Real life: How our shampoo bars relieved a red, itchy & inflamed scalp

Imagine going through life with relatively few skin concerns, only to reach your late 40's and be faced with an immense burning sensation along your hair line & insane itchiness, redness & inflamation all over your scalp. That's what Chloe* (name changed for privacy) found herself experiencing earlier this year. When traditional medical treatments failed to provide relief, Chloe turned to a brand she had known & trusted for years, & finally found the solution to her discomfort with Windella Farm shampoo bars. 

I asked Chloe to share her experience with me in the hope that it might help others with similar issues. Chloe explained that her symptoms started mid-July with 'a burning sensation along the line where my hair parts' combined with redness & inflammation. Chloe initially put her symptoms down to sunburn however her scalp then became insanely itchy all over the top of her head, with even her face feeling irritated. Her thoughts then turned to head lice, but a friend gave her the once over & she was declared lice free. 

When asked how her symptoms affected her day to day life, Chloe said 'I was scratching my scalp constantly. CONSTANTLY! I couldn't focus on anything because the itchiness was always there, distracting me'. So intense was the discomfort that Chloe was embarrassed, emotional & inspecting her scalp several times a day, trying to determine the cause. 

After about a week Chloe consulted with her doctor, who declared that her scalp was dry & raw looking & recommended antihistamines, medicated shampoo & a steroid ointment for her scalp. By this point, even Chloe's face was unbearably hot & itchy. 

Chloe persevered with the doctor's recommendation for about two weeks. She said that while her scalp was slightly improved, she was still uncomfortable & itchy. The treatment had left her hair lank, oily & rope-like. 

At a loss & desperate for some relief, Chloe decided try a sample of the Windella Farm Peppermint & Bergamot shampoo bar that she had been gifted. 'Immediately after washing my hair I felt some relief'. But she persevered with the GP recommended treatment a little longer. Eventually, Chloe's despair led her to stop the medicated shampoo & steroid ointment. 'I felt like I had nothing to lose. I gave my hair a REALLY good wash with the (Windella Farm) bar. Really lathered it up well, scrubbed my entire head, temples & ears'. Chloe shared that when she got out of the shower & dried off 'I felt immediate relief. My face wasn't itching for the first time in weeks!'. 

Chloe decided to persist with the Windella Farm shampoo bars, washing her hair every night for a couple of weeks. 'It got better every day. Within maybe four to five weeks I was back to normal! I now wash my hair with the shampoo bar every two or three days & I've not had one episode of itchiness since then'. 

I asked Chloe if the doctor had any suggested cause for her symptoms. He initially mentioned dandruff, but this didn't ring true for Chloe who's hair was never flaky. However, the timing coincides with some minor peri-menopause symptoms that she has been experiencing. It's well documented that 'peri' can bring about many changes in women's bodies, with falling oestrogen often leading to dry, itchy & inflamed skin. During this period it becomes even more important to evaluate the ingredients in hair & skincare products, many of which can become irritating to maturing skin. That's where Windella Farm can really help; our products are full of nourishing, plant-based butters of oils. They are specifically formulated for sensitive skin & are free from artificial fragrance, alcohol, parabens, silicones & preservatives.

I wrapped up my chat with Chloe by asking if she would recommend Windella Farm shampoo bars to others? 'I certainly would. It has bought me so much relief. At one point I could have just about cried at how uncomfortable I was, but now I never get an itchy scalp. My hair looks wonderful too; super shiny & healthy looking'. Chloe kindly shared a photo of her beautiful hair & happy, smiling face but we'll keep that to ourselves to protect her privacy. 

If you are experiencing irritated, dry or inflamed skin, reach out for a chat & let's see if Windella Farm products can help you too. 

Celebrating Australian Made Week

It's Australian Made week! One of the most interesting parts of many Australian Made businesses is their Origin Story... where it all began. For Windella Farm, it started with the newcomers (us) in a small rural town breeding dairy goats. We were the talk of the town (in fact, many were laughing at us) until a local dance teacher asked if I made goats milk soap. I responded with 'no, but I guess I could give it a go'. Fast forward a few months & my addictive hobby was turning into something more. I was paying for dance classes in goats milk soap & already dreaming of leaving my life as an accountant & pursuing my hobby full time. But patience is a virtue (that I lack) & it took 5 years of blood, sweat & tears to turn my side hustle into my full time job. Now, 9 years down the track & a global pandemic to boot, our Australian Made story is travelling all over the country to trade at some of Australia's leading markets & events. 

The moral of the story? When you support Australian Made businesses you are putting food on the table & bringing dreams to reality for millions of creatives & entrepreneurs. Thank you, from one Aussie to another. 

The in's and out's of Collagen

Collagen has been a beauty buzzword for as long as I can remember, but what is it? Collagen is a protein in our bodies that gives our skin strength & elasticity, helps our skin to heal & keeps it hydrated. Collagen makes up about 30% of our body's total protein mass & is found in tendons, cartilage, skin, connective tissue, ligaments, teeth, bones, the valves of the heart and the cornea.

From our mid-twenties, collagen levels decline, which is why our skin transforms from 'baby's bottom' smooth to developing fine lines, wrinkles & sagging as we age. As we know, 'anti-ageing' is a booming business & many skincare brands promote topical products containing collagen. However, the large protein molecule in collagen cannot penetrate the deeper layers of our skin, so it cannot increase the amount of collagen found in your skin. 

Here's how best to boost your collagen production & avoid wasting time & money on ineffective products:

1. Products containing vitamins (A & C in particular) & antioxidants can boost collagen supplies & elastin in our skin. This is great news because ALL of our skincare products are formulated with ingredients that are rich in vitamins & antioxidants.

2. Cigarrettes; nicotine inhibits the delivery of oxygen & nutrients to the skin, while tobacco chemicals damage collagen & elastin. So ditch the ciggies, simple!

3. A balanced diet that contains vitamins, antioxidants & omega-3 fatty acids will aid in the preservation of collagen.

4. Exercise can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing while maintaining collagen levels & contributing to the health of our bones, muscles & joints.

5. Pollution & free radicals contribute to diminishing collagen. You can help to reverse environmental damage by incorporating products like our Ivory Clay & Berry Boost face mask into your routine.

6. Exposure to the sun's UV rays breaks down the collagen in our skin, so sun protection should be an essential step in your daily routine. 

Fun Facts About Soap

Soap... it's something that we are all familiar with and yet if you're not a soap maker, you probably don't give it too much thought. Soap has actually been around since 2800BC and is thought to have been first made by the Babylonians. By the end of the 16th Century it was in general use, yet still a luxury afforded only by the wealthy (even Queen Elizabeth only had one bath a month back then)! 

Heard of the term Soap Opera? That dates back to the 1930s daytime radio dramas which were often sponsored by soap manufacturers. Likewise, the term Soapbox was coined from the raised platforms that people stood on to make an impromptu political speech's. The speakers would stand on a wooden crate originally used for the shipment of soap. 

Alarmingly, 1.4 million deaths can be prevented each year by washing hands with soap (I always thought of myself as a lifesaver)! However the lather, hardness and moisturizing qualities of soap are dependent on the ingredients used and the formulation of the recipe.

Finally, you know that bar of 'soap' on the supermarket shelves? Most commercial soaps are not true soap, but are what's called syndet bars (synthetic detergents). They are a combination of chemical detergents, artificial lathering agents & toxic chemicals. The kicker is, we absorb about 60% of the products that we put on our skin. 

So if you are to take away anything from this quirky little blog post, let it be that 'not all soaps are created equal'! Not all soaps are even truly Soap. I often hear people say that they 'can't use soap' which tells me 2 things; they are probably using liquid body wash which is basically detergent, & they just haven't used a good soap yet. Soaps are as varied as chocolate cake recipes; you've got to find the one that is right for you. And let's remember; this little soap maker can't afford to sponsor radio ads or even her favourite podcast, but your word-of-mouth referrals are worth so much more than that & mean the world to me, thank you!

Natural Deodorants; Why?

Natural deodorant; it sounds 'better' than the commercial alternatives but why? Let's break it down for you.

Firstly, being aluminium free means we have eliminated one more toxin from your daily routine. Aluminium works as a sweat blocker in traditional antiperspirants but has historically been linked to Alzheimers and breast cancer. Plus, when aluminium salts combine with sweat, you end up with those gross yellow stains on your clothes. So let's ditch that stuff!

While not all things natural are good for us, in this instance a deodorant containing natural botanicals & minerals is much preferred to the synthetics, alcohol, aluminium & propellants found in your commercial deodorants. It is also natural to sweat as it is our body's natural way of purging toxins, which is one more reason to ditch the sweat blockers in antiperspirants.

Our unique blends of essential oils are effective in eliminating odour. They work in combination with ingredients that inhibit bacteria growth & keep you dry, to leave you smelling fresh as a daisy all day long. Essential oils are much more gentle on sensitive skin than artificial fragrance oils, preservatives and petrochemicals.

Finally, plastic packaging be gone! And don't get me started on those annoying twist-up tubes that seem to be 90% packaging, 10% product. Our deodorants are packaged in simple aluminium tins that are compact, easy to use & infinitely recyclable. 

Making Resolutions for 2023

It’s that time of year when we look to make changes and set goals. The biggest mistake when setting resolutions is that we go too big, too soon or pick resolutions that are all about depriving ourselves of things.A tip when making resolutions is to ensure they are sustainable & will enrich your life.

Here are a few great resolutions that you can add to your list to make 2023 your best year yet.

Environmentally Conscious Resolutions
* Buy local and aim to reduce waste
* Recycle and/or upcycle to minimise landfill
* Minimise spending on unnecessary items
* Minimise water wastage by setting a time limit on showers

Physical & Mental Wellbeing Resolutions
* Minimise stress with meditation, Thai Chi, Walking or Yoga
* Move your body with physical exercise daily
* Look after your skin with a regular skincare routine
* Drink at least 6 glasses of water daily
*Incorporate an SPF into your daily routine

New Hobby Resolutions
* Outdoors: try swimming, horse riding, gardening, dancing, fishing, running, golf etc
* Indoors: try reading, cooking or baking, crafts, painting, sketching etc

5 Fun Facts About Me

It's time to get to know me a little better. I'm not talking about boring stuff like degree qualifications or work history, but fun, frivolous stuff because hey, I'm lacking ideas for content at the moment & so, why not!? Here we go!

1. My favourite food is ice cream. I firmly believe that it belongs at the bottom (big part) of the Food Pyramid. 
Nuts? No. 
Milo on top? Yes. 
Best brand? Connoisseur of course!
One scoop or two? FILL THE BOWL!

2. I have 7 tattoos. Every one of them has been 'the last one I'll get'. They all have meanings. The first one was a tramp stamp (I came of age in the low-cut jeans Brittany Spears / Spice Girls era) and the latest one is a tribute to my Granme.
Do they hurt? Yes.
How long did they take? The biggest one was about 5 hours in the chair.

3. I grew up on the Gold Coast. While my first 30 years were spent on the GC, I was always a farm girl at heart & used to beg my mum to let me move to my grandparent's farm in Victoria. Life has a funny way of working out & I absolutely adore the country lifestyle that we have built. 
Why Cohuna? My sister lives here & when we visited her, we loved it! 
What about the heat? Fly masks & getting up early are essential. 
What about the cold? I love winter!

4. I've only ever broken 2 bones in my body; my upper arm and a rib. Both were from falling off horses. I am extremely clumsy. It's never the horses fault. 

5. If I won the lotto I would still live in Cohuna. I would build the town a new pool & child care centre, bitumen our road & of course have more horses. 

Holiday skin got you down? We've got you.

So you hit the sauce a little hard over the festive season? How's your skin looking? Dull, dry, breaking out? Don't worry, we've got you! In six quick steps we will have your skin looking clear, plump & glowy. 

Step 1: You probably need to hydrate, so get started on 2-3 glasses of water ASAP. Remember that alcohol & caffeinated drinks dehydrate you, & your skin. Water is your friend. Try to drink 8 glasses a day to help hydrate your skin & keep it clear. 

Step 2: Did you break the cardinal rule & sleep in your makeup? Get that off, stat! A gentle oil cleanse with your favourite Windella Farm face oil will remove even the most stubborn of eye makeup. Follow with a quick cleanse using a WF soap to remove any remaining residue. 

Step 3: Detoxify with a natural clay mask. We love the antioxidant rich Ivory Clay & Berry Boost mask for this time of year. Packed with nutrients from Davidson Plum and Blueberries, this quick 10 minute mask will work to draw out impurities, refine texture & give your skin a great dose of antioxidants for that New Year health kick you've been meaning to start. 

Step 4: While rinsing off your mask in the shower, exfoliate away any dead skin cells using a warm wash cloth in soft, circular motions over your face. Be gentle, the skin on your face is delicate!

Step 5: Achieve plump, glowy skin with a few drops of your WF face oil. Be sure to remember your neck & décolletage! That's your skin hydration sorted.

Step 6: Sunscreen! Every day. No arguments. Sun damage is the #1 contributing factor to visible signs of ageing like sun spots, pigmentation & wrinkles. While we can't stop them, we can slow their progress by looking after our skin & protecting it from sun damage. If you are sensitive & fussy when it comes to facial sunscreen, check out Trinny London's BFF SPF 30 cream. It is my absolute fave & works to subtly 'perfect' the skin without any visible tint. 

PS. Still not feeling all that great? Nanna naps are the answer to everything.

Bad habits we need to kick when it comes to our skin

We are all guilty of poking and picking our face every now and then, but there are also several other bad habits we put our skin through, some without even being conscious of them. Here are our top 10 bad habits to break, to ensure we are taking good care of our skin each day.

1. Picking and touching your face often

2. Sleeping with make-up on

3. Popping pimples and squeezing blackheads

4. Boiling hot showers

5. Skipping the sunscreen

6. Ignoring your neck and décolletage in your skincare routine

7. Using dirty brushes and applicators

8. Not drinking enough water throughout the day

9. Using the wrong products for your skin type

10. Using harsh chemicals that are damaging your skin

Recycle & Reuse This Christmas

Are you looking for ways to enjoy the festive season and continue to be environmentally friendly? We have put together 4 great ideas to help you out this Christmas.

1. Make your own Christmas bonbons with a toilet roll cardboard centre, some hand-painted paper, or children’s drawings as wrapping. And for the gift, pop in some of your favourite recipes, some great dad jokes, or even some home-made treats. Put a Windella Farm spin on it by adding a lip balm or a piece of soap cut in half (check out our recent reel for how-to!)

2. Use recycled gift wrapping from previous years to wrap gifts. You can also use newspapers, fabric or even some of the children’s drawings. Grandma & Grandad are going to love getting gifts wrapped in beautiful art.

3. Try giving handmade gifts. Anything from a beautiful, recycled tin with your most famous and favourite recipes, to some lovely cuttings from your garden in a up-cycled planter. It is a great feeling to give a gift that has thought, sentiment and is filled with love.

4. Shop local, with eco-friendly brands. Ensure when Christmas shopping you are buying gifts that are good for the environment. Steer clear of all the plastic and single-use toys and bits and bobs that get added to landfill each year & opt for practical gifts, experiences, op shop finds or craft supplies that have multiple uses.

Self Care Is Not Only Skincare

We know that having a great skincare routine will help your skin look and feel smooth, subtle, and refreshed. But did you know that introducing other self-care routines can also help you feel refreshed, happier, more relaxed, and have your skin glowing?

Try some of these simple and easy selfcare ideas today.

Take a walk – a nice brisk walk before you start your day can clear your mind and get you ready to tackle the day.

Write it down – journaling is a great way to clear the mind of the clutter that accumulates from each day. Writing your thoughts and ideas down releases it from your mind and can help to destress.

Turn off devices – set a time to turn off social media. Turning the phone off and spending time offline can help you focus on the current moment.

Try yoga or meditation – practicing a discipline will help to slow the mind and create awareness of your thoughts and body; slowing your breathing and focusing on the discipline will bring relief from overthinking, stress, and the busy mind.

Summer Skincare Must-Haves

With Summer fast approaching, we want you to put your best face forward, and glow. Summer, while great to have the sunshine and warmer weather, is the time of year where our skin can have many issues with oil, sweat and sunburn. We have put together a list of must-have items for your beauty bag as we move into the hotter months of the year.

Must-haves:

1. A great SPF – must be SPF 30 or higher. I love Trinny London's BFF SPF Skin Perfecter.

2. A lip gloss – keep your lips moisturised and manage any windburn.

3. A natural face oil – to keep your skin nourished and moisturised all summer long. Apply before your sunscreen in the morning & before bed in the evening.

4. A clay mask – to help rid impurities and detoxify the skin regularly. A couple of times per month is all you need.

5. The Healer Salve - to soothe & promote healing after sun exposure.

Repurposing to help the environment

Humans dispose of an unimaginable amount of ‘things & stuff’ every year, so to help reduce wastage, we have some helpful tips below for what we can do to minimise our share and keep on the good side of mother nature.

Old furniture – Can you fix the item? Could you repurpose it? Maybe an old chair that is not needed could become a funky bedside table with a coat of fresh paint and a little styling.

Clothes – Again, could they be repurposed? You may be handy on the sewing machine and can transform an old dress that you don’t wear into a skirt or a cute top? If the item is too far gone, maybe you could cut it up and use it for some reusable cleaning rags? Op shops are always another great alternative to give new life to old pieces.

Jars – Instead of throwing away the pasta jars, you could use them in the shed to tidy up the nuts and bolts, or you could give them a paint and create a cute pencil holder, or use them to store your make-up remover pads or cotton balls in the bathroom.

Food Scraps – Start a compost bin or offer the food scraps to friends/family or neighbours who may have chickens. You can also freeze them & make a stock / broth once you have enough.

Cardboard boxes – Donate your cardboard boxes to charities to pack care packages in, offer them to friends who might need them for storage or moving. You can also cut them up and keep them for winter as kindling.

If we all do a little bit to help, a little bit can turn in to a lot as we share our ideas. What is your number one tip or idea for repurposing items around your house?

Everything you need to know about Dry Brushing

Everything you need to know about Dry Brushing

Benefits:

🤩 Removes dead skin cells

🤩 Boosts circulation

🤩 Promotes Lymph drainage

🤩 Boosts the immune system

🤩 Unclogs pores

🤩 Can help to break down cellulite

How to: Start at your feet and work your way up the body

🥰 Use wide, circular motions

🥰 Use light pressure where the skin is thin and harder pressure where the skin is thicker

🥰 Always pay attention to areas with lymph nodes

🥰 Don’t forget the neck and decolletage but be extra gentle!

🥰 Then, take a warm (not hot!) shower to wash away the dead skin

🥰 As a MUST, use a high-quality natural body oil on damp skin

Reminder: Dry brushing may not be for everyone, if you have sensitive skin or have skin inflammation like psoriasis or eczema, please consult a health professional before dry brushing,

Foods to promote healthy, glowing skin

We know that quality natural ingredients in our skincare are important for radiant and glowing skin. But did you know you can double down on the good stuff by eating nourishing and healthy food to add that extra glow!

Here are 6 top foods we recommend for glowing skin.

1. Oranges – Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant which can aid in collagen production and helps to support the immune system.

2. Cashews – Zinc is a great mineral praised for its healing properties. It can protect our skin from acne, fungal infections, irritated skin, and sores.

3. Water – hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is an everyday essential to keep the skin nourished, hydrated, plump and vibrant.

4. Avocado – Good quality fatty acids are essential for a radiant glow. Bring on the smashed avo for your morning breakfast routine.

5. Salmon or Tuna - Oily fish contain coenzyme Q10 which helps with cell growth and can minimise fine lines and wrinkles and smooth overall skin texture.

6. Yogurt – Yogurt is loaded with probiotics, helping to plump & lift the skin. Probiotics help fight inflammation that can inflame skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.

Create a Spa Day at home

Self-care is an important component to a healthy mindset and mental wellbeing. Stepping away from the ever increasing need to be busy and taking some time to slow down, even if only for a few minutes a day, can make a significant improvement and be a vital element to creating balance in your life. Self-care can be anything that works to create pleasure, happiness, relaxation, and peace in your life.

One way to practice self-care at home can be to slow down, unwind and relax with your own day spa treatment. Here are some top tips to create that luxurious and relaxing atmosphere of a day spa, right in your home.

1. Create atmosphere – find a low-lit area with no outside disturbance or loud noises and put some soft, and relaxing music or white noise on in the background.

2. Keep cosy - use fresh clean towels and robes to wrap yourself in. The softer and fluffier, the better!

3. Drink up – make a healthy and nutritious smoothie or juice to sip on during your pamper session.

4. Relax – use a warm footbath with a few drops of your favourite oil to relax and soak your feet.

5. Nourish your skin - choose your favourite clay face mask pamper your skin.

6. Quiet the mind – take 10 mins (or longer if you need it) to quiet the mind and relax in your new at home day spa.

Eczema Relief

Eczema affects 10 to 15% of the Australian population and can be debilitating for those people suffering from it. It can leave the skin, dry, red, itchy, and irritated, and often cracked. While it can be found anywhere on the body, it’s mostly found on the face, neck, hands, inner elbow, back of the knees and the ankles.

If you suffer from eczema and struggle to find effective products to ease your symptoms, look for products that are chemical free and all natural. 

Goats milk soap is an excellent starting point. Goats milk has a PH level that is very close to that of our own skin which means it a gentle & nourishing addition to our soaps. It contains lactic acid which helps to rejuvenate the skin & remove dead skin cells. Goats milk is also packed full of essential vitamins & nutrients which aid in repairing damaged skin tissue & provide anti-aging benefits.

Another favourite ingredient to relieve eczema symptoms is Hemp Seed Oil. This oil is high in fatty acids and is known for its moisturising and nourishing properties.

If you are looking for some natural products to help ease your symptoms, try our Milk & Honey Goats Milk Soap, The Healer salve and our Worship Body Oil.

Oil Cleansing; Everything you need to know!

Oil cleansing is the latest skincare trend, popular on the internet, but what is it and how can we try it?

Oil cleansing with high quality plant-based oils is a great natural method to deeply cleanse your skin of dirt, makeup and dry skin cells. Like attracts like, so the oil will gently remove all the oils from your makeup & sunscreen, environmental pollutants, dirt & grime. Unlike harsh foaming cleansers (which are basically detergents), oil cleansing removes all the stuff you want it to without stripping the skin of it's natural oils.

So how do we oil cleanse?

Use 1-2 full droppers of your favourite Windella Farm face oil and apply to a dry face. Gently massage the oil into your skin to remove impurities then remove the oil with a damp, warm washcloth. Pat dry with a towel and apply a couple of drops of face oil to hydrate the skin. Enjoy plump, glowing, clean skin... naturally.

How to clean your makeup applicators, naturally & easily

Did you know there is an easy, chemical free and affective way to clean your make-up brushes and skin care applicators?

Simply boil 1 cup of water, wait 3 minutes, and then pour two teaspoons of distilled white vinegar in. Stir the liquid and then dip your brushes and swirl them around gently. Rinse them under hot running water and then follow with a cold rinse. Ensure you reshape the bristles and then dry the brushes flat.

You should be washing your brushes and sponges thoroughly once a week, especially if you are using liquid concealers and foundations. For other brushes like powder and eyeshadow brushes, once every couple of weeks is ok.

5 Ways to reduce landfill & your environmental footprint

1. Shop local and request packaged free goods: This limits the amount of plastic and non-recyclable items being thrown into landfill.

2. Limit wastage by composting: Having a small compost bin and using this in your garden reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

3. Buy mindfully when clothes shopping: Keep a capsule wardrobe and buy items that match and can be worn with all other items in your wardrobe, limiting the need for excess clothing. Also, try to buy quality items that last longer.

4. Utilise technology to its full capacity: If you have a phone, tablet, or laptop, try to use online apps or programs to record data, journal, calendar activities, and for reading books, this will reduce the need for excess notebooks, pens, paper, plastics, and hard copy books.

5. Try minimalism: Having lots of clutter in the home creates clutter in the mind. Living more minimal will reduce landfill over time and ensure less of your time is spent dusting and cleaning and more of your time is spent doing things that make you happy.