Tallow & acne-prone skin
- Anat Edwy
One of our most frequently asked questions is, "Can I use Tallow skincare if I have acne-prone skin? I heard it’s highly comedogenic…”
In short - yes, you can.
It’s important to know that the comedogenic ranking system is flawed and outdated. Comedogenicity isn’t universal to all skin types and people, as your skin may react differently to a certain ingredient than someone else's. Breakouts may be caused by oxidised ingredients, over-cleansing your face, "acne cosmetica" caused by the skincare and makeup used on the skin, daily stresses, environmental toxins and certain foods.
So hear me out:
Tallow won’t clog your pores.
Tallow contains valuable vitamins that are exceptionally nurturing for the skin and are rich in beneficial fatty acids. The fatty acids in pure grass-fed beef tallow are similar in their molecular structure and composition to those found in the protective outer layer of human skin and naturally produced skin oils (Sebum).
Tallow-based products are perfect for your skin; they won’t clog your pores or cause outbreaks but will nourish your skin deeply and gently.
So, if you suffer from acne or you want to obtain all of the benefits of tallow-based skincare, make sure to follow these steps:
First, wash your face and gently exfoliate your skin before applying a tallow cream or moisturiser. Our favourite options for gentle exfoliators are sustainable face sponges or konjac sponges.
Second, rub a small amount of the cream or moisturiser between your fingers, pat it onto damp skin, massage gently, and repeat when needed.
Remember, our creams and moisturisers are concentrated, so use them sparingly. They will stay on your skin for long, even in the driest winter conditions, unlike commercial creams, which are very thin and require constant re-application.
On a side note, if you’re on a journey that includes healing your gut and gently detoxing your body, your skin may react and even become super dry and irritated. You shouldn’t be alarmed; those are toxins leaving your body, and soon, your skin will heal beautifully.