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can tallow help acne prone skin?

We often get asked if handmaid's range of tallow based face and body balms can help a variety of skin conditions. One of the most common questions we receive is "can tallow help acne prone skin?".

The answer is yes!

Why do we call acne, acne?

The word "acne" originates from the Greek word "akme," which means "point" or "peak." In ancient Greek, "akme" referred to the highest point or peak of something. Over time, this term evolved to describe the skin condition we now know as acne, likely due to the raised bumps or "peaks" that characterise the condition. The term "acne" has been used in medical literature for centuries to describe various skin eruptions and conditions involving pimples or other lesions on the skin.

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells.

Several factors contribute to the development of acne:

Excess oil production

When the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it can clog pores, leading to acne.

Dead skin cells

When the skin sheds dead cells, they can mix with the oil in the pores and block them.

Bacteria

Propionibacterium acnes is a type of bacteria that lives on the skin and can multiply in clogged pores, causing inflammation and acne.

Hormones

Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions, can increase oil production and contribute to acne.

Genetics

Acne can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Lifestyle factors

Some studies suggest that certain foods and lifestyle habits, such as high glycemic index foods and stress, may exacerbate acne in some individuals.

How can tallow help acne prone skin?

Tallow is highly compatible with the natural oils in our skin, which can help to regulate excess oil production and prevent excessive sebum build-up. As we have said before, your skin 'gets it' when it receives a nourishing application of handmaid's face and body balm.

Tallow contains a high concentration of natural fatty acids, such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid, which can help to improve the overall health of the skin.

These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help to soothe and heal acne-prone skin.

Palmitic acid, in particular, has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help to prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria on the skin.

Tallow skincare is also highly moisturising, which is important for keeping the skin hydrated and moisturised that maintains a healthy skin barrier and prevents excessive oil production.

When your skin is dehydrated, it can overcompensate by producing more oil, which can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. Tallow helps to lock in moisture and prevent excessive oil production.

A handmaid handy tip

It is important to remember that our whipped tallow face and body balm is highly concentrated with 0% water content, free from harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin.

This means you only need to apply a small amount to your skin on each application (this is also a great cost saving).

This is important if you are using our products as part of your acne care routine to prevent exacerbating oiliness if used excessively.

It is also important to cleanse the skin thoroughly beforehand, as this will help to remove excess oil in the skin's pores. 

We recommend you try our range of 100% natural whipped tallow face and body balms.

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