The Beauty Shortlist is one of the most trusted, respected and prestigious competitions for natural skincare, receiving entries from all over the world. We're stoked to be recognised and want to say a big thank you to you, our customers, for choosing Frankie and allowing us to do what we do. Ngā mihi nui!
Here are our winners...
"I bought this for my fussy teenage daughters and they love it! ...we've tried a few different natural sunscreens over the years and this is by far their favorite....I noticed one daughter did not burn in the water like she normally does....if fussy daughters like it, it's got to be good!" - Keren L
"Hi I tried the small size first to see how it was. I love it, it feels lovely when applying it, easy to rub in and it doesn't make my skin sweat when it's on likes some sun screen does. It's ideal to pop into your bag. I have just bought the larger size to use at home." - Julie P
To see one of our newest products scoop up a category win was amazing. We've received some fantastic feedback on this cleansing beauty, thanks to its gentle creamy cleansing milk. As a bonus, it lasts for ages when stored on a well-draining soap dish - upwards of 290 washes per bar.
"I love everything about the kumarahou cleanser - the texture, the smell and the way it cleans my face. I have always had dry skin and this product really helps. The organic cotton face cloth is soft and the perfect size for your face. Once again, thank you." - Debbie S
"I've found this bar amazing for cleaning my face and general appearance of my skin is a lot better especially applying the kakadu facial oil to finish off. Thanks." - Lyn
Our long-time Frankie favourite, Kawakawa Repair has been soothing sensitive skin for years and it's so good to see it gaining wider recognition against some stiff competition at the Beauty Shortlist Awards this year. A true multi-tasker, it's amazing for all ages, soothing and calming everything from bug bites and eczema-prone skin to cradle cap and dry heels.
"I tried so many creams prescribed by doctors but nothing could relieve my child’s eczema. I was amazed with quick results of the Kawakawa balm - within 2 days my son's eczema was under control!" - Remolla P
"I was a bit hesitant with purchasing the Kawa Kawa Balm as I’m no too familiar with it. But a lot of my colleagues recommended Kawakawa, and found Frankie to be the best value for money. And it actually works! My 4month old daughter has eczema, and it disappears after 2days of application. My son also has flare ups, and he knows it’s time for kawakawa balm. Five stars!" - Erin A
Last year Bakuchiol Rejuvenate Serum made an impact at the Mama & Baby Awards and this year, it's run has continued. Using a high-potency bakuchiol extract (99%+ pure), and a blend of light, vitamin-rich oils - all high-performers in their own right - it's so great to see this skin-illuminator recognised.
"Problem skin be gone! I’m 45 and have had oily spot prone skin my whole life. My skin is now getting older and a bit drier in places but thanks to the serum it looks and feels more healthy all over." - Vicky B
"I have sensitive skin and can’t tolerate retinol. This product works just as retinol without any irritation, I LOVE IT!" - Heather M
The Vanilla & Kawakawa Conditioner Bar has a loyal cadre of fans for good reason - it's super nourishing, hydrating and best of all, lasts for ages. Big smiles all round for our fave conditioner bar winning and Editor's Choice Award.
"Please always make this bar exactly the way it is! Conditioning perfection. It is a treat smelling this vanilla fragrance in the shower every day. Other conditioner solid bars I’ve tried have not lived up to this one for me. This leaves my hair feeling soft, silky and knot free. Big thumbs up.!" - Justine Y
"Best conditioner ever ! No Bull! This stuff smells and feels amazing! My curls are the best they have ever been! Have used this while away camping and it was so easy! The bar eaves your hair so smooth even before you rinse it off. I will not go back to other conditioners . I havnt had to brush my hair after washing it my hands run right through the wet and dry curls ! Bloody love this conditioning bar ! Thank you." - Dana T
We receive so much love for the Kūmarahou & Kawakawa Shampoo Bar with many customers saying it's the best shampoo bar they've tried. It's consistently one of our most popular products and the judges loved it too, giving it Commended award. Pairs beautifully with the Vanilla & Kawakawa shampoo bar. You can buy both and save with a Hair Care Duo pack.
"In the past few months, I've been experiencing much drier skin than usual and outbreaks of mild psoriasis all over my body, and my scalp was no exception. I knew I had to try something new when my scalp became very itchy and sore, and having had great success with the Frankie Body Oil and Balm on my skin flare-ups, I decided to try the shampoo and conditioner and see if that helped.
I've used them together four or five times now, and have noticed a massive improvement, pretty much immediately. My scalp is much soothed with hardly any itching, and my fine/thick/wavy hair is soft and smooth and happy. Happy to have the full Frankie lineup in my shower now!" - Anna F
"Top notch shampoo bar ever. Lathers up excellent after second shampoo. Leaves my hair looking and smelling great. Thanks." - Lyn
We'd like to say a huge thank you to the Beauty Shortlist for the opportunity to showcase our products on the world stage and to you our Frankie Family for all your support!
Arohanui,
Georgina & Matt x
]]>If you or your children are living with eczema, winter with its cold temperatures and layers of clothes with itchy tags and seams may truly feel like the itchiest season, as it brings so many triggers for those with sensitive skin. Summer may bring a blissful season of healthy unblemished skin and peaceful sleep.
But for many eczema sufferers, summer brings 4-6 months of skin irritation. And when it's hot and humid and sweat-inducing like it has been this year alongside high temperatures, it can be even harder.
One study found a third of children with difficult-to-treat eczema noticed flaring of their eczema in spring and summer. Blending heat with sunlight and salty sweat can really create an eczema cocktail ready to ruin those whānau days by the moana.
In Aotearoa, we regularly experience high levels of UV over summer with the UV Index (which measures UV radiation intensity in the atmosphere) often reaching around 12-14 in the middle of the day. To give a bit of context, a UV Index level of 3 is enough to cause sun damage. In the UK hitting 8 is rare. This higher the UV Index, the higher the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
For children with eczema, finding a non-aggravating sunscreen can be tricky, as most sunblocks contain skin irritants which may be included as fragrances, preservative systems, and chemical sun filters. Octocrylene which is common chemical sun filter can cause a photoallergic reaction when the sunlight interacts with the chemical in the skin, meaning that after a while the skin can be irritated. This is quite different from a skin reaction to a preservative or fragrance which often occurs very quickly after contact with the skin.
Hot Tips:
Higher summer temperatures (especially with the current high humidity) mean it's easier for children with eczema to get hot and bothered playing, and takes more sweating to cool their bodies down. One theory is that when sweat dries it leaves compounds on the skin which can cause itchiness. Sweat also includes natural moisturising factors which help regulate skin moisture, temperature and immune functions - and for most people these skin soothing compounds balance out the irritating compounds left by the drying sweat.
But many people with the most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, have impaired sweating, and their sweat contains lower levels of certain peptides which scientists think could reduce the skin's defense against bacteria and microbes.
Hot Tips:
The drying effect of salt on the skin applies to swimming in seawater too, so make sure you rinse off straightaway after a swim.
Swimming in chlorinated pools, especially when chlorine is used at the levels required in public pools, can be drying and can increase the risk of contact dermatitis.
Hot Tips:
Airborne irritants are a biggie during spring and summer when pollens are higher in the environment. All allergens trigger a histamine release, leading to a histamine response, which can cause irritation and itchiness.
Hot Tip:
Apply Kawakawa Repair Balm to skin in sensitive areas as a protective barrier to reduce the likelihood of environmental allergens irritating the skin.
Vitamin D has been shown to play a key role in how the body handles inflammation so it’s important to ensure that your child with eczema gets enough.
“Vitamin D is known to have a regulatory influence on both the immune system and skin barrier function, [which are] both critical in the pathogenesis of eczema.”
Hot Tips:
Thanks to Raj Rana for the action-packed pool image.
]]>If you want to grab one for yourself, don't be shy! Remember to join Frankie Rewards and you'll earn redeemable points on your gift shopping to use later!
So many options! What about the brand new Purify & Rejuvenate Face Care Gift Box? She'll open our special gift box to find the Bakuchiol Rejuvenate Serum paired with our Kūmarahou + Cocoa Butter Facial Cleansing Bar for clean, glowing skin - and a three pack of the Organic Cotton Frankie Facecloths.
We love a Kawakawa Minis Gift Box to give a special woman in your life a taste of lots of our best sellers all in one lush gift set. Combining a Cleansing Bar, Natural Sunscreen, a Mini Body Oil and Mini Kawakawa Balm, this gift box is full of useful products for daily skin care.
Or, pick the set of Shampoo Bar, Conditioning Bar and Cleansing Bar for the power shower pack! Look for the Hair and Body Bar Gift Box Trio.
He's fun, easy going, and has everything he needs... but what do you get him? Shower staples that pack easy and provide a zero fuss but total satisfaction experience. This is another time that the Hair and Body Bar Gift Box Trio really fits the bill.
Girls with great taste who know what they like will love this spearmint scented lip gloss and natural sunscreen that are easy to throw in their bag for beach days this summer or winter ski trips - shop the Sun & Snow duo!
Handy and practical this beautiful mum and bub gift box has body oil which is perfect for them both, Kawakawa Repair Balm for chapped hands and nappy balm, and a Cleansing Bar for gentle cleansing of precious skin.
Our new Māmā & Pēpi Gift Set is designed to make a new mother feel special! Gift this bundle of Frankie essentials with some of our favourite Aotearoa brands contributing soft absorbent nursing pads, a heart shaped pounamu teether and that crucial post-natal vitamin, chocolate!
These gorgeous gardening gift boxes were supposed to be a limited edition product but people kept asking for them so we've kept them available - for now! With sunscreen for protection out planting, organic seeds from Koanga Gardens, a Cleaning Kawakawa Bar, Wooden Nail Brush and our Kawakawa Repair Balm for after-garden hand care, this is a perfect gift for green fingered friends and family!
Mothers with grown up children deserve a lot of luxurious spoiling too - and this Ultimate Facial Trio Gift Box will hit the spot. With both of our intensive facial products - Replenishing Kakadu C Facial Oil and Bakuchiol Rejuvenate Serum - she can give her skin some really deep care, and touch up her lips with the fresh Spearmint gloss of Lip Calm.
Kiwi guys are constantly out and about, so give him our mineral sunscreen to protect his skin from the harsh kiwi sun, and our Kawakawa Cleansing Bar with chlorophyll to keep him clean and fresh faced.
No gift is better than relief from eczema itching and irritated skin. Our popular Eczema Saviour Bundle is ideal for a family where children or even parents have ongoing eczema issues and need a full suite of eczema care products designed for a daily healthy skin ritual. This bundle includes colloidal oat bath soak, kawakawa body oil and of course, the iconic Frankie Kawakawa Balm.
When you want to just round out a gift with a little something extra, pop in a Lip Calm, a Replenishing Kakadu C Mini 10ml Facial Oil, or a 3 Pack of organic cotton Frankie Facecloths.
Put a $4.30 Gift Box in your order, use the cart Notes to tell use what to put in it, and your gift will arrive perfectly wrapped and ready to place under the tree! This beautiful custom printed box slides open to reveal the goodies inside.
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And wow - what a journey this has been. We have been testing and tweaking and trialling two new cleansing options for a year as our development team rejected formulation after formulation as just not quiiiite good enough!
Ingredient selection has been key, and we've prioritised some more expensive ingredients because the results are just SO beautiful. Now we can finally introduce our new collection of cleansing vegan skin care.
Our hydrating Kūmarahou + Cocoa Butter Facial Cleansing Bar is made with soothing native plants, Kūmarahou and Kawakawa. We balanced traditional wisdom with modern innovation to create this lovely cleansing bar which creates a creamy, pH balanced cleansing milk to effectively purify and deep clean, while being kind to your delicate skin barrier and gentle on sensitive skin.
Unlike soap, this bar is made with a combination of gentle cleansing agents and an innovative secondary cleaner that is powerfully effective on contaminants, but soft on skin.
Hydrating, moisturising cocoa and shea butters nourish the skin and help create a creamy, milky lather. Lightweight skin-calming macadamia oil works alongside kūmarahou & Kawakawa oils which all have anti-inflammatory properties, and natural vanilla leaves a gentle fragrance.
Our launch edition is packaged in a handy travel tin, each bar will last from 3-6 months, depending on how often it is used and provided it is stored dry between uses. In our trial, with two people using this bar, twice daily (4 washes) it lasted for 3+ months... That works out to upwards of 290 face washes per bar, making it an economical and sustainable choice.
Oil cleansers are the gentlest way to cleanse skin, quickly melting away build up and contaminants - and this method has been used since Cleopatra was Queen of Egypt! Our Gentle Oil Cleanser is a star at removing make up and sunscreen without the need to scrub and rub, leaving the skin dewy and refreshed.
Oil cleansing works on the principle that like dissolves like with the oil helping to dissolve trapped sebum (the natural oil produced by the skin) in pores without causing irritation.
The Frankie Gentle Oil Cleanser includes a selection of oils handpicked for their fatty acid profile, anti-inflammatory properties and moisturizing effect on the skin.
Our Kawakawa Cleansing Bar is perfect for both face and body - and baby! Kawakawa has been used for generations to calm and soothe dry, itchy, irritated skin and skin prone to eczema, and the added Kawakawa Chlorophyll also supports skin repair due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
If you want to really indulge your skin, you can double-cleansing with the Gentle Oil Cleanser (ideal for removing make up, sweat, sunscreen) and then use the Kūmarahou + Cocoa Butter Facial Cleansing Bar. This two-step process will leave your skin ultra-purified and ready to absorb your facial oil or serum.
First use the oil cleanser to remove make up, sunscreen or residues. Apply to dry skin, massage, and wipe off the excess with a freshly chosen warm facecloth. Gently pat clean around the eyes and dry skin with a very clean and dry towel. Follow with the Kūmarahou + Cocoa Butter Facial Cleansing Bar.
Don't re-use your face cloths more than once or twice without washing. If you plan to re-use, make sure to squeeze thoroughly dry and hang flat so the cloth can dry quickly without allowing bacteria to grow. Always choose a fresh clean towel to dry your face - and during the day, try to avoid touching your face as your hands may transfer environmental contaminants to your skin.
We have several options in the range now and here's a summary of how and when to use them.
Kūmarahou + Cocoa Butter Facial Cleansing Bar | Kawakawa Cleansing Bar with Kawakawa Chlorophyll | Gentle Oil Cleanser & Makeup Remover |
A gently foaming cleansing bar with dual action cleansing. Perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Moderate hydration with cocoa and shea butters and light macadamia oil. |
This bar offers a deep clean and maximises the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of Chlorophyll. Excellent for acne-prone or blemish prone skin and sensitive skin. Least hydrating cleanser in the range. |
Effortlessly and gently removes makeup and sunscreen. Free from emulsifiers and soaping agents. Suitable for all skin types. Most hydrating cleanser in the Frankie range. |
The Kūmarahou + Cocoa Butter Facial Cleansing Bar has been formulated to be gentle and kind to your skin. With a pH of 5.5 it works with the skin's natural acid/alkali balance so it won't strip your skin of natural oils.
Our Gentle Oil Cleanser and the Kawakawa Cleansing Bar with Kawakawa Chlorophyll are also gentle and suitable for sensitive skin.
As with any new product, always patch test for 24 hours before use.
We've had feedback from customers with acne-prone skin who have found the Kawakawa Cleansing Bar with Kawakawa Chlorophyll helpful. This bar offers a deep cleansing action for face and body and is suited to sensitive skin. Interestingly, chlorophyll has been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
Our Gentle Oil Cleanser is also a good option for those with acne. Oil cleansing has been used for centuries and works on the basis that 'like attracts like' with the oil cleanser dissolving oil in the skin and impurities, helping to flush the skin - so oil cleansing is popular for many people with acne-prone skin.
Keep in mind, oil cleansing is quite different from regular cleansers and will help dissolve trapped sebum in the skin. This can cause an initial 'purge' period as clogged pores are cleared and debris is released. This can mean skin gets worse before getting better and this period can last from 2 to 4 days, up to a couple of weeks. This is a normal sign that your skin is restoring its balance.
Again, it's always a good idea to patch test first for 24 hours.
If you have any questions, just get in touch by email now, or via our chat - we're happy to help any way we can.
]]>If you've purchased our Kawakawa Cleansing Bars and noticed the colour differs slightly, or you've purchased Frankie Kawakawa Balm and noticed the consistency is slightly different to the last jar - then you are experiencing what it's like to truly use an all natural product.
No synthetic dyes are used to match the exact colour - it's more important to us that you have an all natural product than have the bar look exactly the same every time. We include the chlorophyll for its health benefits, not just to make our waste free cleansing bars a pretty green colour!
The same goes for our Kawakawa Repair - because of the wild-harvested ingredients and because we choose not to use synthetic stabilisers (ingredients to ensure that consistency is exactly the same every time) - our all natural Kawakawa Repair Balm will always be slightly different in consistency from batch to batch. It will still deliver the same Kawakawa Repair benefits and have the same skin healing active components, but if we added these synthetics to make the consistency the same, in our opinion, it would alter the effectiveness of the balm, and the natural integrity of our brand.
"I don't know why you're doing that, or what it is, but I know I don't like it!"
Very little people have no clue why you're insisting on slathering sunblock on their skin, and no idea that you have spent ages researching which natural sunblock is safest for their delicate and sensitive skin while providing effective sun protection.
"No no no no no no!"
Small children don't generally like having to stay still while someone rubs goo all over them for no apparent reason. Your calm reasoning and pleas for cooperation are likely to fall on deaf ears. Hang in there.
"No me do!"
The constant cry of toddlers everywhere in reaction to a vacuum cleaner, a face cloth, clothing, and sunblock. You will be weighing the pros and cons - a proud happy child, willing sunscreen application and good habits BUT sunscreen like a facemask and wiped on clothes and chairs - or tidy application on a screaming child... either way there will be a price to pay for sun protection.
"Let me go!!"
At this age all your child's focus is likely to be on the enticing waves, the other kids playing, the dunes to explore... sunscreen application is just holding them back from the fun!
"Fine...."
By now you've explained why sunblock is important 5634 times and they understand why you won't give up. Sunscreen is such a part of the daily routine and your child is likely to tolerate it as one of the things they have to live with, like brushing their teeth.
"I've done it."
Your child does a better job than you anyway, and has finished putting on their sunblock before you spread out the picnic rug.
"I'm FINE."
As a newly fledged adult your offspring are unlikely to have a high priority for sunblock. With their newfound self assurance and inimitable cool, they can't quite believe that the sun can really do them any damage.
"Of course I did."
After a decent sunburn or two sunblock is enlisted as a preventative along with hats and shirts that cover them up more. No point ruining a perfectly good music festival, snowboarding trip or vineyard tour with painful sunburns.
"Just... stay STILL!"
Your beautiful mokopuna arrive and begin teaching your children lessons on patience, heartbreak and love like they've never known. As well as lessons on how tricky it can be to apply sunblock to small wriggly people!
1. Choose a sunscreen that is 40SPF+ for a decent level of UV protection. A sunscreen rated SPF 40 is certified to block out 97.5% of the harmful UVB rays that cause sun burn, which can lead to malignant melanomas.
2. Choose a sunblock with a smooth 'easy on' glide factor so you don't need to go back over the same area again and again to get good even coverage.
3. Look for a clear finish natural sunscreen so you and your children don't look like sandy mime artists all summer.
4. Always use a mineral sunblock on kids as the physical barrier it provides creates instant sun protection, whereas chemical formulas can take up to half an hour to provide protection and in the harsh New Zealand sun, this is often long enough to be badly burnt. Not only that, but many 'supermarket sunblocks' contain some really dangerous chemicals.
5. Begin with areas that annoy your child the least, like legs and arms, and finish off with the face, neck and ears so you can say 'last bit, almost done!'
6. As soon as you can, engage your child in applying their own sunblock - encourage them to count the areas off a list of eight 'hot spots' - Feet, legs, arms, chest, shoulders, neck, ears, face.
7. Pop a sunblock into your child's schoolbag. Write their name on it and tell them this is their own special sunblock that they can share with their friends to help keep everyone safe.
8. Remember, Vitamin D is great for us in limited amounts, but sun exposure ages and damages skin over the long term. Most dangerous are Burn Events where our skin is burnt enough to turn pink and painful. Burn Events are the biggest contributors to malignant melanomas, and children's delicate skin is most susceptible to burn events which can lead to fatal melanoma years later.
Protecting your child from sun burn while they are young can literally save their life.
9. If your child has eczema or reactive skin, have a read of our guide to sunblock and eczema care here.
10. Sunblock is wonderful, but hats and clothing can provide great sun protection, as can playing under the shady trees, in tents, or inside during the highest UV times.
This NZ made natural sunscreen for Face & Body with Kawakawa + Calendula is safe for sensitive skin, silky to apply, rubs in beautifully with minimal whitening and offers effective mineral sun protection. It meets the Australian & New Zealand Sunscreen Standard, AS/NZS 2604:2021 and SPF40 means that the sunscreen offers an impressive 97.5% protection from UVB rays.
Our natural sunscreen is also made with non-nano, marine friendly mineral sun filters and won the award for Best Coral Safe Sun Care Product at the Beauty Shortlist 2023 Awards.
"So light and spreads well (don't need a lot it seems), no white cast, smells nice, not shiny or greasy like other face sunscreens I've used. Amazing! Will definitely keep using." - Leah
"Really excited to have found a NZ made product that is sun smart, reef friendly, good for you and the environment!! Wow, just wow!!"- Julie
"This sunblock is brilliant! It goes on so smooth and creamy you don’t have to really rub it in, it absorbs quickly and leaves skin so soft all day, it didn’t go sticky or greasy at all and best of all I did not get sunburnt! I only applied once too. 5/5 from me." - Rachel
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Hundreds of years later, science backs this up.
In the sub-Saharan savannas, when a giraffe starts eating an acacia tree, the leaves emit ethylene gas. Nearby acacia trees can detect the ethylene and begin pushing tannins into their leaves - because in high concentrations, tannins can make grazing animals sick or even kill them.
Amazingly, the giraffes have learned to browse the acacias while facing into the wind, so the warning gas doesn’t reach the trees ahead of them... and if it's a still day, a giraffe will typically walk 100 yards before browsing on a new acacia which hasn't been reached by the ethylene gas yet!
When the leaves of elms and pines are eaten by caterpillars, the tree detects the caterpillar's saliva, and releases pheromones that 'call the cavalry' by luring in a species of parasitic wasps which predate the caterpillars.
A study from Leipzig University and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research showed that trees recognised the 'taste' of deer saliva. If a tree's branch is bitten by a deer, the tree increases levels of chemicals that make the leaves taste bad - but if a human breaks a branch, the tree increases levels of wound-healing substances instead.
Kawakawa leaves contain the amazing bioactive Myristicin, which is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective (prevents damage to the liver), psychoactive - and anticholinergic, meaning that it blocks certain nerve impulses, like the pain of eczema irritation.
Myristicin is also an effective natural insecticide which is why only the specially adapted Looper Moth can eat Kawakawa leaves with impunity, and why Kawakawa Balm can act as a pretty good mozzie repellent!
So when a moth chomps the Kawakawa leaves, the plant releases more 'insecticide' - and the level of Myristicin actives in the leaves increases ... making it less appealing to the Looper Moth, and more effective for use in our skin-soothing balms and oils!
Scientists now know that forest trees live in interdependent communities, forming alliances and communicating with each other in a range of ways.
Trees can communicate through the air, using pheromones and other scent signals, and Monica Gagliano at the University of Western Australia has found evidence that some plants also emit and detect crackling sounds at a frequency of 220 hertz in their roots.
Trees in natural forests are also connected through underground fungal networks called mycorrhizal networks. Their fine whiskery root tips join with microscopic fungal filaments creating a network that enables the trees to send chemical, hormonal and slow-pulsing electrical signals about water, nutrients, or distress signals about drought and disease or insect attacks. This information sharing allows other trees in the network - even over large distances - to take action and benefit from nutrient sources or to protect themselves.
The largest and deepest rooted trees in a forest community can draw up water to where their shallow-rooted seedlings can reach it. They send nearby trees nutrients, and if those smaller trees are not thriving, the hub trees detect their distress signals and increase the nutrient supply. This is one reason why when people fell the biggest, oldest trees, the survival rate of younger trees drops significantly.
A New York Times, Washington Post & Wall Street Journal Best Seller.
Forester and author Peter Wohlleben convincingly makes the case that the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers.
“Heavily dusted with the glitter of wonderment.”—The New Yorker
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We're glad you asked!
One thing we're grateful for at Frankie is you, our amazing customers, and our subscription service is one way for us to say ngā mihi nui/thank you very much for your support - here's how it works.
On each product there's an option to purchase as a subscription. You can also set your own delivery frequency. It's like receiving a regular gift box to yourself!
To say thanks for choosing Frankie, you'll save 10% on your second order in a subscription and every subsequent order on the same subscription. Plus, for every purchase you'll earn 1 Frankie Point for every $1 spent. For every 100 points, you get a $5 store credit to use on a non-subscription order - that's 5% back in rewards!
When you're ready to treat yourself, just head to our store to spend your points!
Yes! Just log in to your Frankie account - click on the person icon on top right corner on any page, then select 'Subscriptions' to see your current subscriptions.
Then select the 'Edit' button next to the items in your order to add more products. You can choose to add them just this one time by clicking the 'One time purchase' button, or to the button 'Add' to add them to all your future subscription orders.
If you're adding it as a regular product in your subscription, yes you'll save 10% from the second time you receive it onwards. If you're adding it as a one-off, it'll be charged at the regular price.
Yes! Once you've logged in and clicked on 'Subscriptions', you'll see your subscriptions and have the option to pause or cancel at any time.
No, not yet - but this is something that will change later in 2023. We will keep in touch with everyone who has a subscription to let you know more.
If you have any questions about our subscription service, just send us an email at info@frankieapothecary.co.nz - we're happy to help in any way we can.
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Eczema is notorious for flaring up at night and disrupting children's sleep - with can wake the whole family, night after night. Sleep disruption caused by eczema is very common, affecting up to 87% of adults with eczema - and The National Eczema Organisation says that up to 83% of children with eczema have difficulty sleeping at times.
It's no surprise that parents of children with eczema have said in multiple studies that apart from the itch, the detrimental effect on sleep is the worst thing about eczema.
There are different types of eczema, like atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, as well as other skin irritations like psoriasis and rosacea, which can cause itchiness, inflammation, swelling, redness, cracked skin, and scratching.
Scratching is a real problem, as it leads to further irritation, cracking, weeping and scaling... and sometimes infection from scratching contamination. Not only that, itching can cause eczema flare ups as the body releases inflammatory mediators which aggravate the eczema, and exacerbate symptoms. The eczema rash can then spread further, as the skin inflames around the itch.
Did you know? When we itch eczema, it gives short-term relief because receptors on the skin are temporarily damaged, so the brain sends pain-relieving chemicals to the area, such as feel-good neurotransmitter, serotonin, which can create a feeling of happiness, as well as providing itch relief. But the serotonin reacts with receptors on nerves that carry itch signals, making the itch worse.
Eczema can be worse at night because barrier creams may have worn off, we may scratch in our sleep without realising, and our body temperature decreases at night, which may make our skin feel itchy.
And a lack of good sleep can lower immunity, make children more susceptible to infection, more sensitive to pain, and more stressed. It can impair our cognitive abilities, disrupt behavior, and increase emotional disruption.
We've gathered together our top bedtime eczema care steps, that are tried and tested by the Frankie Family.
Watch out for and avoid:
Bathing regularly helps to hydrate the skin and prevent infections. Using a good bath soak can have a therapeutic effect on irritated skin. In addition to the physical effects of a nice bath, they are mentally soothing and help relax your muscles. These factors can reduce stress, which is a potent trigger for eczema flare-ups.
Warm baths in the evening right before sleep time have been shown to help with falling asleep. Scientists think that this is because our body temperature starts to fall as we near our usual sleep time, and warming up the body first with a warm (but not too hot) bath followed by cooling down may 'jump-start' the sleep process, helping us fall asleep faster.
Make sure the bath is warm, not too hot, and add our Colloidal Oat Bath Soak or Natural Epsom Salts for skin soothing care.
Pat skin thoroughly dry, and avoid rubbing motions.
It's best to moisturise irritated skin immediately after bathing to help lock in the hydration.
Use Frankie's Body Oil all over, and apply Kawakawa Repair Balm to any inflamed or particularly dry patches.
Bedrooms should be above 18 degrees but not by much. Feeling hot can make people feel itchier, and sweat can irritate broken the skin, increasing itch.
Like day time clothing, sleepwear and linens made from pure cotton are gentler on skin and less irritating to eczema.
Here are some good basic steps to help your child (and you!) fall asleep well.
Dennis Rosen, M.D. is the Associate Medical Director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Boston Children’s Hospital and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.
Dr Rosen notes that stress itself is worth addressing as a secondary cause of disturbed sleep for children with eczema.
"Sleep disturbances are very common in children who suffer from eczema, and stress seems to play an important role in triggering both. Treating stress, in addition to the “usual” interventions for helping children with sleep disturbances, is likely to help with both problems."
The technique of progressive muscle relaxation can effectively reduce itch, sleep disturbances, and stress in people with eczema. This exercise is a mindfulness practice which is easy to introduce to children as a nice relaxing game. The person tenses different muscle groups for ten seconds, then relaxes for twenty seconds, then tenses the next group of muscles. The theory is that the reduction in stress is what helps the technique work.
As a parent, you will know what routines and activities help your child cope with stress and relax - maybe snuggle games or bed time stories, a favourite toy, or a regular ritual at bedtime. Try to make sure that your child's day 'winds down' peacefully, and integrate these calming activities as part of your bed time eczema care routine.
if you have ideas to share with other parents, please comment below! And if you want to try our Colloidal Oat Soak, Body Oil and Kawakawa Balm, you can get all three in the Eczema Saviour Bundle.
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Wishing you all the very best for the year ahead!
Over the past few years our whānau has celebrated Matariki in different ways. We’ve planted new Kawakawa plants, marked it at my daughter’s kura with dawn karakia, waitata and kai; and celebrated my nephew’s birthday which fell on the first national holiday last year, complete with the best birthday cake ever.
Matariki is the group of the beautiful whetu (stars, named by the Greeks as Pleiades) whose rising signifies the start of the new year.
When you begin to seek more understanding about why Matariki is a special time of year in Aotearoa, it can often begin a journey to understand the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar, where Matariki features as a pivotal point in the seasons for both people and nature.
The Maramataka is an ancient system that guided our ancestors through the different seasons of the year, where the rising of various whetu in our Southern skies signal the beginning of each month.
Through careful observation over centuries, our Tīpuna discovered that different days of the Maramataka brought different levels of energy, which makes certain times suitable for some activities - and less suitable for others. It makes sense to me that because tangata (people) are made largely of water, we can also be influenced by the waxing and waning of Marama (the moon).
The Maramataka is widely used by gardeners or people gathering kai moana as it helps us understand which days are best for planting and work in the mara (garden) and which are likely to bring successful fishing.
The Maramataka also signifies certain days as best for self-care, and to give back to Papatūānuku.
It's a beautiful thought that a centuries-old way of living in harmony with the natural world is still beneficial today - and accessible for anyone interested due to the many generous elders and teachers who provide resources to help us align our activities with Marama's phases.
Our team has been exploring some wonderful books and courses, so we thought we’d share a few that you may find helpful on your Maramataka journey too. Keep in mind, the Maramataka can vary slightly depending on tribal affiliations, so the names for days and months can differ.
There are lots of incredible people out there sharing mātauranga, this short list is just a handful we have enjoyed learning from - please do add your recommendations in the comments section below - we’d love to discover them too.
by Heeni Hoterene
This workshop was super practical, and we loved how Heeni Hoterene (Ngāti Hine, Nā Puhi, Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga, Ngāi Tahu) related it back to day-to-day activities - like when meetings are most productive, which days communication is more likely to be effective, and days of the Maramataka best suited to high energy projects. Heeni recommends a journal to track your experience with the Maramataka.
One simple way Heeni suggests that can illustrate how Marama affects the mara (garden) is to plant a seed on Whiro (new moon) and another during the full moon phase, Oturu or Rākaunui and compare growth and overall health of the seedlings after a few weeks. This is our experiment for next month!
Check out the great Maramataka calendar on her site Maramataka Māori. You can find Heeni’s courses over at Maramataka Māori.
by Dr Rangi Matamua.
Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and this year’s New Zealander of the year, Dr Rangi Matamua (Tūhoe) shares so much valuable information about Matariki on his site Living with the Stars and his social platforms.
His depth of knowledge is astronomical, literally. Lots of history, background info and knowledge of the cosmos for those who want to dig deep. His webseries on Matariki, outlining each of the stars and their significance, is fantastic. There’s even a waiata to help you remember the appearance of different whetu that signal the beginning of each month.
by Wiremu Tawhai
Living by the Moon discusses the Maramataka and the way the days and nights were understood according to Te Whānau-ā-Apanui (Te Tairawhiti) tribal knowledge. Te Whānau-ā-Apanui ancestors were dependent on the environment, and this led them to closely study the changes and cycles in nature so they could ensure their survival in their tribal area.
I am Ngāti Porou so this one is on my list as it’s super relevant for Tairawhiti (the East Coast region).
by Ayla Hoeta
Ayla Hoeta (Tainui/ Ngāti Tahinga) works in community and social innovation. She wrote a wonderful monthly series on Maramataka for Ātea. You can browse her articles for each month here.
by Tuhi Stationary
Our friends over at Tuhi have created a great online resource for anyone wanting to understand more about the Maramataka and how to apply it to daily life. Their journals and flip charts are a really handy way to see the Maramataka and the Gregorian calendar side by side, to help keep track of where you are in the month and plan you life accordingly.
We’d love to hear your experiences with the Maramataka and be able to share resources you’ve found helpful on your journey. Comment below with tips and discoveries.
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead e te whānau!
Ka mahuta a Matariki i te pae, ka mahuta ō tātou tūmanako ki te tau.
(When Matariki rises above the horizon, our aspirations rise to the year ahead.)
Learn more about wellbeing tips for Matariki and things you can do to mark Matariki.
Best of all, we had three category winners and got word Frankie was one of the highest scoring winners in this year's competition. We couldn't be happier!
Our hero product Kawakawa Repair Balm won two categories - Best Repair Balm and Best for Dry or Sensitive Skin - which is an incredible achievement. Right behind it, Bakuchiol Rejuvenate Serum was a top placed product too, winning Best Bakuchiol or Serum.
This kind of recognition of our New Zealand made products makes us so proud - not only of our own work, but for the great honour of being one of the Aotearoa based brands who are representing our country's indigenous traditions and knowledge overseas. And as always whenever we are grateful, we are so very grateful to you - our customers and supporters are the reason Frankie Apothecary is here!
These wins also take us closer to achieving our mission to give everyone living with itchy skin access to natural solutions that work. We're determined to support the skin health of as many people as we can, both here in Aotearoa and beyond!
Frankie Apothecary Kawakawa Repair Balm
Frankie Apothecary Bakuchiol Rejuvenate Serum
Frankie Apothecary Vanilla & Kawakawa Conditioner Bar
Frankie Apothecary Kūmarahou + Kawakawa Shampoo Bar
Frankie Apothecary Kawakawa Body Oil
Last year, our bespoke Replenishing Kakadu C Facial Oil was a Winner of the Best Natural Face Oil category and our skin-saving hero Kawakawa Repair Balm won an Editor's Choice Award.
We invite you to shop the Beauty Awards Collection and see why the International Judges were so impressed!
]]>We have such a great range of skin loving, gentle products to bestow moisture and protect skin from the harsh winter air. Whether you just want to keep your glow all winter long, or if you have sensitive, eczema-prone skin in your family, we are here to help ensure that winter doesn't damage your skin.
Protect healthy skin and keep the skin of both your face and body radiant and protected with our beautiful all natural Frankie skin care products.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis often becomes worse in winter as skin dries out and becomes more vulnerable. Most children with eczema find winter the hardest and their wee bodies deserve some loving care and support. If you know the Frankie Story, you know that nothing motivates us more than helping children with eczema!
Here are some tips for winter care of eczema prone skin:
Dry skin becomes itchy, often without a visible rash. Symptoms normally worsen in winter and are more frequent in older people. Winter Itch can be aggravated by air conditioning, or scratchy or woollen clothing - and is often mistaken for dermatitis once the itch causes scratching and broken skin.
Here are our top tips for dealing with Winter Itch:
At Frankie Apothecary we are so inspired by the beautiful native ngahere - in particular the pretty Kawakawa shrub which has been used for centuries for its many wonderful, scientifically proven qualities.
Discover how Kawakawa can help soothe eczema prone skin, and how the Frankie brand sprang from a mother's search for help with eczema.
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It can be difficult knowing where to turn for tips and advice for your eczema care journey.
Our tīpuna, the experts of long ago, discovered the goodness of Kawakawa and have shared a wealth of insight into its uses - for everything from eczema and itchy skin to coughs and colds.
Our beautiful native Kawakawa is an incredible natural medicinal!
With Frankie Apothecary being one of the first brands to bring Kawakawa to homes around New Zealand way back in 2016, we love seeing the use of Kawakawa becoming so popular.
We are also very proud to partner with modern-day experts in the field of eczema to offer natural solutions for eczema and itchy skin care, support and confidence.
The Eczema Association of New Zealand gave our Kawakawa Repair Balm and Kawakawa Body Oil to their team of itchy skin sufferers, and with their positive feedback, we were given the go-ahead to display the Eczema Association of New Zealand supporter badge on these products for dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin.
We’re delighted to share that the rest of our products are with the 'Testing Team' as we speak!
The Eczema Association of New Zealand (www.eczema.org.nz) is a non-profit charity organisation dedicated to supporting eczema sufferers in New Zealand. Their mission is to reach all New Zealanders who live with dry, itchy skin every day and let them know they can get help, support, education and relief. They do amazing work and have an incredible depth of information, tips and advice on their website.
For those living with eczema, support, understanding and knowing that others have been on this journey can make such a huge difference.
If you want personalised support, do drop us an email - and check out our information and tips for eczema care.
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"This is great sunscreen - it’s a lot thinner than other natural sunscreens, and leaves a lot less white residue. It provides really strong protection too, and seems to last longer on your skin than other sun blocks." - Ali
"This sunblock is brilliant! It goes on so smooth and creamy you don’t have to really rub it in, it absorbs quickly and leaves skin so soft all day, it didn’t go sticky or greasy at all and best of all I dud not get sunburnt! I only applied once too. 5/5 from me." - Rachel
This little beauty was joint winner of Best Natural Face Oil category in The Beauty Shortlist 2022 Mama & Baby Awards, and this year scooped the Editor's Choice Award. No surprises here, as this all natural, high potency facial oil was created to balance both soothing irritated or sensitive skin, and replenishing skin at a cellular level.
"Love it !! Been using it for a year and recommended to my daughter and she too loves this so much as it improves our skin looks so moist and radiant now thank you." - Melissa
"This oil is the best facial oil I have ever used. I have used many oils especially on my forehead which always seems fo dry up quickly. This oil however keeps my head soft and plump during the day. After a week my face looks brighter and more even toned. I have now been using a tiny bit under my eyes at night as a “eye mask” definitely recommend to anyone with acne prone or dry skin like me." - Ina
Our shampoo bars were a big break away from the brand's original focus on just offering eczema friendly skin care, but they have grown a loyal following from both people with and without sensitive skin. We feel like this 'baby' is all grown up!
"I was referred to Frankie Apothecary by my dermatologist and I absolutely love the Kumarahou & Kawakawa Shampoo Bar! It’s definitely my only go to for a happy scalp and healthy hair - highly recommend." - Tara
"I have used the shampoo bar for almost two years on my fine oily hair. It is the only thing that has helped my scalp and my hair looks great and feels properly clean. Other bars could never! I recommend this bar to everyone." - Nell
Beloved for the rich scent and the luscious locks it nurtures, this heroic conditioning bar kept up with its partner in waste-free hair care, and strode away with an Editor's Choice Award too! You can buy both and save with a Hair Care Duo pack.
"I knew I had to try something new when my scalp became very itchy and sore, so I'd ordered the kawakawa shampoo bar to see if it helped. I've used them together four or five times now, and have noticed a massive improvement, almost immediately. My scalp is much soothed with hardly any itching, and my fine/thick/wavy hair is soft and smooth and happy. Happy to have the full Frankie lineup in my shower now, what with the shampoo and conditioner bars, alongside the body bar!" - Anna
"Never stop making this! I have been using both the shampoo and conditioner bars since November 2018 and I can honestly say that my hair is just getting better the longer I use them. They work equally well on the whole family's hair, which includes fine and curly, fine and wavy and super-thick and curly! Smells divine and leaves hair soft and manageable but with no residue or build-up." - Rosie
If there was a podium and acceptance speech, our thanks would be going out to you, our wonderful Frankie family, for all your support, feedback, and sharing the word about Frankie Apothecary with your friends and family. We couldn't do this without you!
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi
With your food basket, and mine, the people will thrive
Thank you.
Georgina & Matt
]]>We think love is the first essential ingredient in caring for baby.
Your baby is completely dependent on you, and this can be totally overwhelming, especially as a first-time parent. However, changing your mindset from 'grr another dirty nappy to get rid of' to 'I am providing nurturing care for this beloved person' can swap your mindset from feeling like an unappreciated labourer, to seeing yourself as someone able to perform acts of pure love, countless times a day, for someone completely innocent and helpless.
With every clean nappy, every warm bath, every soothing cuddle you are hardwiring your child's heart and mind for a healthy, balanced life full of empathy and care. Children who experience nurture from a person who is a reliable and available caregiver in their first 3-4 years will grow and thrive to the point where they can regulate their own systems, experience full empathy, and create beautiful relationships throughout the length of their lives.
"The human brain and heart that are met primarily with empathy in the critical early years cannot and will not grow to choose a violent or selfish life.” - Robin Grille, Pyschologist & Parent Educator.
If you want to know more, we love Pennie Brownlee's Dance with me in the Heart.
We love love love the stories we get of happy babies who have benefitted from the use of Kawakawa Repair Balm on their eczema. Honestly, it is probably our favourite thing about running this business - seeing these little people feeling happy and cheerful again with the relief from their eczema!
It's so important to us that we wrote an article specifically about how to care for a baby with eczema. You can also see the reviews at the base of this page.
"My 3 month old son has severe eczema and asked our GP for help. They prescribed him with steroidal creams which worked then it would come back again when stopped, he was mostly fussy. I started weaning off these steroidal creams as I was afraid that it was too strong for him. I slowly tried Frankie balm on my baby and it worked wonders on his skin! Now he's a happy and bubbly!" - Romana
"Highly recommend this pack, it's a life saver to my bubba! We have been battling with her eczema for months. All GP prescribed was antibiotics and stronger steroid which is not helping. The first day we tried it out, immediately we saw the results. Her skin is less itchy and cracked. Now she is so much happier!! Thank you ❤" - Colleen
Dribble rash is often a painful side effect for babies who are prone to colic and prolongs the discomfort and tearfulness past the tummy pain. And some babies are just 'dribblier' than others! Regardless of the cause, a rash under the mouth area (and often in the creases of their cute chubby neck) feels a lot like very bad sunburn - the ever-present moisture means bubba feels a constant stingy pain, and if they move their mouth, it hurts a lot!
We recommend that you dab the area dry and apply the balm throughout the day. Instead of our standard advice to apply the Kawakawa Balm three times a day, go ahead and double this, to six applications daily. You're likely to be dealing with a steady supply of new moisture, so use a very clean muslin cloth to gently dab-dry and reapply to keep that barrier on baby's skin as much of the time as possible.
"I buy the kawakawa balm for my mokos. Our newest pēpi loves it for both her teething and nappy rashes. I think her māmā also sneaks it for her little grazes and dry skin patches too." - Shirley
Cradle cap is very common, and it's nothing to worry about as long as it is kept under control. Babies with cradle cap will have a waxy layer on the top of their scalp which is harmless unless it begins to become thick and crack, or becomes dirty and contaminated with bacteria. There is no need to try and get rid of it completely, but it is well worth keeping it to a minimum and cleaning it regularly.
It's a great idea to apply Kawakawa Balm to your baby’s scalp and allow it to sit on the cradle cap and soften it up. Some parents put it on baby's head before bed so it can soak in and soften the layer overnight. Just place a few layers of soft muslin cloth over the pillow to avoid the oils touching the pillow case. Otherwise, you can just apply several times a day to let the layer soften and detach.
You can then very, very gently massage baby’s scalp with a soft muslin cloth or towel which will help to loosen the waxy layer, then gently comb the scalp (make sure the comb has rounded ends on the tines) to remove the waxy patches that have come loose. It’s very important not to try to use the comb to loosen the layers; just slide it over the scalp to gently remove anything that has already softened and is ready to flake off.
You can repeat this treatment over several nights as long as it is comfortable for bub. You can wash the remainder of the balm out with warm water and a soft clean cloth, or leave it on the scalp.
The main reason babies experience nappy rash is that wet nappies are left on too long, allowing the damp to sit against the skin and the fibres of the synthetic or cloth nappy to abrade the skin. So changing baby as soon as they have done a poo is a great idea, and changing regularly to get wet materials away from their skin is a great idea.
A child prone to atopic dermatitis is much more likely to have a big reaction, and there are various ingredients in synthetic nappies that could possibly contribute to this. It's hard to get to 'the bottom' of this though and if you google you're likely to end up on research fully funded by Proctor and Gamble. We do know that synthetic nappies are made with polyethylenes and polypropylenes, often contain petroleum based lotions, and a French study in 2018 found these compounds - among many others - present in synthetic nappies:
The total number of throw-away diapers used by a baby before toilet training is estimated at 3800 to 4800, so that's a lot of times to be exposed to chemicals which the same study showed migrated into a urine-like substance.
If you have a child who is very susceptible to nappy rash, you may like to keep a stash of cloth nappies to use when their skin flares up, or go cloth all the way. Although cloth nappies can also cause nappy rash, you'll know it is through abrasion and if you keep them very clean and change them regularly you may see great changes.
Regardless, Kawakawa Balm can help your baby's nappy rash!
With each nappy change, apply a light layer of Kawakawa Repair Balm around the area where wetness sits and up the crease of baby's bottom. It is safe for sensitive skin, but of course you can patch test to be extra sure. If a rash appears, apply to any red areas in a slightly thicker layer.
This one is for you, mumma! It's very normal for nipples to crack slightly at first when you begin breastfeeding, but they should heal in a few days to a week. They should not become excruciatingly sore, bleed, or seep fluids. If they do, get professional medical help right away. Poor you!
To care for sore nipples, pat your nipples dry with a very clean soft cloth after feeding, then smooth some Kawakawa Repair Balm on. If you can, leave them in the fresh air or even light sunshine for a little while (free the nipple!).
Avoid those 'disposable' nipple pads! Made from petrochemical derived products their synthetic material holds damp against your skin and this will not help your nipples heal. Choose natural wool or wool/silk blend pads (try Nature Baby, Breastmates or the Sleep Store) as they are breathable, and will allow your nipples to 'breathe' inside your bra.
Kawakawa Repair Balm is a lovely 'soothe all' balm perfect for sunburn after care, scrapes, grazes, itchy bites (and may even help repel mozzies and sandflies).
Perfect for creating a skin barrier on hands dried and chapped by frequent washing, Kawakawa Balm can also soothe and reduce hormonal rashes that you may experience during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Keep it on hand for all the family (including fur friends - but no double dipping!)
Babies skin is so delicate and precious that we do recommend using hats and shade to protect them from the harsh Kiwi sun, but when they go out in the sun to swim or play, it's important to use a beautiful, natural, gentle but high sun protection factor sunblock.
Natural Sun Defence SPF40 is such a good choice for babies, as it is nature-derived, free from chemical sun filters, and soft enough to easily smooth on young skin. It has been dermatologically tested as safe for sensitive skin, and has a proven SPF40 rating which means it stops 97.5% of UVB rays.
We are here to help you take great care of your beautiful bundle, so you can make the most of your time as the parent of a tiny person, and enjoy the convenience of one product that offers so many baby-care solutions. If you have any questions about using Kawakawa Balm for your baby, reach out via the chat button lower right - we are always happy to help!
Grab your Kawakawa Repair Balm here.
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Frankie Apothecary's Kawakawa Balm was created in 2015. Don't get us wrong - that makes us the new kid on the block compared to the use of Kawakawa by our tīpuna that stretches back centuries! But our Kawakawa Balm was really the first one to be sold in stores, and to generate the word of mouth from one parent to another, passing on the inside word that Kawakawa Balm had helped their child's eczema or soothed their baby's nappy rash, or that it helped insect bite inflammation, or any one of the many, many ways that this little taonga is used for healing and soothing skin.
Where our Kawakawa Balm led the way, of course there are now a crowd of Kawakawa Balms on the market, from bigger brands to made-at-home creators. And that's great! We love that more and more people have come across Kawakawa Balm and seen the ways it can heal.
We get so many messages and reviews from customers who have tried other Kawakawa Balms before and didn't get results, then tried Frankie Apothecary and saw the difference.
"I got given a couple of different Kawakawa Balms for this skin irritation and they made no difference. After a month of trying everything I decided to give it one more chance and tried Frankie's Balm. Wow. Literally cleared overnight. When you open the jar and take a sniff, you can smell that fresh Kawkawa scent, and the Balm has a darker hue. The ones I had tried before were paler and just smelled of beeswax so I guess they had a lot less Kawakawa in them." - HM
There's no better proof of effectiveness than one mum recommending Frankie to another. And this is how most mums at shows tell us they heard about our Kawakawa Balm! Frankie is the #1 Most Recommended Kawakawa Balm.
There's so much love out there for this precious balm, which was created by a special mum desperate to help her own child. From one mother's love, to loved by countless mums - how wonderful is that!
"I was a bit hesitant with purchasing the Kawa Kawa Balm as I’m not too familiar with it. But a lot of my colleagues recommended Kawakawa, and found Frankie to be the best value for money. And it actually works! My 4 month old daughter has eczema, and it disappears after 2 days of application. My son also has flare ups, and he knows it’s time for Kawakawa Balm. Five stars!" - Emma
And it's not just parents who believe in this Balm.
Our wild-harvested Kawakawa is harvested by hand, with healing intent, in time with the cycles of the full moon, Rākau-nui, and the day after, Rakau-matohī, following a long-held Maramataka practice. We primarily harvest from the east side of the trees, choosing the leaves that look lacy with holes as these have higher levels of medicinal actives. Karakia are said over the Kawakawa while harvesting, and again while the kawakawa oil is infusing at our home in Tāmaki Makaurau. Learn more about our Kawakawa.
You can see with one glance at our balm that the darker colour suggests a higher level of Kawakawa extract than in many paler brands. Take a sniff too, you should be able to pick out that fresh crisp scent of the Kawakawa alongside the warmer scents of calendula and kawakawa tinctures, shea and coconut.
Rather than a simple beeswax or almond oil base with a Kawakawa infused oil, our Kawakawa Balm includes a range of beautiful skin-saving oils and butters:
We spend lots of time communicating one-to-one with Frankie customers, answering queries and supporting them on their skin journeys, with tips, advice and support.
We really care about providing skin care products that ease the pain of eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and other skin conditions and are always happy to help.
We also love providing beauty products, like our lip balms and facial oils, that help women feel great about supporting their skin to be its radiant best.
You can always ask us anything.
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We are so inspired by some of the innovations like these happening in the packaging space. As a small business, we’re not always big enough to take advantage of them just yet but we love to be inspired by what’s possible and to have big aspirations about where we’re going.
When I was a young child, almost all drinks came in a glass bottles or tin cans. And they were valuable – 10c for cans and bottles when cashed in to be recycled.
There’s a good reason we’re seeing a trend back to the packaging choices of the 70s. Glass, aluminium and paper/cardboard, while they aren’t perfect environmental choices (what is?), they have a key benefits over plastic that makes it first choice for us when at all possible.
Glass and aluminium can be infinitely recycled, while plastic has a recycling lifecycle of 8-9 times. And all that depends on two things. That people have a way – and a will – to recycle them.
We know our customers are on a recycling journey with us as we often hear how glad people are to receive their Frankie favourites in glass even though they can be more fragile in little hands. Like we say, there are pros and cons to every packaging choice!
Due to the nature of some of our products being liquid, we still need to use plastic pumps for our body and facial oils. These can be recycled but they need to be pulled apart to separate the plastic from the metal spring inside.
The fact they aren’t made from one material referred to as mono-material, means different material needs to be sorted and recycled through the right channels.
We’re happy to recycle the pumps for you – just get in touch with us to return them. Or better yet – when you’re buying your next Kawakawa Body Oil choose a refill instead and just reuse your old pump again and again!
We’re always looking for new, simpler ways to dispense oils that are robust enough to protect the product as it travels without any leaks along the way. Watch this space.
Our Kawakawa Repair Balm and Natural Sun Defence SPF40 now use paper labels. While they won’t stay looking as good for as long as the old plastic labels, they do make recycling much simpler.
The paper label is simply floated off before melting – or smelting in the case of our aluminium sunscreen tins – and there is no need to try to peel these off before they go into the recycling bin.
On the other hand, plastic labels can interfere with the recycling process and reduce the quality of the recycled glass or aluminium which is the reason we made the switch. And while some recycling plants have specialized sorting equipment that can remove plastic labels, to make sure your glass recycling is processed properly, it is best to remove these plus pumps or lids before popping them into kerbside recycling. The same goes for any aluminium packaging you’re recycling to avoid contamination of the recycled metal.
The plastic labels can be recycled in soft plastic recycling in Auckland at Countdown supermarkets and Huckleberry stores to name a few. Again, if this isn’t available in your area, get in touch and return it to us to recycle for you.
If you have a few jars at home and love crafting, transform your old Frankie jars into a storage container for buttons, salt or pizza herbs or a handy container for succulents - beautify your space and care for the planet at the same time.
Thank you for helping us care for Papatuanuku!
Everyone knows staying sun safe, covering up and using sunscreen are crucial, especially here in Aotearoa. Over 4,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year(1) in New Zealand and sadly it accounts for nearly 80% of those who die each year from cancer. Sunscreen isn’t optional. It’s a must, which makes choosing one that’s good for you and your family - inside and out - extremely important.
Chemicals – the good and the bad
You’ve probably heard people say, 'but everything’s a chemical'. H2O is a chemical. We’re talking about are compounds that have been found to have a negative effect on living tissue, organisms and humans. While more human studies are needed, this is what we know so far about some of the ingredients you’ll find in regular off the shelf sunscreen.
Known hormone disruptors
My fertility specialist told me to stop using the chemical sunscreen I’d been applying daily for years, because it could be hampering my ability to fall pregnant. I was shocked. Surely, I reasoned, if a product could throw my hormones off-balance it would be banned? And definitely not sold in supermarkets. I was wrong. From that day on, I’ve been extremely cautious about sunscreens, opting for natural versions instead. The big problem has been finding one that ticks all the boxes. More on that later.
Oxybenzone - one of the worst
You’ve probably heard of Oxybenzone. Some studies have shown that it can be converted into forms that exhibit estrogenic activity such as BP8 and 2,4,4’-trihydroxy-benzophenone (THB) (2) and that it can lower testosterone in adolescent boys (3). Yes, you read that right. The Environmental Working Group, which rates the safety of skincare ingredients, says it’s a common irritant and known to damage coral reels (4). Thankfully, this is ingredient is being removed from more and more sunscreens each year, but always check the ingredient list first.
Octinoxate
Following closely on its heels is octinoxate which can be listed on ingredient labels as Octinoxate, o methoxycinnamate (OMC), parsol, parsol MCX, parsol MOX, escalol, 2-ethylhexyl p-methoxycinnamate. It’s been shown to increase cell proliferation in cells that grow in response to oestrogen exposure. The Safe Cosmetics website puts it like this:
“Lifetime estrogen exposure is an established risk factor in the development and progression of breast cancer. Octinoxate affects other hormone systems as well. For instance, it reduces thyroid hormones in blood serum5. Thyroid hormones are critical for metabolic functions in the body including mammary gland development. Octinoxate exposure has also been found to alter the reproductive systems of female offspring, with significantly lowered hormone (estradiol and progesterone) levels6,”(7)
For women, especially those trying to conceive or dealing with peri or menopausal symptoms, these compounds can place unnecessary stress on endocrine systems that are already working hard to find a delicate balance during key life stages and transitions. And don’t be fooled if a sunscreen says ‘mineral’. Alarmingly, some manufacturers call their sunscreen ‘natural’ because they include zinc oxide in the formula – even though they also use a chemical sun filter. Check the full ingredients list. If a brand doesn’t publish the full ingredient list on their website as it appears on the box, email and specifically ask to see it and ask if they use any chemical sun filters.
Sensitive skin and sunscreen
For those with sensitive skin, finding sunscreen that doesn’t irritate itchy skin issues can be tricky. Like other skincare products, preservative systems and fragrances are common allergens and it’s a good idea to patch test first. It’s estimated 1-2% of the population is allergic to fragrance (8).
Unique to sunscreens, some chemical filters such as oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), avobenzone and benzophenone-4 can cause reactions, though the incidence seems to be lower. If you’re allergic, sunscreens using mineral sunfilters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are a good option and have not been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis (7).
Chalky white finish. No thanks.
Back we come to the big problem with natural sunscreens – the chalky white finish. Sure, we may not mind that on our kids when they’re young, but for ourselves it’s not a look anyone likes sporting. Thankfully, you can have the best of both worlds. Zinc and Titanium dioxide, the main physical sun filters in sunscreen, have come a long way since mineral sun filters were developed. When used at the right particle size, such as non-nano/micronised particles, they can rub in to a beautiful near clear finish.
Cover up, baby
One of the best ways you can protect yourself and your family over the summer in Aotearoa New Zealand is to cover up as much as you can. Wear sunglasses, a sunhat, protective clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher and avoid the sun in the middle of the day when the sun is hottest.
It almost goes without saying that newborns should stay out of the sun until they’re 6 months old due to their delicate newly minted skin. If you’re at sports with older kids and its unavoidable, then go for a sunscreen free from chemical sun filters and minimise the time in the sun as much as possible.
If you’re like most of us, and love getting outdoors in summer (it really makes the grind through winter bearable), opt for a good sunscreen that offers high sun protection. Anything over SPF30 is recommended. But – and this is a biggie – no matter how high the SPF on your sunscreen, always apply every two hours. Without fail. One of the big problems with high SPF ratings is that we think we can stay in the sun for hours without reapplying. Don’t fall into that trap this year. Your family wants you to be around for many more summers to come.
Frankie Apothecary Natural Sun Defence SPF40 – Face and Body is made from 100% natural or naturally-derived ingredients and incorporates innovative plant-based alternatives to silicone and petrochemical derivatives for a silky smooth application - so it's easy to apply, even on wriggly kids - and is flawless finish under makeup. Natural Sun Defence uses non-nano (micronized) zinc and titanium dioxide so it won’t compromise our precious marine environment.
To learn more, check out the FAQs on this page.
References:
[1] Ministry of Health (2021). New Cancer Registrations 2019. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
[2] Kerdivel G., et al. Estrogenic potency of benzophenone UV filters in breast cancer cells: proliferative and transcriptional activity substantiated by docking analysis. PLoS One, vol. 8, no. 4, pp e60567, 2013.
[3] Scinicariello F, Buser M. Serum Testosterone Concentrations and Urinary Bisphenol A, Benzophenone-3, Triclosan, and Paraben Levels in Male and Female Children and Adolescents: NHANES 2011–2012
[4] Sunscreen ingredients Toxic to Coral Reefs. EWG.org. https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/sunscreen-ingredient-toxic-coral-reefs#:~:text=A%20study%20published%20%5BOct.,mature%20and%20larval%20coral%20organisms.
[5] Schlumpf, M., Schmid, P., Durrer, S., Conscience, M., Maerkel, K., Henseler, M., … & Lichtensteiger, W. (2004). Endocrine activity and developmental toxicity of cosmetic UV filters—an update. Toxicology, 205(1), 113-122.
[6] Axelstad, M., Boberg, J., Hougaard, K. S., Christiansen, S., Jacobsen, P. R., Mandrup, K. R., … & Hass, U. (2011). Effects of pre-and postnatal exposure to the UV-filter Octyl Methoxycinnamate (OMC) on the reproductive, auditory and neurological development of rat offspring. Toxicology and applied pharmacology, 250(3), 278-290.
[7] https://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/octinoxate/#:~:text=Octinoxate%20exposure%20has%20also%20been,count%20at%20all%20dose%20levels
[8] https://dermnetnz.org/topics/sunscreen-allergy
Ngā mihi ki a koutou ō Healthpost, Good Magazine hoki! Thank you Healthpost and Good Magazine!
We absolutely love what we do and we're so excited and humbled to see the work that we do recognised.
That's not all though! Now you, the people of Aotearoa, can vote for us in the People's Choice category! It's fast and easy and we would love your support - Just click here to cast your vote. Thank you!
We are passionate about sharing the goodness of Aotearoa's native plants with the world, particularly those suffering with skin issues and irritations. We believe that alongside the botanical qualities of these special plants, intention plays an important role. Our native plant ingredients are harvested with care, at special times of the Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), and karakia are said both at harvest and while the extracts are infusing, imbuing the extracts that are used with both aroha and tradition. Learn more about how we harvest here.
As you may know, we create regular limited time seasonal releases, and in the process of developing each of these, we discover and learn more about rongoā rākau - and we're absolutely loving that process.
We've launched seasonal products that employ the qualities of Kūmarahou, and Horopito, and they always sell out. Our latest obsession is angiangi (special lichens) that have incredible anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and we're exploring its use in a new product, due out next year. Watch this space!
The Frankie range also showcases beautiful indigenous ingredients from around the world, like Australia's Kakadu Plum and Bakuchiol which was traditionally used in India and China.
With the Best of Natural Awards, HealthPost and Good are celebrating Aotearoa brands who are making positive, sustainable change.
The 2022 Best of Natural Awards are Aotearoa’s largest awards in natural health, beauty and eco-living celebrating the highest quality ingredient, ethical and environmental standards. The 2022 Best of Natural Awards attracted more than 400 entries across six categories.
A large selection of Frankie Apothecary products can be found online at Healthpost.
]]>What I found was an amazing bunch of learners, some just like me, with everyone at different stages of their te reo Māori journey. Some Māori, some Pākeha, some more fluent than others, but all supportive and keen to learn.
It's te wiki o te reo Māori and while the focus is on language, if you don't have the time or resources to learn te reo Māori formally, look out for groups in your community. Often a shared activity can be a gentle way to further your knowledge while gaining new skills along the way. Here are a few ideas...
Kapa haka
Kapa haka is a way to express Māori language, culture and heritage through song and dance. Some groups are highly practiced and competitive, but many - like ours - are non-competitive and more social.
We're fortunate that my daughter's school has a community kapa haka group and what I love is how much of the reo you pick up, just from being there and singing. And as for the waiata, wow. Some are so powerful and grounding it feels like electricity in your bones. And luckily for me our waita-ā-ringa (action songs) aren't too complicated!
Learn something new like raranga (flax weaving)
There are lots of workshops and community classes where you can learn hauhake tikanga (harvest protocols), raranga (weaving) and the different tikanga around how an item such as kete for example comes together.
There are courses all over the country including a few in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) linked below - please add more for your region in the comments section.
Selwyn College Raranga Kete Wānanga
Onehunga High Raranga for Beginners
If you can't find a class near you, you can learn online with a step-by-step course like this one at Hetet School of Māori Art.
Tākaro or games are a great way to learn too!
Learning while having fun is a great way to cement what you learn along the way. There are lots of free resources and different apps to help you, including interactive online games like this simple fruit and vege quiz by Digital Dialects where you can match the correct kupu Māori with the right picture or the Aki Hauora app for android or Apple with beautiful interactive games and quizzes to level up your te reo Māori.
For hands on games, Tākaro is for everyone 4+ years and relies on recognising 57 different symbols and the correct pronunciation of their Māori names or check out Kaupapa, a beautiful game where you describe as many words as possible to your teammates - the faster you go, the faster you move across the board.
Tākaro
KAUPAPA by Kura Rēhia
50th Anniversary of the Māori language petition
Te Wiki o te reo Māori is extra special this year as the 14th of September marks 50 years since the Māori Language Petition was presented to Parliament with 30,000 signatures. We've come a long way since then, but we know there's still more progress to be made and we can't wait to see te reo Māori as a standard part of the teaching curriculum in Aotearoa New Zealand schools so that every child can experience the beauty of this taonga that has been diligently watered, nurtured and strengthened by those who have gone before us.
Ko taku reo taku ohooho, ko taku reo taku mapihi mauria;
My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul.
What's helped you on your journey?
Wherever you're at, we'd love to hear about any resources that have helped you on your Māori language journey - please share in the comments section below.
Georgina x
]]>While riding bikes along the Ohakune Old Coach Road trail on a wonderful family adventure last year, Horopito caught my attention. Partly because the trail starts at a place called Horopito, named for the abundance of this traditional rongoā shrub growing in the area, and partly because like our favourite Kawakawa it's known as the Pepper Tree.
Horopito offers powerful anti-fungal properties, thanks to the botanical active Polygodial. Our ancestors were wise to the medicinal properties of Horopito, using it for many uses including to soothe stomach upsets, support healing of wounds, cuts and bruises - and for resolving a range of fungal infections (see the supporting science below).
To mark the coldest time of the year we've bought together the powerfully protective anti-fungal and anti-bacterial Horopito, with skin-calming, anti-inflammatory Kawakawa in a limited edition seasonal release blend - Horopito & Kawakawa Body Oil.
This beautiful body oil blend with extra 'spice' is ideal as an invigorating massage oil, as a natural body moisturiser for all the family, as a warming post-exercise muscle rub, or for enjoying in a moisturising bath (just add 1-2 pumps for a fragrant herbal bath).
Given the combination of anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, Horopito and Kawakawa may also support scalp health as an overnight leave-in treatment.
Research studies have shown the polygodial in Horopito to be fast-working and incredibly effective as a remedy when tested on a range of fungi.
"Polygodial showed strong [and rapid] antifungal activity, comparable to [antifungal antibiotic] amphotericin B, against yeast-like fungi Candida albicans, C. utilis, C. krusei, Cryptococcus neoformans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and also filamentous fungi including Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. ruburum, and Penicillium marneffei."
Polygodial is also the botanical active that gives the intense peppery heat to the taste of Horopito, making it popular in artisan breads and gourmet dishes in restaurants and bakeries all over New Zealand.
Did you know about Horopito's special qualities? Keep an eye out for this native beauty when you are out in the forest, in the bakery, or shopping for a lovely new body oil!
x Georgina
In these virulent times, it really can't be helped. But having to wear a red stripe under your upper lip as well just seems unfair.
A streaming nose is a common symptom of Omicron and many flus, and it doesn't take many boxes of tissues to inflame the sensitive patch of skin beneath your nostrils.
If your nose continues to stream and drip, you'll soon become uncomfortably aware of the raw mess all that blowing and wiping has left of your face. A runny nose and sneeze forces you to blow and wipe so often it can painfully irritate the delicate tissues around and under your nose.
There's even a name for it - micro-trauma. The same box of tissues that felt so silken earlier in the week now feels like a facial assault weapon.
Omicron may be new, but native New Zealand Kawakawa has been used for centuries for its amazing healing properties, especially for sensitive or irritated skin.
Using a teaspoon, take a spoonful of our skin repairing Kawakawa Balm and place it in a separate clean jar. This will become your covid-relief pot. The rest of your Kawakawa Balm will remain safe from bugs, ready to use in the future.
Using your covid-relief pot, dab the balm gently on the tender area once every 2-3 hours and then daily as your skin begins to heal. You'll soon notice it stopping the micro-trauma rash in its tracks. Relief is sweet as the Kawakawa Balm creates a protective barrier that soothes irritation and allows your skin to heal.
If you're at the other end of the spectrum and finding your nose blocked with the flu, keep a bottle of Breathe Roll On handy.
Its ancient remedies in the form of essential oils of lemon, eucalyptus, marjoram, cypress and kanuka will help support you through periods of congestion, and clear your mind too.
In our household we've been hitting the Kūmarahau wairākau - half a cup with warm water three times a day.
Both Kūmarahou & Kawakawa have a long history helping to soothe respiratory symptoms like colds and flu and we've definitely noticed the difference in our whare since taking them regularly.
If you don't have any rongoā to hand, lemon juice, ginger and honey steeped in boiling water can work wonders too. The steam that rises from a hot cup will help moisturise dry skin and parched nasal passages. It also loosens the mucus deeper in your nose to help you breathe.
Another symptom of Omicron and the flu is fever; you can lose a lot of water through sweating. Keep filling up your drink bottle because fever can easily skip past dizziness to heat exhaustion and collapse, so keep up the water intake.
If you're already dizzy, switch to a sports drinks with electrolytes for a day or so. Pharmacies also have powdered electrolytes that you can add to your water. The electrolytes help your body hydrate more efficiently.
Fatigue can be expected. Your body is fighting some hefty viruses this winter. So be prepared to feel dog-tired. As much as you can, use the isolation period to rest and be good to your body. That means avoiding takeaways, instead eating foods that are whole and nourishing, like homemade soup.
Soup's a winner because it's easy on a sore throat, helps with hydration and somehow it just makes you feel like someone is taking care of you. Even if that someone is you.
Finally, if you need support, please do reach out to friends and family. We all need to be there for each other as we adjust and work through this new challenge!
* The Frankie Apothecary Kawakawa Balm won the Editor's Choice in the Beauty Shortlist Mama & Baby Awards 2022 and was a Top 10 Most Recommended Product in the 2016 OHbaby! Awards.
Breathe Easy vapour rub is a completely natural therapeutic blend of cold-busting decongestants and combines kanuka, eucalyptus, peppermint, marjoram, cypress and lemon oils into a delicious bouquet that will help little ones breathe easier.
Breathe Easy is a gorgeous option for an all-natural vapour rub to help soothe both big and little people during periods of congestion and winter illness. And unlike the vapour rubs our mums used, Breathe Easy contains zero menthol or camphor, and absolutely no petroleum-based mineral oils, so you can rest easy that you are not exposing your family’s skin to unsafe ingredients.
Just like when we developed our eczema soothing Kawakawa Repair Balm by engaging with the knowledge and wisdom of Máori Rongoá, we also researched traditional remedies to create a truly decongestant vapour rub that employs the remedial properties of natural plants.
Breathe Easy combines the traditional healing remedies of New Zealand and Australian first peoples with NZ native kanuka and eucalyptus. The vapours of these indigenous leaves have been used for time immemorial for relief from asthma, colds and fever, while their antibacterial, antifungal and anti-infectious properties help prevent the spread of colds and ‘flu.
Cypress, marjoram, lemon and peppermint are traditional antibacterial and decongestant botanicals which have been used across Europe since ancient days, with cypress being employed to soothe coughs and marjoram used to relieve the headaches that so often accompany colds and congestion, and as a sedative.
This is a wonderful sleepy-time rub to help both you and your child get a peaceful night’s sleep. We have a Child/Tamariki (ages 2-12) and an Adult / Pakeke (12 years +) version of the chest rub, because we were asked for a more powerful formula for adults.
The powerfully effective essential oils are blended with beeswax, hemp seed oil and cold-pressed castor oil to ensure that the Breathe Easy balm is gentle on skin, like every product in Frankie Apothecary range.
Breathe Roll On is packed with the same beautiful cold-busting natural essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, marjoram, cypress, lemon and kanuka in a skin-soothing kawakawa-infused sweet almond oil base.
Roll the therapeutic oil on your wrists or the side of your neck for a delicious smelling vapour that clears your nose - and your mind!
As well as being popular for fighting cold and flu symptoms, the Breathe Roll On is perfect for slipping into a pocket or handbag and taking to work - it can actually make your more clear minded, decisive and less prone to errors!
A study at Ohio State University found that the scent of lemons improved people’s moods and raised norepinephrine levels (a brain chemical linked to decisiveness and motivation). A Japanese study on typists demonstrated that lemon scent improved accuracy, and workers made 54% fewer errors!
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The long dark nights and short cold days where there never seems to be enough time to do everything can wear us down. We think this is a great time to remember to cherish yourself and your loved ones with some special focus on nurturing wellbeing.
Make a night to have a special family dinner and have a little korero with your tamariki to ask each child for one thing they would like to do to recognise Matariki.
A tricky part of being a parent is the constant focus on what's most important - your tamariki! But we aren't able to look after them really well, unless we are really well.
Providing a great school lunch, hugs and a warm home is wonderful, but showing your children a model of adulthood where communication is honest and cooperative, where work is done well but isn't an obsession, where their parents are energised and calm and do things they love; that's priceless too.
Everyone's journey is different but here are some ideas you may like to pick from to give yourself the gift of wellbeing inside and out.
Give your time and love to people who give you time and love. It seems so simple, but is often not the way things work! Support and care can eddy and change but overall your partner and your friends should be people who step up for you when they can. Having a network of true friends means you can spend more energy on people who lift you up.
Say no more often; and practice not saying sorry with it! Speak out about what things you like and ask for what you need. Over-extending ourselves on things we don't want to be doing is draining, whereas working on things you care about makes you feel fulfilled, even when the mahi is hard. Spend your time on things that bring you joy and achievement.
May we suggest a long bath with epsom salts or an oat soak, followed by nourishing natural oils for face and body? Oh you know us well! But seriously, our cleansing and natural beauty rituals really help set us up for feeling good!
In winter, Papatuanuku dishes up warming root vegetables, citrus fruits rich in vitamin C and lovely dark bittergreens like kale, collard greens and spinach. Here are 30 tasty winter vege recipes, you're welcome. If in doubt, pop them fresh in the blender with frozen peach chunks and fresh citrus and make a smoothie!
Put your nicest sheets on your bed, slip into your favourite pyjamas and go to bed early - with a hot water bottle if you like! Avoid screentime in the hour before bed, and enjoy a really good nights rest. Great sleep helps your body rebuild and repair, and keeps your mind and mood balanced.
No, it's not the warmest. Yes, we need to go outside! Being outdoors even for an hour can lift your spirits for days. Take a simple forest walk, skim stones at the beach or take a trip and explore the great Southern Lands.
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If you live with psoriasis you will have been told that it is chronic (there is no cure) and that it can last a lifetime. This skin condition is thought to be an immune system issue, and psoriasis can be triggered by cold, infections or stress. Our experience suggests that it can also be exacerbated by chemical exposure, through the use of mainstream shampoos and body creams.
But there's a deeper, darker level to psoriasis too, as the visible skin condition can simply be an outer sign of a much more pervasive infliction... Psoriasis can cause joint pain and stiffness, nail pitting and depression.
Commercial products containing petroleum, coal tars and urea are often recommended to provide a barrier on the skin. Let's pause for a minute right there!
The alternative natural skin barrier we know and love is...
Not only does it create a protective barrier on the skin to retain moisture, our high proportion of native Kawakawa extract offers skin rejuvenating lignins and antioxidants, antimicrobial and analgesic properties which help reduce inflammation, anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressant diayangambin as well as myristicin which prevents pain signals from the skin travelling to the brain, bringing relief from itching, stinging and painful rashes.
There is good reason why Máori have used this beautiful, generous shrub for centuries. In our Kawakawa Repair Balm we add nourishing protective natural oils, waxes and butters to provide extra skin protection and healing properties.
Commercial medication for psoriasis is designed around Vitamin A, immune suppressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins and steroids.
While the Kawakawa extract in our Body Oils, Kawakawa Repair Balm and Sunscreen offers natural anti-inflammatory and immune suppressant properties, our Bakuchiol Rejuvenate Serum is a facial oil with a high concentration of Vitamin A-rich Cacay oil and Bakuchiol extract that mimics the action of Vitamin A on the body to support skin health and the natural healing process.
Steer away from commercial facewash and soaps and reach for our Skin soothing Kawakawa & Chlorophyll Cleansing Bar. Chlorophyll is an antioxidant and helps protect skin from free-radicals, but also helps the body deal with the inflammation which can manifest as psoriasis or eczema.
Try our Colloidal Oat Bath Soak as the oat proteins are nourishing for the skin, and this bath soak often calms eczema and psoriasis just in time for a better sleep. Psoriasis itch is often worst at night and may interfere with much needed sleep.
After bathing, patting skin dry with a towel, apply Kawakawa Body Oil all over while your skin is still slightly damp. Then Kawakawa Repair Balm can be applied to the most affected areas of skin.
Yes! Simply drinking the right amount of water for your body helps your skin stay healthy and hydrated. If you can, use filtered or rain water. And on the topic of water, avoid very hot showers and set the heat to warm. It's less drying for your skin.
There's nothing like creating a lifestyle that nourishes you to help your body thrive. And you know what to do!
Get outdoors, enjoy the sunshine (we can help protect you with natural sunscreen), do things that bring you happiness.
Buy seasonal local produce and eat whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals. (Coffee, alcohol and gluten, not so much).
Get some good sleep and let your body repair at night.
Let go of stress and reduce harmful patterns of behaviour. Spend time with people you love.
Breathe.
We would love to hear from you if you or your whanau are dealing with psoriasis, feel free to message us direct and ask about your skin situation.
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Some people see the worst rashes and allergic reactions as the weather transitions between temperatures. The cold, drying air of winter is the hardest time for most people with eczema; but many people find their eczema worst in summer. A third of children in this 2021 study published in The Journal of Dermatology with problematic atopic eczema saw flare ups increase during spring and summer.
As always, there are a range of causes for these flare ups, in addition to the usual eczema triggers. Let's begin with reasons why eczema can be worse in summer, and we'll offer a range of ways to lessen or eliminate the impact of each one!
When the air temperature is hot and our body works to cool off, our blood vessels dilate, which triggers movement of inflammatory cells. Inflammation can cause narrowing of your sweat glands which can trigger skin inflammation and the onset of that awful eczema itching.
Ways to prevent summer heat causing eczema flare ups include keeping your body temperature regulated by using fans (large fans, hand held fans, vintage and very stylish wave about models), cool cotton clothing, and maybe even staying indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day. You can take chilled water with you to drink too - drinking plenty of water will help keep your body at a normal temperature, and has other benefits for eczema prone skin (see #8).
We sweat to cool our body through creating evaporation on our skin - which is an endothermic (heat absorbing) reaction, so it leaves our skin cooler. It is really useful for fighting issue #1 above... however sweat can worsen eczema as it contains tiny amounts of minerals like sodium, magnesium, lead, and nickel which can irritate sensitive or broken skin. Sweat collects in creases like your armpits or inner elbow and the wetness and bacteria can lead to sensitive skin irritation. Hotter temperatures trigger itch reflexes, making it harder not to scratch patches of eczema. And, some people even have a sweat allergy that triggers eczema.
It's absolutely worth watching your sweat levels! This study published in BioMed Research International concluded that "sweat management for patients with adult atopic dermatitis was extremely useful". The most obvious tactics are to minimise sweat (shade, cool cotton clothes, exercise in the morning or evening) and, importantly, ensure that perspiration doesn’t stay on your body. Change out of wet or sweaty clothing as soon as you can. Pack a soft towel or soft paper wipes to soak up excess sweat when you are on the go. Then, rinse sweat off your skin as soon as you can with fresh water, and re-moisturise with your Kawakawa Body Oil. Bathe daily - see #4 below for more on this topic!
Eczema can improve with exposure to sunlight (especially contact and discoid eczemas), but other people find their eczema gets worse with exposure to sunshine - and in rare cases (photosensitive eczema), eczema is actually caused by exposure to UV light.
Prevent eczema flare ups by wearing cool loose cotton clothing that covers your shoulders and arms, and invest in a few great hats! Seek out the shade and take a picnic umbrella to parties. Having a luke warm bath or shower every day helps clean away bacteria, dust and sweat. A study published in Asia Pacific Allergy showed that children with eczema saw their symptoms improve when they bathed and moisturised daily in summer. As always, using a mild soap like our Kawakawa Cleansing Bar which is suitable for sensitive skin is important.
During spring and summer the level of allergens (pollen, moulds, dust mites, fur and pets) in the environment increase, which can provoke histamine release which causes itchiness to increase, but in 2021 scientists identified that people with allergies can produce Immunoglobulin E in response to environmental allergens, which causes a different even more intense itchiness. Having constant itching makes it harder to resist scratching. In addition, the allergens themselves can irritate eczema conditions.
Because environmental allergens are normally hard to eliminate, the most important response is to create a moisture rich skin barrier. Enter (again) our wonderful Kawakawa Balm! If your eczema is serious, speak to your doctor. They may suggest skin testing to identify specific allergies or even allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets) if you can identify which allergen is affecting you.
Swimming in the ocean can be helpful for some people with eczema, as the combination of salt along with UV light (which helps us make more vitamin D too!) can be really beneficial for eczema prone skin. Plus, at the beach you're likely to be relaxing and happy, which is always good. But, if you leave the salt on your skin, it dehydrates the skin, absorbing moisture - and that moisture barrier is so key for sensitive skin.
An easy fix is to wash off the saltwater as soon as possible with fresh, and re-moisturise with kawakawa balm or body oil. The same applies to chlorinated water, so if your family is dealing with eczema, learn where the beaches and pools with fresh showers are, or get in the habit of bringing bottles of fresh water to rinse off with - then as always, gently pat the skin dry, and use your kawakawa balm to lock in moisture.
Some sunscreens can exacerbate eczema through chemical triggers, or even through the friction of being rubbed in repeatedly - but sun protection is really important.
Remember to reapply sunscreen well (here's our guide for people with excema!) every two hours and after swimming, towelling yourself dry, or sweating. Apply it in smooth downward strokes to avoid causing irritation. Choose cool cotton clothing and wide brimmed hats, or shade, when you can instead of relying only on sunblock alone. The sun’s UV rays are fiercest and hottest from 10 am to 3 pm. If possible, stay in the shade or indoors during this time. You’re less likely to get a sunburn too! Experts recommend a five-day patch test to ensure your sunblock doesn't trigger your eczema. Choose a Mineral Sunscreen that will provide a physical barrier - sunscreens like ours are less likely to irritate the skin, and are more moisturising than chemical sunblocks.
Synthetic fabrics and tight fitting seams can chafe and irritate eczema, as well as contributing to sweat build up. Clothes that are too warm can contribute to overheating and also cause skin irritation in summer.
This tip applies all year around especially if clothing is your eczema trigger. Choose clothing that is lightweight, cotton or silk, and looser fitting.
Sweating in the heat means your skin loses extra moisture. And, in summer we can get hot and thirsty and forget to drink enough straight water.
Drinking enough water is important to keep your skin healthy and moisturised from the inside out. In summer if you leave home, take a double walled stainless drink bottle - or two! - to ensure you have plenty of fresh cold water on hand. An electrolyte sports drink can be a good idea if you do a lot of exercise in the heat. Remember, water is always best.
We'll end this list of advice with the most important one... have fun! Enjoy our beautiful country, and have a wonderful summer!
Thanks to Kiwi Photographer Tim Marshall for the amazing image of Mangawhai waves!
]]>'Slip slop slap wrap' is a great reminder to slip on your shades, slop on your sunscreen slap on a hat and wrap up in a shirt... but the reality is that most Kiwi's love to take off their shirt, often forget their hat or sunglasses and end up relying 100% on the 'slop' of sunscreen for their sun protection.
1. The sun in New Zealand is harsher than most places in the world
Every year hundreds of New Zealanders die prematurely from melanoma, and thousands more are diagnosed with melanoma. Along with Australia, we have the highest rates in the world. Melanoma is a nasty form of cancer that spreads quickly and is not confined to the skin!
Most skin cancers are caused by excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and UV radiation levels are high right from September to April. Remember, UVB will damage our skin and eyes even on cool days.
2. Almost nobody applies sunscreen the way we should in order to get great sun protection
We've all been there - pop on sunscreen, enjoy sunshine, suffer. Don't worry, we'll explain how to be a sunscreen application maestro below.
3. Even with the very best sunscreen, UV rays still get through.
An SPF30 screens out 96.7% of UVB rays, and a SPF50 offers marginally higher protection, screening 98% - so an SPF 35 like Frankie Apothecary's natural sunscreen will screen out around 97% of UVB rays... and even high SPF sunscreens need regular and correct application to be effective.
Apply sunscreen before going outside - with mineral sun filters like ours, protection is a physical barrier on the skin so it provides sun protection instantly - but with any chemical based sunscreen, you need to apply it 20 minutes before going into the sun to give it time to begin working.
Reapply every two hours or after being in water or sweating.
Babies skin is very fragile, so try to keep them in the shade as much as possible.
An average adult needs about seven teaspoons of sunscreen - or a full palm of sunscreen - for one full body application. More than you thought, right? But it makes sense if you think of one teaspoon each for 2 legs, 2 arms and hands, front, back, and the last for face, ears and neck.
Make a list of 'odd spots' that you need to protect on yourself and your whanau - behind the knees, backs of the ears, back of the neck, between the shoulder blades.
Slip a little under the edge of the clothes you are wearing - there's nothing worse than so conscientiously applying sunscreen only to end the day with a strip of red along the edge of your singlet!
Apply sunscreen to the backs of your hands before driving - and for all those door-leaners, the right arm as well!
It's really important that your children have a small sunscreen in their school bag and know how to apply it well themselves - they are outdoors for an hour a day in peak UV time, and even though schools have great hat policies now, arms and legs are bare - and make sure that school hat has a good wide brim!
Check your sunscreen's expiration date, and don't leave it in the sun or in hot places like the car dash.
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This all sounds pretty amazing right? And it is. That's why our new Bakuchiol Serum contains some Rosehip seed oil to deliver Vitamin A for your skin.
The dark side of retinol is the reactivity that so many people have, and the fact that it sensitises your skin to UV rays. Pregnant women are often advised not to use retinol products.
If you've used retinol skin care you may have been warned to wear a good sunhat and always use sunscreen, or you may have had break outs, rashes and irritation. Even at low levels, retinol can create problems with dryness, flaking and redness.
Plant-based superstar Bakuchiol is a gentle retinol alternative that delivers all the glow and anti-aging skin care goodness of retinol - without the risk.
Extracted from the seeds of the Indian babchi/bakuchi tree, Bakuchiol Oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, with scientists confirming that Bakuchiol is as effective as retinol in skincare, without the irritation. Over 12 weeks, a 0.5% formulation of Bakuchiol showed similar benefit levels to retinol - an overall reduction in fine wrinkles and reduced pigmentation - without side effects of dryness and skin irritation. This would come as no surprise to the generations of people who have used the extract in Ayurvedic remedies for centuries!
That means that if you can't use retinol because you have sensitive skin, or are rosacea, dermatitis or eczema prone, you may have found your skin care super hero in Bakuchiol.
We use the highest recommended level of Bakuchiol in our facial serum - 1%. It might not sound like a lot, but it's one of the most concentrated Bakuchiol serums available in New Zealand, and it's made right here.
If you do have a retinol based product which doesn't irritate your skin, use that first, then layer on your Bakuchiol serum for an added antioxidant, skin smoothing glow-boost!
Our vegan Bakuchiol facial serum is designed to support your skin's cellular rejuvenation through antioxidant power and soothing properties for smoother, glowing skin.
Nourish your skin with a host of highly effective oils including cacay, hemp, jojoba, acai and rosehip; all chosen for their anti-oxidant profile, nutrient concentration, ability to soothe skin, and boost cell rejuvenation.
Discover it now in our online store.
]]>If your family includes a baby with eczema, the first thing to know is that you’re not alone! The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that eczema affects up to 20 percent of infants worldwide.
Secondly, we really feel for you. A new baby is priceless beyond words, but any new parents are tired out from lack of sleep, unsure of how to deal with feeding, burping, bath time and how this whole baby thing works… adding a sore, upset pēpi into that already demanding situation is really hard.
Babies with eczema often struggle to sleep well, and can be in pain or frustrated with itchiness and this leads to extra sleeplessness for everyone, and the heartache of watching your beautiful baby suffer.
The causes of eczema are so widespread that scientifically they are “unknown”. Identifying triggers is key to managing your baby’s eczema but this can be really hard to begin with, as triggers can be as subtle as pollen or due mainly to genetic predisposition.
First, let’s talk about ways to reduce the causes of eczema in babies. Here are some triggers that can cause baby eczema to flare up:
Synthetic clothing
Simple, soft, loose fitting cotton clothing is ideal for babies with eczema. If you can find organic cotton, or well used cotton hand me downs, these are less likely to contain pesticide residues from the cotton farms. Many babies are comfortable in natural merino fibres too, but wool can be a trigger for baby eczema due to the fine fibres irritating their sensitive skin. Keep a good eye out for the first signs of this.
Laundry liquid
Look for natural brands and lower concentration eco friendly options. Laundry liquids and powders leave residues in the fabric fibres which can irritate sensitive skin, triggering eczema.
Standard household cleaners
Swap to natural household cleaners to eliminate some of the nastier chemicals from your home. Look for low sensitivity options (which normally means they left out synthetic fragrances).
Speaking of perfume…
Synthetic fragrances contain combinations of 1500 different chemicals labelled as ‘fragrance’ - 95% of these are petrochemical derived and can be highly toxic, as well as endocrine (hormone) disruptors and potential carcinogens. Choose a natural perfume like Circe and apply sparingly to areas which won’t touch your baby. The traditional ‘wrists, behind the ears and decolletage’ are all places we hold our babies against.
Dust bunnies
Not so cute! Frequent vacuuming can help remove excess dust and allergens from the floors and couches in your home. Lay down a blanket before placing your child on the floor even when it is clean. Leave shoes outside the door so particulates and pollutants are not walked inside.
Great. Now your home has less chemicals, and baby is wearing lovely soft natural fibres, let’s talk about eczema care products for treating your baby’s eczema.
Skin barrier care
Our skin’s outer layer is arguably our most essential defence against infection and bacteria. In babies with eczema the outer layer is damaged – so repairing the skin and providing a temporary seal is key to healing eczema. Our Kawakawa Repair Balm is the top performing product for this purpose.
Pain relief
With a high concentration of Kawakawa, our Repair Balm contains myristicin, a pain-blocking substance, and soothing anti-inflammatory and natural analgesic properties for pain relief.
Skin nourishment
The Kawakawa leaves used in our Kawakawa Balm and Kawakawa Body Oil also provide antimicrobial actives to fight bacteria, preventing more damage, and lignins and antioxidants for skin healing and repair. Our skin soothing Colloidal Oat Bath Soak also contains oat proteins for skin repair and soothing.
Our recommended routine for baby’s eczema care is:
1. Bathe daily before bed, in lukewarm water which has our Colloidal Oat Bath Soak sprinkled in.
2. Pat the skin gently dry, do not rub.
3. Apply Kawakawa Balm to the areas where baby has eczema, then
4. smooth Kawakawa Body Oil over the remaining skin.
5. For care and treatment of baby eczema, we do recommend that you apply Kawakawa Balm twice more each day to baby’s eczema inflamed skin.
6. Once you see the skin has healed, reduce your applications of Kawakawa Balm to once a day, as continued use can help prevent eczema flare ups.
Of course we do recommend that you do consult your preferred health professional first and foremost. Visit your health professional, GP or Naturopath to assess your baby’s eczema. They can help eliminate any infection and arrange for allergy testing.
Isn't wellbeing something we all want for our children? But wellbeing is such an all-encompassing concept and it's easy to get worn down by the daily demands of being a parent (and wage earner and home keeper and partner and friend and needing some 'you-time'...) and although we may be ticking all the usual boxes, we can lose focus on how well our child really is.
Physical health is a fairly simple formula - if you're basically well off - fresh food, clean clothes, a warm bed, doctors visits when needed.
Where we really need to parent smart is when we nurture the inner wellbeing of our child.
When it comes to children, love is the quality that underpins wellness. A visibly loving, emotionally available parent or carer is a child's greatest need, and the greatest predictor of their future wellbeing and resilience. And with children more than anyone else, time is love.
No human is perfect and we know that as adults we often fall short of our own standards. Children can be encouraged to value their 'try' and their 'will to be good people' over unrealistic goals of perfection.
Studies show that children who are told they are clever do less well than children's whose effort is praised in standardised testing - because their sense of worth is based on how innately clever they are, instead of how hard they tried, and they can even resist trying in case it turns out that they are not so clever after all!
Praise the effort more than the result. Instead of "What a pretty painting, you're an artist!" try "Wow, I love how you put so much detail into this area - tell me about that!" Instead of "Oh aren't you clever, good boy" try "I am so impressed with how you thought about different ways to do this and came up with a good solution" or "You put in so much practice and worked hard, well done, it really showed in your result." For more on this, check out the work of Carol Dweck and her book on the Growth Mindset.
Be very aware of talking about their appearance, and focus instead on valuing their physical health and natural abilities. Instead of saying "You are so pretty" praise their health and how their bodies work. "I love how strong your legs are, you climbed that so easily and carefully!" or "You look so full of energy your eyes are sparkling!" or "Wow can you imagine how your brain sent a message all the way down your arm to tell your sensitive fingers exactly how to hold that flower without crushing it?"
Pennie Brownlee leads wonderful parenting workshops around New Zealand and is the Author of Magic Places, Dance with me in the Heart, and The Sacred Urge to Play. At a Parenting Workshop she asked the participants - What do you want your child to be? Predictably, each parent answered along the lines of I want them to be happy, creative, true to themselves, brave... and Pennie waited patiently before saying "Well, you'd better begin being happy, creative, true to yourself and brave!" As the stunned parents sat there, she explained the importance of 'The model'.
As parents we are our children's primary model for being an adult - what they see you do they will believe is normal. If you want a creative child, paint, sing, create. If you want a happy child, nurture happiness in yourself. If you want a brave child, show your courage. And yes, you need to be authentic if you want your child to be true to themselves.
Create opportunities for joy in your child's life - an unexpected icecream, cloud watching in the grass on a sunny day, surprise games, silliness and laughter. Children deserve a chance to 'be a child' and all the fun and excitement that entails.
Hands up those with two year olds! The terrific twos! The time when your child says 'No; me do.' You lucky people. Pause, and absorb the opportunity you have right now to endorse your child's self reliance.
Waiting ten minutes for them to get dressed themselves now and fold their pajamas will save you hours of picking up after a teenager who is magically oblivious to laundry baskets or sock drawers. Waiting for them to feed themselves and helping them stand on a chair to wash 'mine own' dishes will save endless nights of cleaning a devastated kitchen. What's more, let them spend half an hour pushing the vacuum cleaner about ineffectively and you'll save their future spouse from arguments and nagging over why they never help clean the house.
Seriously, showing and assisting children the steps to a process while they are young (scaffolding) is the ideal way to teach all the skills that might seem to slip off their consciousness like oil on water when they are older.
Involve your child in decisions so you can help scaffold their decision making process. What do you think we should do? Which one costs more money? What would the advantages be of that? Are there any down sides? What do you think is more important?
It's crucial to teach children to make their own decisions - but also to place judgement (in the best possible way) on themselves.
Ask them what they think the consequence should be for a bad decision - you'll often have to talk them down from harsh penalties! Ask them what would have been a better way to do it?
Ask what would be a good decision and why they think that. Ask if they think they did a good job or made a good choice, and support their judgement when they have. Tell them the reasons you think it was well done.
Research illustrates that children who get arbitrary punishments or encouragements handed down by the adults in their life are so used to judgement being external that they rely heavily on their peers' opinions rather than their own feelings of right and wrong when making decisions as teenagers and even as adults.
Use your own mistakes as learning opportunities too, and model trying to do the right thing. Wow, I really made a poor decision then didn't I! What could I have done better? What do you think I can do about the problem now? By doing this you are showing that everyone makes mistakes, but we can all try to do better.
Whether it is as simple as putting on a plaster, or applying their Kawakawa Balm, let your children care for their own bodies as often as possible. You'll be surprised how young they are when they take the needle from you and dig out that prickle themselves!
Encouraging healthy, nutritious eating is easier if they know how their bodies work, and how they need to be fueled to run well. An adorable example was watching a five year old push lettuce into his mouth with a grimace, saying "I'm eating greens for my body." Instead of talking about 'treats', talk about 'sometimes food' - "Lollypops are delicious, but we just have them sometimes, because our bodies can't work well with too much sugar." There are hardwired reasons why we crave fat and sugar, but we are no longer a hunter gatherer people who need to take the every chance to eat these rare things, and we can tell our clever body it's ok, we don't have a shortage of sugar or fat any more.
Knowledge is power! A child who grows up understanding what a miracle their body is will have a head start on all the pressure for conformity from society and advertising campaigns designed to make them feel inadequate.
Healthy friendship is another amazing aspect of wellbeing to nourish. As adults we all have a range of friends - from your soul sisters to the 'fun time' friends who can't be relied on for more than laughter and entertainment but are great value. We worry about who our children will be friends with as teens and how they will be influenced, so it's important to talk about friendship early on.
Adults often pressure kids to be friends, and we talk in terms of friends; or not friends. Unsurprisingly, small children say things like "You're not my friend" and can go to extreme lengths to get another child to say "Ok you are my friend again".
There are all the shades of grey in between someone we really like and someone we dislike - and we can encourage our children to enjoy people's companionship whether they are best buddies or just strangers sharing a moment.
Explain the difference between how best friends you truly love, friends, and acquaintances make you feel to your child so they can decide which relationships are beneficial and which friends care about their wellbeing. Help them feel they don't have to make a 'yes or no' choice about spending time with someone, but they can decide how much energy to put into the friendship, and know that they should look after their own wellbeing in friendships too. A truly great friend makes us feel good in ourselves, and we help them feel good too, because real friendship is a give and take scenario.
No child should have to 'be friends' with all other children - but we can encourage kindness and polite tolerance between all children, just like we should between all adults.
Most of all, enjoy your children. They are only small for such a short time (even though the days can feel endless at times.) We'll leave you with this lovely quote from Catherine Wallace:
"Listen earnestly to anything your children want to tell you, no matter what. If you don't listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won't tell you the big stuff when they are big - because to them, all of it has always been big stuff."
Thank you to Caroline Hernandez for the beautiful photo via Unsplash.
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