turned to what they knew: the ocean and the land. Each winter morning, I’d stand barefoot in freezing seawater, the sting giving way to calm. At home, pūhā simmered into hot, earthy broths — bitter but powerful. Years later, I’d learn what generations before us already understood: pūhā is rich in Vitamins A, B and C; the ocean’s saltwater is anti-inflammatory and mineral-dense. Science confirmed what taiao had always known. That experience became my compass. Every formula I create holds space for both worlds — ancestral knowledge and clinical evidence, the wild and the precise. From Clinic to Creation With nearly two decades in clinical skin therapy, I’ve come to see the skin as a living, ever-changing organ — influenced by hormones, stress, environment, and the rhythms of life itself. Across Aotearoa, Australia, and the Middle East, I’ve worked with every skin type, tone, and concern — from acne and melasma to sensitivity and collagen loss. Wild Alchemy Botanicals formulas draw on the wisdom of science and taiao nature: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, CoQ10, Vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, and Glycerin meet Kawakawa, Mānuka, Kānuka, fruit extracts, and nutrient-rich plant oils — merging botanical wisdom with clinical precision. Advanced Treatments & Specialisations Trained in dermal therapy, chemical peels, LED rejuvenation, and integrative skin health, I bring clinical precision to my small-batch formulations. Each product is designed to work in rhythm with real skin — crafted with consistency, efficacy and radiance. Clinical Expertise & 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) Discover the Collection Handcrafted in Aotearoa Explore the products your skin’s been waiting for SHOP THE COLLECTION Legal Notice All content and formulations are original to Wild Alchemy Botanicals. For full details, please see our Legal Notice. NZ 020 41367162 wildalchemy.skincare@gmail.com

Wild Alchemy Botanicals crafts premium botanical skincare in Aotearoa NZ — face serums, oils, hydrosols & bath salts formulated to balance, renew, and nourish real skin. Skincare. F ormulated with precision. Rooted in Taiao. SHOP SKINCARE Loved by Skin. Your most-reached-for essentials. For skin that’s seen and understood. Our formulations meet your skin where it is and bring it back to balance. SHOP THE COLLECTION Science and Soul. Clinically proven actives meet the quiet power of botanicals - formulated to restore, revive, and reawaken the skin’s natural vitality. Made with Intention. Each formula is a balance of texture, efficacy, and care - clear ingredients, measured actives, and gentle guidance for evolving skin. From The Journal Insights, rituals, and research on skincare that connect science, nature, and daily care. Juicy Skin, Naturally: Hydrating Skincare with Watermelon Skincare Education Botanicals with Intelligence Skincare Education READ MORE ARTICLES ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

At Wild Alchemy Botanicals we formulate botanical skincare to restore, nourish, soothe and treat multiple skin conditions and concerns, for all ages. Made in Aotearoa New Zealand. Oops — This Page Can’t Be Found Looks like the page you’re searching for has moved or no longer exists. No worries — let’s guide you back to what matters most: nourishing skincare, rooted in nature and science. HOMEPAGE SHOP THE COLLECTION CONTACT US