EDC's In Your Skincare

Did you know that your skincare could be causing you hormone imbalance and many other health problems? Products that contain parabens, phthalates, coal tar and triclosan can often be found in Australian retailers. These chemicals and many others often found in skincare, haircare and make-up are known as hormone disrupters or Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

These EDCs have been linked to several health problems including infertility, adrenal imbalances, lowered sperm count, endometriosis, antibiotic resistance, obesity, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and certain types of cancers.

We advocate for switching to natural products and avoiding these harmful chemicals, but just looking for 'natural' on the label is sadly not enough. 'Natural' is an unregulated buzz word that can be used misleadingly by manufacturers. Always read the ingredients label & question ingredients which you don't understand or can't pronounce. 

What It Means To Be An Eco Friendly Business

Being an eco-friendly business isn’t just a sticker on our products. At Windella Farm we take this seriously. There are so many elements that go into being an eco-friendly business.

It starts with our packaging which is biodegradable (soap boxes), recyclable (aluminium & glass packaging) or sourced from recycled plastics (body oil bottles). We have additional waste collection bins to make sure that every possible carton, drum or container is recycled or reused.

We research ingredients and suppliers to ensure that we are sourcing raw materials as locally as possible and utilising ingredients from efficient, sustainable crops.

We don’t use harsh chemicals, we don’t test on animals, and we always practice ethical farming. The health and wellbeing of our heard is our top priority, always.

We also contribute financially via our Give Back Promise, which sees $1 from every order donated to a worthy NGO each month. Our Give Back Promise aims to make a positive contribution to communities and our planet with donations made to charities supporting vulnerable communities, environment and mental health.

Winter Skincare Tips

The cold dry air can leave our skin feeling dehydrated, itchy and inflamed. In these cooler months, it’s important to nourish our skin and take every opportunity to lock in moisture.

Here are 4 tips to help you this Winter.

1. Avoid steaming hot showers, the hot water can strip the natural oils and dry out your skin even more.

2. Pat your skin dry, rather than rubbing the skin with a towel. This will help retain some of the natural oils on your skin.

3. Apply body oil immediately after your shower to damp skin. This will help lock in the moisture and provide all day hydration.

4. Keep yourself hydrated from within. You should be drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day.

Stress And The Effects On Your Skin

We all know that stress can cause several health problems, but did you know stress can also play havoc with your skin?

Studies have shown that stress can have an overall negative effect on our skin wellness, and worsen skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

It’s important to keep our stress levels to a minimum for both our physical and mental health, so here are a couple of ways we like to destress. Let us know in the comments your favourite ways to destress.

1. Go for a walk or get to the gym to get the endorphins flowing

2. Unwind and relax in a warm bath with a glass of wine

3. Dance around the house to your favourite tunes

4. Read a book in the sunshine

5. Get out into nature; feel the wind in your hair and the earth at your

feet.

6. (My personal favourite) Horse therapy. Cuddle, smell, ride... just being with them makes me feel better.

Did You Know You Can Purchase Your Soaps Naked?

Did you know that you can purchase your soaps naked??

No, we don’t mean that you should come to the markets naked, & your clothing preference when shopping online is not our business!

What we do mean is that at Windella Farm, even though the packaging for our soaps has been carefully thought out to ensure it is as eco-friendly as possible, when ordering online, you have the option to order without individual packaging.

We also encourage our customers to return empty boxes to us for re-use or leave them with your local stockist who will do the same.

Just one more way to help you reduce the environmental impact on this earth.

5 Tips Towards Zero Waste Grocery Shopping

Have you ever noticed the amount of waste there is when it comes to our groceries and shopping? Every week, not only do most of us throw away unused food, but the packaging also overflows our bins. Check out these east tips to minimise wastage

1. Opt for metal, tin, or glass. If you have the option or choice of packaging, always steer clear of plastic, and try for metal, tin or glass. You can repurpose these and reduce waste.

2. Repurpose your packaging. Repurposing those pasta sauce glass jars can make for a fun hobby, but it can also be very useful for other items around the house. Store your toothbrush and toothpaste, hold your reusable make-up cotton pads, or use them for a vase for garden picked flowers.

3. Try to buy your produce loose. If you are grocery shopping in your local shop, you can often purchase fruit and vegetable loosely without requiring plastic bags.

4. Try out your local farmers markets. Not only are the farmers markets great for getting a bargain & supporting local, but the produce is often better quality. Bonus – take your own jars and containers to reduce any packaging or wrapping.

5. Buy in bulk. If you have no alternative than purchasing a plastic container, try buying the largest one and then using your own glass jars to portion the product out. This uses less plastic than purchasing a small quantity more often.

8 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint... In the Bathroom

Are you wanting to reduce your carbon footprint, but unsure where to start? There are so many ways to reduce, reuse and recycle around the house, however, we’ve started in the bathroom. Try out these easy ideas to get you started.

1. Don’t leave the water running when washing your face or brushing your teeth

2. Try reusable cotton pads for removing your make-up

3. Consider using shampoo bars to reduce plastic packaging

4. Cut down on shower time by using multi-purpose body cleaning products

5. Recycle jars to hold beauty products in the bathroom

6. Air dry your hair instead of using the blow-dryer

7. Try a menstrual cup or period underwear instead of single-use feminine hygiene products

8. Use bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic

DIY Facial Massage At Home

Want to give yourself an at home Facial Massage to stimulate blood flow and help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles? See below for a step-by-step guide on how to give yourself that pampering facial massage you deserve!

Step 1) Clean your face with your favourite Windella Farm soap.

Step 2) Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before massaging as you don’t want to be rubbing dirt and grime into your skin.

Step 3) Use a few drops of your favourite face oil on damp skin, and use your fingers to gently massage in. Completing each movement 5 times, start by gently gliding your fingers down your nose, then sweep your fingers up under your eyes and outwards.

Step 4) Next, sweep your fingers over your cheekbones in an outward motion

Step 5) Use the same sweeping technique and start at the middle of the forehead and sweep upward to your hairline and work your way across the forehead.

Step 6) Using the sides of your pointer finger, sweep your finger from your bottom lip, down to your jawline moving from the centre of your chin, outward towards your ears.

Step 7) Then, use two fingers to sweep from the centre of your chin up towards your ears. Do this on both sides.

Step For your neck and decolletage, use gentle strokes with your fingers up the neck to your jawline and then use small circular motions from the centre of your decolletage outward.

Face oils are bad for oily skin, right? Myth Busted!

Myth Busted!

If you have oily skin, using a facial oil will only make it greasier and shinier, right? WRONG! It’s a myth. Facial oils are excellent for all skin types including oily skin; it’s all about the RIGHT oils that are light, non-comedogenic & suit your skin type.

A great ingredient for oily skin is Jojoba Oil (which is technically a wax). This oil is very lightweight and can help balance your own oil production without leaving a greasy residue. Jojoba oil is nutrient rich & closely resembles the sebum of the skin, making it ideal for oily skin. As an extra bonus, Jojoba oil works to provide long lasting moisture & hydration & reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.

Want to give it a go? We recommend our Nurture Face Oil for all skin types, especially oily & blemish prone.

Traditional Skincare Ingredients... doing more harm than good?

Have you ever reviewed the ingredients in your beauty products and wondered what they are and how it can affect our health? Traditional skincare products like those found on supermarket shelves, can contain chemical ingredients that slowly build up in our system and on our skin creating dehydrated and sensitive skin.

Some of these ingredients have been known to cause skin irritation, a change in hormone levels, and even increase the risk of cancer. Look out for and avoid these common chemicals in traditional skincare; SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate), Parabens & Mineral Oil – just to name a few.

Shampoo Bars Vs Bottled Shampoo

Have you ever wondered why people are rushing to purchase shampoo bars over traditional shampoo bottles, just like us? Here are just a few examples of why shampoo bars are the way of the future.

• The environment... obviously! By eliminating the need for bulky plastic packaging, you are doing your bit to reduce single use plastics & waste. Our shampoo bars are packaged in FSC sustainably sourced cardboard boxes which are recyclable AND biodegradable. Plus, you can order your shampoo bars 'naked' without packaging.

• Shampoo bars can have multiple uses – not only can they be used for hair, but they are also gentle enough to use on your skin, or to wash clothes when you are traveling or even give your pet a quick bath (if you don’t mind sharing with your fury friend!).

• Shampoo bars don’t contain any of the nasties that are associated with traditional shampoos, including silicons, parabens, preservatives, artificial fragrance and so much more. In contrast, most of the ingredients in our soaps are actually edible (before we turned them into soap).

• The Shampoo bars are not only healthier for your hair and scalp but they really work! Say 'Hello' to soft, smooth & healthy hair that stays clean for longer.

• Shampoo bars look good & save space! There is nothing like ruining your bathroom aesthetics with a big bulky, bright green plastic bottle of shampoo. Shampoo bars are easy to store, look great in any space, and won’t create an eyesore in your bathroom. They are also super convenient for travel & won't leak in your luggage.

Menopause And Skincare; How To Come Out The Other Side Glowing

The older we get, the more wisdom and confidence we have, but that wisdom and confidence can arrive with a few challenges on the outside and that dreaded “change” called Menopause on the inside.

It’s not all bad, though! If you look after your skin and take care of yourself during this change, you might just come out the other side glowing and with no PMS…. bonus!

As hormone levels drop during this time, the skin can become dry. Your body also stops making as much collagen, which in turn can see your once plump and firm skin lose its elasticity and bounce.

To ensure you continue to glow, both inside and out, here are 5 tips to help your skin through the change that is Menopause.

1. Hydrate – both inside and out! We all know the importance of drinking water and staying hydrated (aiding digestion, protecting organs and tissue, helps to normalise blood pressure, etc); however, keeping the skin hydrated is also important during this time. Try using a daily facial oil that contains nutrient-rich natural ingredients to rejuvenate tone and refine the skin.

2. Massage – End the day with a soothing facial massage. Use a few drops of your favourite facial oil on damp skin. The massage motion can stimulate your skin's collagen production. Our Rewind Facial Oil is perfect for this. With a combination of oils formulated to fight those pesky visible signs of ageing and to help provide long-lasting moisture and hydration, it’s the perfect ritual to end the day.

3. Sunscreen – Don’t forget to lather up! As we age, our body produces less natural sun protection; you need to ensure you are still using a high SPF sunscreen in your daily skincare routine. Don’t forget to apply it multiple times a day if you find yourself outside for long periods of time.

4. Exercise – Just a 30-minute walk is all it takes. It’s good to stay active during this time. A 30-minute walk in the fresh air is enough to increase endorphins and get the blood pumping. You will feel awake and ready to conquer the world!

5. Supplements – Try taking a collagen supplement to aid with collagen production & elasticity.

The Benefits Of Goats Milk

There are so many benefits to using goats milk in everyday life! We’ve put together just some of the fabulous ways goats milk can boost your skincare regime and protect your skin.

• Goats milk can soothe irritated and inflamed as well as dry and damaged skin – be gone, flaky skin!

• Goats milk is full of nutrients your body needs to stay youthful and healthy, including vitamin C & E, as well as B1, B6 and B12.

• The natural emollients and triglycerides in goats milk soap can help to maintain your skin’s vibrancy and elasticity.

• Goats milk contains lactic acid, which is a natural and gentle exfoliant. This helps to keep pores clear of dirt and can help to prevent acne.

Finding The Right Skincare For Your Skin Type

Now that you’ve identified your true skin type from our previous post, let’s take a look at the right natural ingredients in skincare for you.

Oily: Try products that contain Jojoba oil as it is nutrient-rich & closely resembles the sebum of the skin, making it ideal for oily skin. Check out our Nurture Face Oil.

Combination: As a skin conditioner, Calendula Extract stimulates collagen production and reduces dry skin occurrence. Look out for Calendula extract in the ingredients. Relax in our Yellow Clay and Calendula Clay Mask.

Normal: Try a mask with French Pink Clay, as this is renowned for cleansing the skin of impurities, improving skin tone, enhancing skin elasticity & skin regeneration. Try our Pink Clay & Oatmeal Clay Mask.

Dry: Look for products with Carrot Seed essential oil as this promotes a clear, bright & evenly toned complexion while assisting with skin conditions such as acne, eczema & dermatitis, & it is an excellent ingredient for embracing your best skin at every age. You can’t go past our Rewind Face Oil.

Sensitive: Be on the lookout for products that contain Grape Seed Oil in the ingredients. Grape Seed Oil is excellent for sensitive & acne-prone skin. Use our Mud & Honey facial bar to soothe your skin & help clear blemishes.

Determining Your Skin Type

Identifying and understanding your own skin type is essential for caring for your skin in a way that is customised to your own needs. Using the wrong products can make oily skin more prone to breakouts or sensitive skin, itchy, red, and dry. We’ve put together a quiz below to make it easy for you to determine your skin type.

Does your entire face feel oily and look shiny?
Skin Type: Oily

Is your T-zone shiny, but the rest of your face has a matte look?
Skin Type: Combination 

Do you have minimal to no spots of shine, redness, or flakiness?
Skin Type: Normal

Does your skin feel tight and look flaky?
Skin Type: Dry

Is your skin red, itchy, or inflamed?
Skin Type: Sensitive

Next time, we will look at the right natural ingredient you should be on the lookout for.

A Country Connection Equals Happiness

In 2012, my lifelong dream of living in the country became a reality. My husband and I relocated from the Gold Coast where I was born and bred, to Cohuna; a picturesque dairy town located in North Central Victoria. Many of the locals were dumbfounded as to why we would leave the Gold Coast for rural Victoria, however my grandparents had been dairy farmers and first settlers nearby, so the region held fond memories for me. Memories of horse riding along irrigation channels, creamy milk scooped straight from the vat and the earthy scent of my grandparents in the dairy. 

Seven years have passed and each year I fall more in love with our rural lifestyle and the beautiful community that has embraced us. On a recent drive along the long, straight roads of northern Victoria I contemplated what it was that made me feel so fulfilled with our country lifestyle and I believe it has a lot to do with feelings of ‘connectedness’. 

Firstly, I feel connected to my heritage. While my mum made the move north to the Gold Coast when she was a young adult, my great grandparents were pioneers in northern Victoria and so farming is deeply ingrained in my family history within this region. Sadly, my grandparents had passed by the time we had relocated to Victoria, but I know that they would have been so proud that both my sister and I have chosen lives on the farm in Victoria. 

As my husband and I carved out our own path in Cohuna, we ventured in to dairy goats. While our farm is just a fraction of the size of our neighbours', there is a really wholesome sense of connectedness to the land and our beautiful country that comes with being a part of the basic necessity of food production. When your daily life and income is directly impacted by the seasons, the weather, the soil, the bugs, the grass… the earth becomes more of a part of you and it truly feels like ‘putting down roots’. The vast landscape and ruggedness takes on a different meaning when you view it not only as beautiful scenery but also as an essential cycle of life and food.

Perhaps surprisingly, as Shayne and I were not very social on the Gold Coast, we have thrived in the real sense of connectedness to our community in Cohuna. The community spirit in small country towns is kind of like a hidden fairy door… you don’t know it’s there or what it feels like until you open the door and enter. Since living in Cohuna we have found that it is full of down to earth, genuine people and we are so proud to call many of them true friends. There are different friendship groups, all who offer so much and whom we treasure dearly. There are the friends that I love horseriding in the bush with as we enjoy vibrant catch-ups while meandering through the forest. There are friends whom are fellow entrepreneurs and 'lady startups' who are always quick to support each other and applaud each other's success. There are friends who you have over for slow cooked BBQ tea (it’s not called dinner here) and it’s perfectly acceptable to wear track pants and Ugg boots while you laugh together over a bottle of wine and bond over the shared struggles and triumphs of rural life. But the true sense of community in a small country town really shines bright in the tough times. In remote areas where people’s livelihoods depend on the land, the tough times can be devastating and the only way through is with the support of the community. This is when those who are already doing it tough give up something to help those who are even worse off. The community rallies to help in any way they can and to make sure that no one feels they are alone. 

My final thought on why country life is so fulfilling is that it has enabled me to find a connection to myself. A blank slate with exciting new opportunities left me feeling open to exploring new passions and finding out what would bring me personal satisfaction. My creativity found an outlet in soap making and as my hobby developed into a business, I found great personal reward in creating something from the ground up. Our local community has been so very supportive of both mine and my husband’s business ventures and for that we are truly grateful. It has given us the opportunity to find ourselves and do what we are passionate about in a place that we love.