5 Everyday Ways to Use Kawakawa Balm

Have you ever bought a skincare product for one reason, only to discover it has so many other uses?

That's exactly why we love kawakawa balm!

Think about your everyday life. Your hands feel dry after washing dishes. Your lips become chapped during winter. Your elbows feel rough, or your skin needs a little extra love after a long day.

Instead of having five different products sitting in your bathroom, imagine reaching for one little jar.

That's the beauty of kawakawa balm — a simple, versatile skincare product inspired by one of New Zealand's most treasured native plants.

But what exactly is kawakawa balm, and how can you use it in your everyday routine?

Let's explore five practical ways to make this little jar part of your daily life.

What Is Kawakawa Balm, and Why Is It So Popular in New Zealand?

Kawakawa (Piper excelsum) is a native New Zealand plant recognised by its beautiful heart-shaped leaves.

It has a long history of traditional use in Māori rongoā (healing practices), where kawakawa has been valued for its many applications.

Today, kawakawa is a popular ingredient in natural skincare, particularly balms, lotions and body oils.

Our Skye Candle & Body Care Kawakawa Balm is made using kawakawa leaves infused in New Zealand cold-pressed olive oil, alongside hemp seed oil, beeswax, safflower oil and vitamin E.

These nourishing ingredients help soften dry skin and support its natural moisture barrier.

And the best part? You don't need a complicated skincare routine to enjoy it.

1. Give Your Dry, Overworked Hands Some Love

Think about everything your hands do in one day.

Washing dishes, cleaning the house, gardening, working, preparing meals and constantly washing your hands.

We use them for almost everything, yet they're often the last thing we remember to look after.

If your hands feel dry or rough, try massaging a small amount of kawakawa balm into your skin, especially around your knuckles and cuticles.

The oils and beeswax help lock in moisture, leaving your hands feeling softer and more comfortable.

Everyday tip: Keep a jar beside your bed and apply it before sleeping. It's a lovely little self-care habit that takes less than a minute.

Sometimes, looking after yourself starts with the smallest things.

2. Help Keep Dry, Chapped Lips Soft

You know that uncomfortable feeling when your lips become dry, especially during a cold Wellington winter?

Or when you've spent the day outdoors enjoying the New Zealand sunshine and wind?

Your lips can lose moisture quickly because their skin is particularly delicate.

A tiny amount of kawakawa balm can help create a protective layer to reduce moisture loss.

Simply apply a little to clean lips whenever they feel dry, provided the ingredients suit your skin.

Everyday tip: Keep a small jar in your handbag for those moments when your lips need extra moisture.

Prefer something made specifically for your lips? Explore our Kawakawa skincare collection, including our Kawakawa Lip Balm.

3. Nourish Rough Elbows, Knees and Heels

Your elbows. Your knees. Your heels.

They're easy to overlook until you notice rough, flaky skin.

These areas often experience friction and dryness, especially when we're constantly on our feet or wearing shoes all day.

Kawakawa balm works beautifully as a targeted moisturiser for these stubborn dry patches.

Massage a small amount onto clean skin and let the nourishing oils do their job.

Everyday tip: Apply kawakawa balm to your heels before bed and pop on some cotton socks.

It's a simple way to give your feet a little extra attention after carrying you around all day.

4. Add Extra Moisture to Your Family's Skincare Routine

As parents, we're often busy looking after everyone else.

Making sure the kids are ready for school, preparing meals, cleaning up and remembering all the little things that keep family life running.

Sometimes, skincare is the last thing on our minds.

Having a multi-purpose balm at home can make everyday moisturising easier.

For example, you might notice dry patches on your child's elbows or your own hands becoming rough after another busy day.

A small amount of kawakawa balm can help moisturise these dry areas.

Everyday tip: Make moisturising part of your family's bedtime routine.

For babies or young children, check with a healthcare professional before use, especially on sensitive or irritated skin. Always patch-test first.

Because caring for the people we love doesn't always need to be complicated.

5. Turn Your Evening Routine Into a Little Self-Care Moment

When was the last time you took five minutes just for yourself?

Not for work. Not for the kids. Not for the house.

Just you.

Your evening skincare routine doesn't have to involve ten expensive products.

Sometimes, something as simple as gently massaging kawakawa balm onto dry areas of your hands, elbows or feet can become a comforting little ritual.

Warm a small amount between your fingers, apply it slowly and enjoy a moment of calm.

Kawakawa balm isn't a treatment for stress or sleep problems, but taking time to care for yourself can be a lovely way to finish the day.

Everyday tip: Keep your balm beside your favourite book or on your bedside table as a reminder that you deserve looking after, too.

Why Choose Skye Candle & Body Care Kawakawa Balm?

At Skye Candle & Body Care, we believe skincare should be simple, practical and something you'll actually enjoy using.

Our New Zealand-made kawakawa balm combines kawakawa-infused olive oil with nourishing plant oils, beeswax and vitamin E.

It's designed for everyday moisturising, whether you're looking after dry hands, rough elbows or skin that needs a little extra care.

And we love hearing how our customers make it part of their routines.

One customer, Ava from Auckland, shared:

"I use it for so so much: especially for when I get dry skin around the cuticles and also to soothe dry elbows."

You can read more customer experiences on our product page. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Kawakawa Balm

Can I use kawakawa balm every day?

Yes. Kawakawa balm can be used daily as a moisturiser. Apply a small amount to clean skin whenever extra hydration is needed.

Is kawakawa balm good for dry skin?

Kawakawa balm contains moisturising oils and beeswax that help soften dry skin and reduce moisture loss.

Can kawakawa balm help eczema?

Some people with eczema-prone skin use kawakawa balm as a moisturiser. However, evidence that kawakawa itself treats eczema is limited. It shouldn't replace prescribed eczema treatments, and irritated skin may react to botanical ingredients.

Can I use kawakawa balm on my face?

Yes, it can be applied sparingly to dry facial areas if your skin tolerates it. Patch-test first and avoid the eye area.

Where can I buy kawakawa balm in New Zealand?

You can shop online at Skye Candle & Body Care or visit our store at 190 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington.

One Little Jar, So Many Everyday Uses

Life is busy enough without making skincare complicated.

Whether it's moisturising your hands after a long day, looking after dry elbows or taking a quiet moment before bed, kawakawa balm can become one of those simple products you find yourself reaching for again and again.

And sometimes, the most useful things are the simplest.