Why I started making natural balms

For as long as I can remember, my skin has been difficult. Eczema-prone, reactive, and allergic to just about everything – you name it, I probably flared up from it.

Like most people, I went to the doctor looking for help. I was given steroid creams and medicated lotions, but instead of solving the problem, they often made things worse. My skin felt thinner, more irritated, and I started to dread putting anything on it at all.

One turning point came when I went to a talk in our local village hall. nudging close to 30 years ago. I was in my late teens/early twenties and an aromatherapist and a couple of herbalists were speaking about how herbs and natural oils could help with skin conditions. It was a lightbulb moment for me – the idea that nature already held so many gentle, effective options.

Not long after, I raided my Mum's kitchen cupboards and began experimenting with simple ingredients – oils, butters, beeswax. No mystery chemicals, no long lists of things I couldn’t pronounce. Just straightforward, natural stuff that my skin seemed to understand. 

To my surprise, my skin improved. Slowly, I developed my own little routines, making balms, soaps, and creams that actually soothed instead of irritated. Over time it became second nature – I was always whipping something up for myself, for family, or for a friend who’d asked, “Have you got anything for this dry patch?”

Don't get me wrong, I still have the odd flare up but they're nothing like they used to be.  And I’ll admit, I sometimes get lured in by the rows of fancy lotions and shampoos in the shops. I’ll try a new bottle, or worse, my trusty brand of shampoo will suddenly be “new and improved”… and bam — my skin kicks off again. One minute I’m fine, the next I look (and feel) like the bog monster. Every time it happens, I shake my head, give myself a telling off for being stupid (again) and remind myself: stick to the stuff I make, because that’s what actually works for my skin.

So....

Fast forward twenty odd years, and one day my daughter said: “Mum, you should sell these.”

That planted the seed. After a year or two of testing, perfecting recipes, and making sure everything was safe, legal, and ready for the wider world… here we are.

In just a few days, I’ll be launching a range of natural balms to help people like me. People who have fussy skin. Who live life outdoors, who have weather beaten skin, face the elements and spend their days covered in mud, sweat, grease and grime.

They’re simple, effective, and made with the same care I’ve always put into the products I use on my own skin.

This is the start of a new chapter for me – and hopefully the beginning of healthier, happier skin for you too.

Our new balm range launches next week. Sign up to be first to know when they’re available – and maybe grab one before they sell out.