The Revival of Ancestral Skincare-What is it & Why Make the Switch
In the ever-evolving world of skincare, there’s a significant shift taking place—one that’s taking us back to our roots, quite literally. Ancestral skincare, a trend rooted in the wisdom of generations past, is experiencing a revival.
As a beauty blogger and hair stylist, I’ve noticed an increasing number of both clients and women in my community seeking natural, time-tested remedies over the traditional commercial, chemical-laden products.
This resurgence isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a movement toward reconnecting with the ingredients God gave us and embracing the holistic benefits of traditional practices. So, why is ancestral skincare gaining popularity, and why should you consider incorporating it into your routine? Let’s dive deep into this fascinating topic.
What is Ancestral Skincare?
Ancestral skin care refers to the use of traditional beauty rituals and ingredients that have been passed down through generations. These practices are typically rooted in natural remedies and involve the use of herbs, oils, clays, and other elements sourced directly from the earth.
These remedies are often intertwined with holistic philosophies, focusing not only on outer beauty but also on inner health and balance.
Why is Ancestral Skincare on the Rise?
1. The Clean Beauty Movement
The clean beauty movement has fueled a desire for transparency in the beauty industry. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals in conventional skincare products—parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, to name a few. Ancestral skincare offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative, free from synthetic additives.
2. The Desire for Sustainability
Sustainability is a driving force behind many consumer decisions today. Ancestral skincare practices are inherently sustainable, often relying on locally sourced, biodegradable ingredients and minimal packaging. It uses natural products in creative ways with less waste. This aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in beauty.
3. A Return to Holistic Wellness
In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, many people are seeking balance through holistic practices. Ancestral skincare aligns beautifully with this trend, emphasizing the connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
People are realizing we need to get back to the basics with time-tested and trusted practices that enhance our well-being. With chronic disease and mental health issues at an all-time high, people are seeking the reasons why. Turning back to simple ingredients and ways of our ancestors is bringing back a balanced approach to wellness in a holistic way.
4. The Influence of Social Media
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a significant role in popularizing ancestral skincare. Beauty influencers are sharing their experiences with DIY remedies and holistic products, making these practices more accessible to a global audience.
I believe this is one of the blessings of social media. We can see in real-time, what is truly working for people. Yes, we need to sift through to find what is true, but I believe genuineness shines through in powerful ways.
The Benefits of Ancestral Skincare
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1. Gentle on the Skin
Traditional remedies are often crafted with natural ingredients that are gentle yet effective. Unlike harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils, ancestral skincare focuses on nourishing and protecting the skin barrier.
Example:
- Shea Butter: Packed with vitamins A and E, shea butter deeply moisturizes without clogging pores.
2. Rich in Nutrients
Ancestral skincare is a time-honored tradition, rich in natural ingredients that have nourished and protected the skin for generations. Rooted in wholesome, nutrient-dense elements like tallow, honey, and botanical oils, these beauty rituals provide deep hydration, essential vitamins, and healing properties.
The fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals found in these ancestral ingredients work harmoniously with the skin’s natural barrier, promoting elasticity, radiance, and resilience. Unlike modern skincare filled with synthetic additives, ancestral skincare embraces simplicity, allowing your skin to thrive in its most natural state. By reconnecting with these time-tested traditions, we not only enhance our beauty but also honor the wisdom of nature and the self-care rituals of those who came before us.
Example:
- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties, turmeric helps combat acne, reduce redness, and even skin tone.
3. Customizable and Inclusive
Ancestral skincare offers a diverse range of ingredients and practices, allowing for customization based on individual skin types and concerns. The natural ingredients allow customization to cater to all skin types, from the most sensitive to the most resilient.
Since it’s rooted in time-tested traditions, the ancestral approach allows for customization, whether you need deep hydration, gentle healing, or protection from the elements. Whether you choose tallow or jojoba oil, ingredients can be blended and adjusted to meet your skin’s unique needs.
4. Supports Mental Well-being
Many ancestral practices, such as facial massage and aromatherapy, are inherently relaxing. These rituals encourage mindfulness, reducing stress—a key factor in skin health. This natural skin care approach incorporates calming ingredients like lavender, chamomile, and rose, which not only nourish the skin but also promote relaxation and mental well-being.
These botanicals have been cherished for centuries for their ability to soothe the mind, reduce stress, and enhance a sense of tranquility through their natural aromatherapeutic properties. When used in skincare, they create a luxurious self-care routine that nurtures both the body and soul, making beauty routines a moment of pure relaxation and rejuvenation.
The ingredients derived from nature support our mental well-being from the outside in. Nature is our greatest asset and can support and heal our bodies in simple and spectacular ways. For example, Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese practice that uses a jade or rose quartz tool to improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage. So simple, yet so effective without the need for needles and chemicals.
5. Proven Over Generations
Unlike modern products that are tested in labs, ancestral remedies have been tried and tested by countless generations. This gives them a level of credibility that’s hard to match.
While new and trending products can be all the rage, we often don’t know the harmful effects for years or decades to come. Products can be deemed “safe” for use on the skin without even knowing if the ingredients truly are.
According to the FDA, cosmetic companies themselves are responsible for the safety of their ingredients and products with the only exception being color additives. No approval or testing is done by the FDA prior to a product hitting the market.
While we all wish a company’s main goal would be to put the safest and best product on the market, we know other motives and factors play into production and ingredient choices.
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Tallow-Based Skincare: The Ancient Beauty Secret Making a Comeback
In the ever-growing world of clean beauty, where every ingredient is scrutinized for its effectiveness and purity, one ancient skincare hero is making a remarkable comeback—tallow.
Yes, you heard that right! The same nourishing fat that our ancestors used for cooking and candle-making is now taking the beauty world by storm, and for a good reason! If you’re on a mission to simplify your skincare routine while giving your skin the absolute best nature has to offer, tallow-based skincare might just be your holy grail.
What Is Tallow-Based Skincare?
Tallow is rendered fat, primarily sourced from grass-fed cows or sheep. Unlike the highly processed and synthetic ingredients found in many mainstream beauty products, tallow is natural, nutrient-dense, and bioavailable—meaning your skin can absorb and utilize it effectively.
Tallow-based skincare products, like balms, creams, and soaps, harness the deeply moisturizing and healing properties of this ingredient to provide unparalleled skin nourishment. It is often blended with other clean beauty staples like essential oils, beeswax, and botanical extracts, and herbs, but at its core, it remains a simple, unadulterated source of skin-loving goodness.
Why Is Tallow So Good for the Skin?
- Mimics the Skin’s Natural Lipids
Tallow is almost identical in composition to the oils naturally found in human skin. This means it absorbs effortlessly, delivering hydration and essential nutrients without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. - Rich in Essential Fatty Acids
Our skin thrives on healthy fats. Tallow is abundant in fatty acids like oleic acid (which promotes deep penetration), stearic acid (which helps repair and soften skin), and linoleic acid (which aids in acne prevention and barrier function). - Packed with Skin-Nourishing Vitamins
Tallow is a powerhouse of vitamins A, D, E, and K—all crucial for skin regeneration, elasticity, and protection. Vitamin A promotes cell turnover, vitamin D helps fight inflammation, vitamin E is an antioxidant that combats free radicals, and vitamin K supports healing and circulation. - Deeply Moisturizing Without Harsh Chemicals
Unlike conventional moisturizers loaded with preservatives, emulsifiers, and artificial fragrances, tallow provides hydration in its purest form. It penetrates deep into the skin’s layers, offering long-lasting moisture without disrupting the skin’s delicate microbiome. - Naturally Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial
Tallow contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a fantastic option for acne-prone, eczema-prone, and sensitive skin types.
The Beauty Benefits of Making the Switch
Switching to tallow-based skincare isn’t just about finding a superior moisturizer—it’s about embracing a holistic, skin-friendly, and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Here’s why you should consider making the transition:
1. Say Goodbye to Synthetic Junk
Mainstream beauty products often contain parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and synthetic preservatives that can disrupt your hormones and irritate your skin. Tallow-based skincare eliminates these unnecessary additives, giving your skin a break from chemical overload.
2. A Glow That Comes from Within
Because tallow is so nutrient-rich, it doesn’t just sit on the surface of your skin—it nourishes it from the inside out. Over time, users of tallow-based skincare often notice improved texture, a more even skin tone, and a radiant, healthy glow.
3. Heals Skin Conditions Naturally
If you struggle with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or chronic dryness, tallow might be the missing piece in your skincare routine. Unlike synthetic creams that simply mask symptoms, tallow works with your skin to restore balance and heal inflammation at the root.
4. Supports Ethical and Sustainable Beauty
Many tallow-based skincare brands source their fat from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals, making it a sustainable byproduct of the ethical farming industry. This stands in stark contrast to the palm oil, petroleum, and chemical-laden products that contribute to environmental destruction.
5. Multi-Purpose Magic
Tallow isn’t just for your face! Use it as a lip balm, body butter, hand cream, or even a baby-safe moisturizer. Some people even swear by it as a natural alternative to petroleum-based products for healing cuts, burns, and scars.
How to Incorporate Tallow Into Your Routine
Ready to make the switch? Here’s how you can seamlessly incorporate tallow-based products into your skincare regimen:
- Swap Out Your Moisturizer – Use a tallow-based balm instead of your traditional face cream for a deeply hydrating and restorative experience.
- Try a Tallow-Based Cleanser – Some brands offer cleansing balms made with tallow, which can be a game-changer for dry or sensitive skin.
- Use It as a Night Treatment – Apply a thin layer before bed for overnight nourishment and wake up to plump, glowing skin.
- Dab on Dry Spots – If you have eczema patches, cracked lips, or rough elbows, tallow is your new best friend.
- Make It a Family Affair – Since it’s gentle and natural, tallow is safe for babies, kids, and even pets!
Finding the Right Tallow-Based Products
Not all tallow is created equal! To get the maximum benefits, look for products made from 100% grass-fed, organic, pasture-raised animal fat. Brands that emphasize ethical sourcing and clean ingredients will ensure you’re getting a product that is as pure and effective as possible.
My absolute favorite brand for tallow-based products is Toups & Co. Organics. With my career in the beauty industry, I have tried SO many products over the years. Once I tried the Frankincense Tallow, I was hooked! I slowly made the switch a few products at a time and saw a dramatic change in the texture, pore size, and overall appearance of my skin.
Toups & Co. products have truly been life-changing for me. With my ever-growing sensitivities and autoimmune issues, I have to be very selective in what I use on and in my body. Their products began with a mom on a mission (like me😊) who wouldn’t settle for issues that “couldn’t be helped”. Learn more about the Toups & Co. mission and story here.
If you’re looking for a skincare solution that is clean, deeply nourishing, and free from harmful additives, tallow-based skincare is a game-changer. It restores skin health, supports ethical beauty practices, and delivers a radiant glow—what more could we ask for?
Featured Products
Frankincense Face Balm
Nourishing Skincare Set
Sweet Girl Tallow Balm
Other Ancestral Skincare Traditions
While tallow-based products are gaining ground quickly because of their effectiveness and silky ingredients, other natural remedies have been around for the times. Often ancestral skincare combines these natural ingredients for their added benefits. Check out these other popular and time-tested ingredients.
Honey & Beeswax Skincare
For centuries, honey and beeswax have been treasured for their healing and moisturizing properties. Raw honey is a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin while delivering antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Beeswax acts as a protective barrier, sealing in hydration and helping to heal wounds and dry patches. Together, they create a nourishing duo that soothes sensitive skin, combats acne, and locks in long-lasting moisture—making them a must-have in ancestral beauty routines.
Herbal Infused Oils
Infusing oils with healing herbs like chamomile, calendula, and rose has been a skincare staple for generations. These plant-based infusions are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that calm irritation, promote skin repair, and provide deep nourishment.
Olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil serve as the perfect base, allowing the skin to absorb these botanical benefits effortlessly. Whether used as a facial serum, body oil, or scalp treatment, herbal-infused oils offer a deeply hydrating and rejuvenating experience.
Clay & Charcoal Cleansers
Ancient cultures have long relied on the purifying power of clay and charcoal to detoxify and balance the skin. Bentonite clay and activated charcoal work together to draw out impurities, unclog pores, and regulate excess oil production.
These natural ingredients gently exfoliate while delivering essential minerals that support skin health. Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin types, clay and charcoal cleansers help maintain a clear, refreshed complexion without stripping away essential moisture.
Why Ancestral Skincare is Good for Your Skin and Health
- Toxin-Free Living: By avoiding synthetic chemicals, you reduce your exposure to toxins that can disrupt hormones and impact overall health.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Supporting traditional methods often means supporting sustainable farming and fair trade, benefiting both the planet and its people.
- Mind-Body Connection: Many ancestral practices emphasize relaxation and mindfulness, contributing to lower stress levels and improved mental health.
Final Thoughts
Ancestral skincare is more than a beauty trend; it’s a reconnection with nature, history, and holistic wellness. Its rise reflects a broader desire to live in harmony with the earth and prioritize authenticity over superficiality.
I often say, “I love what is real and simple.” We crave what is true and tested, and we are really starting to see the toll all things artificial are taking on our bodies.
As a cosmetologist, I encourage you to explore this beautiful world of ancestral remedies—not just for their skin benefits, but for the meaningful connection they foster with the past, the planet, and yourself. After all, beauty is as much about how we feel as it is about how we look.
By embracing the wisdom of our ancestors, we can create a skincare routine that’s not only effective but also deeply enriching. Let’s honor the past while nurturing our present—and glowing into the future.
So, are you ready to ditch the chemical-laden lotions and embrace this ancestral beauty secret? Your skin (and your health) will love you for it! Nurture your body on the outside and the inside will thank you too!
Hey, Sweet Friend!
Welcome! I’m Ashley, a lover of beauty in all its facets. I am a hairstylist, writer, & girl mom passionate about helping women flourish by seeking beauty beyond the surface. I love to encourage women to create clean & healthy beauty habits & homes grounded in faith and live by my motto…clean, pretty, + simple. I would love for you to join me in your healthy beauty journey!
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