Dear Soul Sisters,

I want to take a moment to share something special with you, a story about our transformation, growth, and alignment. Over the past few months, behind the scenes, my wonderful (and incredibly patient) designer and I have been working on elevating the look and feel of Stripey Horse Skin. We redesigned every label, and were thrilled with how things were coming together. It felt like we were heading in the right direction… or so I thought.

One afternoon, as I sat looking at a mind map of everything Stripey Horse Skin had become, I found myself stuck on one thought: How can I help my customers understand the connection between our skincare products, healing sessions, and transformational SkinGlow Codes program?

And then it hit me. Hard.

After four years of pouring my heart into Stripey Horse Skin, I realised we had outgrown it. The products were only part of the story. The real magic lies in the fusion of pure, intentional oils with the vibrational healing I weave into them – practices like sound and vibrational therapy, reiki, and crystal energy. This was a story I couldn’t fully tell under the Stripey Horse Skin name.

I knew it was time to evolve.

So, in just six weeks, we let go of the old to make space for the new. And that’s how SkinGlow Alchemy was born—a brand that reflects not only what we create but also the deeper purpose behind it.

Why SkinGlow Alchemy?

At its heart, SkinGlow Alchemy embodies everything I’ve always wanted to share with you:

• "SkinGlow" isn’t just about glowing skin—it’s about radiating vibrant health and well-being from the inside out.
• "Alchemy" captures the magic that happens when nature’s most potent ingredients meet intention, healing vibrations, and love.

This name honours the deeper purpose I’ve discovered along my journey—where energy work, healing, and pure skincare blend seamlessly. Through this evolution, I’m able to express what’s always been behind our products: a holistic experience designed to nourish your skin, elevate your energy, and connect you with your inner glow.

What’s Staying the Same (and What’s New)

Although the name has changed, so much of what you love about us remains. We are still committed to creating small-batch, sustainable skincare with ethically sourced ingredients, holding ourselves to the highest standards. But now, we’re going beyond just skincare.

Every product is infused with intention and healing energy, whether through sound healing, crystals, reiki, or biodynamic practices. Our oils and botanicals come from responsible farming methods, chosen for their vibrancy and life force.

These details are essential to creating something more than just moisture for your skin - they create an experience that nurtures both body, soul and provide a soothing balm to your energy field.

Where We’re Headed Next

SkinGlow Alchemy is about more than just products; it’s about offering rituals, teachings, and experiences that align with your highest self. You’ll notice new collections and offerings designed to support your skin’s energy, ground your daily routines, and connect you more deeply to yourself. It’s a blend of ancient wisdom and modern wellness tools - skincare that harmonises with your body’s unique rhythms.

There’s so much to look forward to in this new chapter. I can’t wait to introduce you to our latest products, fresh rituals, and ways to align your energy with your skincare routine. We’re just getting started.

An Invitation to Explore

If you’ve been with us since the Stripey Horse Skin days, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support has allowed us to grow, evolve, and become who we are today. And if you’re discovering us for the first time, welcome. I’m so excited to walk this journey with you.

I’d love for you to explore SkinGlow Alchemy and see what’s new. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing—there are exciting releases and special offers on the horizon.

Although the name has changed, our commitment to you and our community remains as strong as ever. Thank you for being part of this journey and for supporting us as we evolve into something even more beautiful.

Here’s to radiant skin, vibrant energy, and a new chapter filled with magic and transformation.

With love and gratitude,
Cress x

If you’ve been exploring natural ways to get more glowing skin, you’ve probably come across the name bakuchiol. 

*Tip: it’s pronounced BACK - CUCHI - OL

But what exactly is this gentle, plant-based ingredient, and why is it such a favourite in the skincare world? 

There’s something so deeply beautiful about how our skin tells the story of our lives.

Every smile, every adventure in the sun, every sleepless night with loved ones – it’s all there, written in our skin like a cherished journal.

And as we move through life, our skin changes too. It’s not about ‘anti-ageing’ or fighting the natural process, but about nourishing our skin so it can radiate health and vitality at every stage.

For years, people have sought out retinol for its incredible ability to support cell renewal and promote smooth, glowing skin.

But what if I told you there’s a gentler way? One that works in harmony with your skin's natural rhythm—allowing it to glow with the wisdom of your life’s journey.

Let’s dive into the world of essential oils and carrier oils with natural retinol-like benefits, and discover how these precious oils can support your skin’s story.

What is Retinol, Really?

Imagine this – your skin renewing itself, layer by layer, like the turning pages of a book. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is like that magical bookmark that encourages the process of cell turnover.

It helps to keep skin smooth and vibrant, just as the seasons flow effortlessly into one another.

But synthetic retinol can sometimes feel a bit like trying to rush through a good story. It can be harsh, leaving your skin feeling irritated or sensitive.

Natural alternatives, found in essential and carrier oils, work more like a gentle guide, encouraging your skin’s natural renewal process without forcing the pace.

The Oils that Love Your Skin

Imagine stepping into a garden at day break, where the plants are full of life, offering their wisdom and gifts to help your skin glow. Certain essential oils and carrier oils are packed with natural retinol-like compounds, and they’re here to nurture your skin with gentle benefits of the earth, without side effects.

Rosehip Oil

Think of rosehip oil as a wise elder in the garden. It’s rich in retinoids, those magical compounds that support your skin’s natural regeneration. When you use rosehip oil, you’re giving your skin the nourishment it needs to refresh and even out its tone, helping your natural radiance shine through.

Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed oil feels like sunlight captured in a bottle. Rich in beta-carotene, it’s a natural precursor to vitamin A, helping to rejuvenate skin that’s spent a little too much time basking in the sun. It supports cell renewal and works to keep your skin vibrant and balanced.

Frankincense Oil

If oils were storytellers, frankincense would be the master of ancient wisdom. Known for supporting healthy collagen production, this oil is all about nurturing elasticity and firmness, allowing your skin to stay resilient and radiant as it evolves.

These essential oils are the perfect companions on your skin’s journey, gently encouraging renewal while nourishing it from the inside out.

The Carrier Oils That Keep Skin Healthy

Carrier oils are the base notes of your skincare routine. They don’t just deliver the essential oils to your skin, they bring their own deeply nourishing properties, supporting your skin’s barrier every step of the way.

Bakuchiol

The gentle nudge to remind your skin to turn over. Known as a natural alternative to retinol, it supports skin health without the irritation that sometimes comes with synthetic products. Bakuchiol helps smooth skin and boosts its resilience, allowing it to tell its story without disruption or discomfort, yet has been shown in studies to have similar effects to retinol on gene expression and in supporting collagen production and improving skin elasticity. This results in a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn oil is calming, restorative, and full of colourful antioxidant rich life. Abundant in vitamin A and omega fatty acids, this oil supports your skin’s natural barrier, helping it to stay hydrated and nourished. It’s ideal for skin that’s been through a lot and needs some gentle, loving care.

These oils work together beautifully, helping your skin glow with vitality, no matter what chapter of life you're in.

So, why turn to these natural oils? It’s simple: they work with your skin, not against it. Think of them as the trusted companions that walk beside you, supporting your skin as it tells its unique story.

Gentle and Kind

Unlike synthetic retinol, which can feel a bit too forceful, these oils are gentle. They nourish your skin, encouraging it to glow without any irritation or discomfort.

With regular use, these oils encourage smoother, more luminous skin. They work with your skin’s natural rhythm, helping it to reflect your life, rather than trying to beat it into submission - and that’s another story - overusing actives is one of the quickest ways to create a damaged skin barrier and increasing the sensitivity of your skin - that is already working hard in quite a toxic environment.

How to Bring These Oils Into Your Routine

Here’s how to get the most out of them:

Evening Rituals

The evening is a time for reflection and renewal - both for you and your skin - remember the best hours for you skin are when you’re asleep between 10 and midnight.

After cleansing, apply a few drops of your chosen oil blend, pressing it gently into your skin. Let it soak in, working its magic as you sleep.

Ease Into It

Take your time. If you’re new to these oils, start by using them a couple of nights a week. Let your skin slowly adjust, and soon you’ll see the results.

Essential oils are like spices in a recipe - just a little goes a long way. Dilute a few drops of carrot seed or frankincense oil in a nourishing carrier oil like sea buckthorn, and you’ve got yourself the perfect blend for healthy, glowing skin.

Our skin isn’t something to fight or fix. It’s our living canvas, reflecting the story of our lives, every laugh, tear, and adventure. The beauty lies in how we choose to support it, and with essential oils and carrier oils, we’re offering our skin the deep protection it needs to glow naturally.

Deeply Nourishing and Recognisable to your skin

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, these oils provide your skin with everything it needs to stay healthy and radiant. They’re like a nourishing drink for your skin – helping it to become more luminous naturally.