How Ancestral Skincare Still Works
- Backland General Company
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
A Return to Ritual
For generations, skincare was guided by simplicity: natural fats, pressed oils, and herbs pulled from the land. These practices weren’t marketed as luxury—but today, in a world of synthetic fillers, their purity feels rare. True luxury is rhythm, not complication.
Why Tallow Holds Its Place
Modern analysis confirms much of what our ancestors already knew:
Skin-Compatible — Tallow’s fatty acid profile closely resembles human sebum, helping it blend naturally with the skin’s barrier
Nutrient-Rich — Grass-fed tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are known to support skin renewal and protection
Moisture Retention — As an emollient, tallow forms a breathable layer that reduces transepidermal water loss, a core principle in dermatology for managing dryness
A Luxury Routine, Rooted in Ancestry
Morning
Rinse with warm water or a mild cleanser—avoid harsh surfactants that strip natural oils.
Apply a fingertip of tallow balm to damp skin, then layer with a light botanical oil for brightness.
Finish with mineral sun protection, as dermatologists recommend daily SPF to defend against photoaging.
Evening
Gently cleanse to remove impurities.
Warm a pea-sized amount of tallow balm in your hands and press into skin, neck, and chest.
For a calming finish, blend with a drop of essential oil (such as frankincense or peppermint), always patch-tested first.
Weekly
Use a slightly thicker layer as an overnight balm to reinforce the barrier during seasonal changes.
Adjust the blend: lighter textures for summer, richer for winter, grounding botanicals for autumn, bright notes for spring.
Why It Feels Luxurious
Luxury is found in deliberate simplicity:
Pure sourcing — pasture-raised, grass-fed tallow is naturally nutrient-dense.
Minimalism with impact — one or two products that cover what a shelf of synthetics cannot.
Seasonal rhythm — a practice that evolves with the year, turning skincare into ritual rather than routine.
Sources
Hardman, J.A. et al. The Circadian Clock in Skin: Implications for Tissue Homeostasis and Disease. Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2015), NIH.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central (nutrient composition of beef tallow).
American Academy of Dermatology, Dry Skin: Tips for Managing and Preventing.
Beef Tallow Skincare Revival. Glamour Magazine (2023).
