Your skin barrier is your first line of defense—it helps lock in moisture, keep out irritants, and maintain a healthy balance. But when it’s compromised, everything gets thrown off. Overwashing, using harsh cleansers, or overdoing exfoliants (like beads, AHAs, or BHAs) can damage this delicate layer, leading to irritation, inflammation, and more breakouts.

The solution? A gentle, nourishing skincare routine that restores and strengthens your skin barrier.

Tallow is rich in skin-loving fatty acids that closely mimic our skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent choice for barrier repair and deep hydration.

Many of our customers with acne-prone skin have seen real, visible improvements after using our grass-fed tallow balms!

We recommend giving it a dedicated 6-8 week trial period to see how your skin responds. While tallow works beautifully for many, everyone’s skin is different—so if you notice any unwanted changes, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Listen to your skin and stick with products that truly support it.

Try: The Simple One  — our ultra-nourishing tallow-based balm made with minimal, skin-friendly ingredients. A perfect introduction for those who are new to tallow and want something gentle, simple, and effective.

Vitamin C does more than brighten—it also supports acne-prone skin by calming inflammation and speeding up skin repair. According to Harvard Health, twice-daily topical vitamin C use in clinical trials reduced acne lesions compared to the placebo group.

Try: The Bright One — our gentle yet effective vitamin C serum designed to support clear, radiant skin without irritation.

Black seed oil is a hidden gem in the natural skincare world. Backed by research, it offers anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that may help reduce acne.

A recent study found that topical black seed oil significantly improved acne severity in participants—making it a worthy addition to your routine.

Try: The Clear One — our acne-friendly tallow balm featuring black seed oil and calming botanicals for clearer, calmer skin. Oh—and it smells amazing, too!

Blood sugar might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to acne—but it plays a major role in skin health. Blood sugar spikes trigger insulin, which can impact hormone levels (like testosterone) and fuel hormonal breakouts, especially around the chin and jawline.

Balance your blood sugar by pairing carbs with protein, fat, and fiber. This slows glucose absorption and prevents those insulin surges. Bonus: gentle movement after meals—like a walk, dancing, or even calf raises while doing dishes—can help too.

The gut-skin connection is real. When your gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it often shows up on your skin. Support your gut with whole foods, fiber, and probiotic-rich options like sauerkraut, kefir, or yogurt. Try reducing alcohol, processed foods, and refined sugar.

Some people also find that eliminating dairy or gluten can improve breakouts—it may be worth experimenting to see what works for you.

Some people find that when they remove seed oils from their diet, their skin noticeably improves—and it’s not just a coincidence. Seed oils like canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower, corn, and grapeseed oil are highly processed and rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation when consumed in excess.

Chronic inflammation is a known driver of acne and other skin issues. By reducing or eliminating seed oils and opting for nourishing fats like grass-fed butter, tallow, coconut oil, ghee, and extra virgin olive oil instead, you’re giving your body (and your skin) a much better foundation to heal and thrive.

Pair this with nutrient-dense whole foods—like high-quality meats, eggs, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables—to truly nourish your skin from the inside out.

Exercise regulates cortisol (your stress hormone), increases circulation, and helps your body detox—all of which benefit your skin.

Keep in mind, the best workout is the one you actually enjoy. Whether it’s yoga, strength training, hiking, dance, or long walks, movement should energize you, not exhaust you.

If your routine feels stale, shake things up! Try something new and find what sparks joy in your body—something you’ll want to stick with. Consistency is key.

Sleep is when your skin heals and regenerates. Poor sleep can throw off blood sugar, increase stress, and spike inflammation—all acne triggers.

Try: Tools that support deeper rest like a weighted sleep mask, mouth tape, calming guided meditations on Spotify, or The Sleep One—our topical magnesium balm infused with essential oils designed to promote deep relaxation.

Chronic stress affects everything: hormones, digestion, sleep, and yes—your skin. Finding rituals that ground you can make all the difference.

Whether it’s journaling, breathwork, nature walks, or connecting with a loved one, stress management is one of the most loving things you can do for your skin (and your whole body).

Clear skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about support. So often, we’re told the key to clearing acne is all about what we apply topically. But the truth is, it’s so much more than that. What you put on your skin matters—but what’s happening inside your body matters just as much. A holistic, wholesome approach is often what leads to the most meaningful and lasting results.

And remember—It’s easy to fixate on your reflection and see only blemishes, but that’s not what others see when they look at you. You are more than your skin.

If we could leave you with just one tip: sometimes, letting go of obsessing over your skin is exactly what it needs to begin healing.