Does tallow help acne-prone skins?

"Does tallow help acne-prone skins?" This question has become a hot topic among natural skincare enthusiasts and those battling acne in recent years.

Some swear by it and many tiktok videos have been made of before and after of using tallow for skincare.

Tallow has been HOT trendy lately and although it is an age-old ingredient revered for its versatility, very little scientific research has been made to look at how it interacts with the skin. 

As you can image, a product big skincare companies cannot produce at scale for pennies doesn't help get funding for research.

With that said, in this article, we'll unpack the truth about tallow's role in managing acne-prone skin.

But in short: 

• Tallow (used in tallow balms), similar in composition to human sebum, can be effective for moisturizing and potentially benefiting acne-prone skin.
• Its efficacy varies depending on individual skin types and responses, with some finding it helpful and others not.
• A patch test is recommended before use to gauge personal skin reaction.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is a complex skin condition, often caused by hormonal imbalances, excessive sebum production, and bacterial growth.

Acne develops when excess sebum and dead skin cells clog pores, creating an ideal environment for bacteria, leading to inflammation and breakouts. Effective acne management involves addressing these elements to prevent and treat flare-ups.

How Tallow Interact with Acne-Prone Skin

Tallow has many benefits including the fact that it closely mimics human sebum, which can make it an effective moisturizer for acne-prone skin.

Its main constituents, stearic and oleic acids, are known to nourish and repair the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier is essential in combating external irritants and bacterial invasion, two key factors in acne development.

But since the cause of acne is multi-factored, while some may see amazing results, some may experience the complete opposite. Curious about tallow acne treatment? Read our article "Everything About Tallow Acne Treatment" for how to's, recipes and more.

Tallow Provides Cleaning and Hydration without Oiliness

One of tallow's standout benefits for acne-prone skin is its ability to provide hydration without contributing to excess oiliness. The first time I tried our whipped tallow balm, I was amazing at how fast my skin absorbed it! 

This quality makes tallow a potentially suitable option for those with dry or combination skin types struggling with acne.

Oleic Acid and Skin Barrier Disruption Concerns

While it's known for its moisturizing properties, concerns about its impact on the skin barrier have surfaced. However, it's crucial to look at the bigger picture rather than zeroing in on just one aspect.

Research has pointed out that oleic acid might disrupt the skin barrier, especially in sensitive or compromised skin conditions. 

This is because it can change the skin's lipid balance, potentially leading to more dryness and irritation. But, this doesn't mean that all products with oleic acid, like tallow, will harm your skin. The jury is still out opinion. As we said above, tallow does't have much scientific paper and what we have is personal testimonials and before and after pictures and videos.

When it comes to oleic acid, we should rather step back and look at the overall composition of the oil and how your skin uniquely responds. These are far more significant factors than the presence of a single compound.

Just like we cannot know a book from a single page, we cannot say that tallow is bad for acne because it contains oleic acid.

Individual Skin Responses Vary

Just as each person is unique, so is their skin's reaction to oleic acid. For some, it might be a soothing moisturizer, while for others, it might not work as well.

When it comes to incorporating products with oleic acid, like tallow, into your skincare, understanding your skin's needs and responses is key.

Verdict: Does Tallow Help Acne?

We would say: Try it, it might work for you as it did for many people.

The ability ability of tallow to nurture and maintain the skin barrier, coupled with its skin-compatible composition, makes it a noteworthy contender in natural acne care. Some tallow balm blends can be even more specialized to deal with acne.

But, the effectiveness of tallow in treating acne is highly individual.

For some, it might provide the right balance of moisture and skin barrier support, while others may not experience the same benefits. Before fully integrating tallow into your skincare routine, consider conducting a patch test to gauge your skin’s reaction.

It is important to use caution. Tallow is not a miracle solution for acne but could help some individuals depending on their skin types.

Sources & References:

• American Academy of Dermatology, Acne: What cause acne: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/acne-causes
• Safety Assessment of Fatty Acids & Fatty Acid Salts as Used in Cosmetics
  https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/facids042019finalrep.pdf