2. What’s your top skin goal right now?
A. Clear up breakouts and prevent congestion
B. Hydrate and smooth fine lines
C. Balance my skin without triggering it
D. Boost radiance and even tone
E. Calm redness and sensitivity

3. How does your skin respond to new products or actives?
A. Pretty resilient—I can handle strong formulas
B. I do better with slow, steady changes
C. Depends on the formula and how it’s layered
D. Sometimes reactive, especially with strong stuff
E. I have to be super careful—I’m easily irritated

4. What does your skin look/feel like right now?
A. Congested or bumpy
B. Rough, dry, or textured
C. Uneven tone and dry/oily patches
D. Dull, tired, or uneven
E. Red, inflamed, or reactive

5. If your ideal skin result had a theme, what would it be?
A. Clear, smooth, and shine-free
B. Soft, plump, and hydrated
C. Balanced and predictable
D. Bright, polished, and glowing
E. Calm, soothed, and protected

Results:

Not all chemical exfoliants are created equal.
And if you’ve ever used one that felt too strong, didn’t work, or left you wondering what went wrong—you’re not alone.

Your skin’s needs are unique, which is why choosing the right exfoliating acid makes all the difference. This quiz helps you figure out which ingredient fits your skin like a glove (not like a sandblaster).

Your Result: What Your Skin’s Asking For

Mostly A’s → Salicylic Acid

Your skin is craving clarity.

Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can travel deep into pores to dissolve the congestion that causes breakouts, blackheads, and those annoying under-the-skin bumps.

Perfect for:

• Oily or acne-prone skin
• Clogged pores or keratosis pilaris
• Red, inflamed blemishes

Catherine’s Tip:
Use salicylic in moderation—2–3x/week max in leave-on products, or as part of a professional peel when deeper exfoliation is needed.

Mostly B’s → Lactic Acid

Your skin is craving hydration and renewal.

Lactic acid is the gentlest of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). It exfoliates while pulling moisture into the skin, making it ideal for drier complexions and skin that needs a glow-up without over-stripping.

Perfect for:

• Dry, flaky, or textured skin
• Fine lines and dullness
• Clients over 35 or with early signs of aging

Catherine’s Tip:
Lactic acid is your go-to for regular maintenance. It’s especially powerful when paired with barrier-repair products and hydration.

Mostly C’s → Mandelic Acid

Your skin is craving balance.

Mandelic acid has one of the largest molecule sizes, which means it penetrates the skin slowly and gently. It’s ideal for combination, sensitive, and melanin-rich skin that needs results without risk.

Perfect for:

• Uneven tone or dark spots
• Combination skin with occasional breakouts
• Clients who react easily to other acids

Catherine’s Tip:
Mandelic is a favorite in summer-friendly treatments—it works well in a series of peels or in your at-home routine to prep for more active treatments later.

Mostly D’s → Glycolic Acid

Your skin is craving a reset.

Glycolic acid is the most powerful of the AHAs. It works fast and goes deep, but it’s best reserved for skin that’s resilient and not overly sensitive.

Perfect for:

• Thick, textured, or sun-damaged skin
• Clients who feel like their routine isn’t “doing enough”
• Brightening and retexturizing in a big way

Catherine’s Tip:
Use glycolic with caution. It can deliver stunning results—but only when your barrier is strong and your sun protection game is airtight.

Mostly E’s → Azelaic Acid

Your skin is craving calm.

Azelaic acid isn’t technically an exfoliant, but it gently clears buildup, reduces redness, and supports a healthier skin barrier—without causing peeling or irritation.

Perfect for:

• Rosacea, sensitivity, or redness
• Post-acne marks or uneven texture
• Clients who can’t tolerate stronger actives

Catherine’s Tip:
Azelaic acid is safe year-round and pairs beautifully with calming facials and LED therapy for clients focused on long-term skin recovery.

Final Thought

Just because an acid is “popular” doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin right now.
Listen to what your skin is asking for—and if you’re not sure? That’s exactly what I’m here for.

2. What kind of energy do you want more of right now?
A. Peace and softness
B. Clarity and focus
C. Confidence and joy
D. Deep restoration
E. Emotional release or spiritual grounding

3. What’s your current emotional baseline?
A. On edge
B. Disconnected
C. Anxious or self-critical
D. Heavy or worn out
E. Open but fragile

4. What kind of healing are you calling in?
A. Physical calm and skin repair
B. Motivation and inner clarity
C. Confidence and energetic alignment
D. Nervous system reset
E. Emotional healing and inner connection

5. Pick your ideal self-care moment:
A. A facial in a warm, quiet room
B. A solo walk at sunrise
C. Journaling with a cup of tea
D. Lying down under an LED light
E. Breathwork with sound therapy

Results:

Most of us know our skin responds to stress.
But what we often forget is that our skin also responds to stillness.
To softness.
To sound.

Just like your breath and your heartbeat, your skin is part of your nervous system. And when that system is overworked—by life, by emotions, by the world—your skin feels it.

That’s why one of the quiet tools I’ve come to love is Solfeggio sound therapy: a set of ancient frequencies believed to support healing, cellular regeneration, and emotional balance.

Here’s a breakdown of the five most powerful Solfeggio tones—and how they connect to your skin, your energy, and your emotional needs.

528 Hz — DNA Repair + Positive Transformation

If mostly A’s — 528 Hz: The Frequency of Transformation & DNA Repair | For reactive, inflamed, or healing skin—and a spirit ready for change.

Often called the “miracle tone”, 528 Hz supports deep healing on a cellular level.
It’s especially helpful when your skin is inflamed or recovering from stress, illness, or immune-related flare-ups. But more than that—it’s a beautiful tone to lean into when you’re ready to shift the energy of how you’ve been caring for yourself.

Try this frequency when:

• Your skin is sensitive, reactive, or healing from stress
• You’ve gone through a tough season and want to shift emotionally
• You’re craving stillness but struggle to slow down
• You want your skin care routine to feel like a ritual again

Listen to 528 Hz on YouTube

396 Hz — Release Fear + Guilt

If mostly B’s — 396 Hz: Release Fear and Guilt | For skin that feels tired. For hearts holding too much.

Sometimes, skin fatigue is more than surface deep.
It’s the result of emotional weight we’re carrying—fear, guilt, overthinking, or self-doubt.
396 Hz helps to release these heavy frequencies, so you can start showing up for your skin (and yourself) from a place of clarity and lightness.

Try this frequency when:

• You feel disconnected from your reflection
• Your skin looks dull, heavy, or “off”
• You’re carrying guilt or overthinking every decision
• You’re stuck in old patterns with skin, self-image, or habits

Listen to 396 Hz on YouTube

639 Hz — Confidence + Emotional Connection

If mostly C’s — 639 Hz: Harmonize Relationships and Self-Perception | For rebuilding trust in your skin—and yourself.

639 Hz is all about harmony—within and without.
This frequency supports emotional balance, clearer communication, and a softer relationship with your reflection.
Perfect for those moments when you feel “off” but can’t explain why, or when you need to reconnect with your skin in a more loving, present way.

Try this frequency when:

• You’ve been hard on yourself or feeling disconnected
• Your skin feels unpredictable
• You’re navigating a change in appearance (aging, stress, illness)
• You want to feel more grounded and at peace in your routine

Listen to 639 Hz on YouTube

741 Hz — Detox + Nervous System Reset

If mostly D’s — 741 Hz: Detox, Cleanse & Rebalance | For when you’re running on fumes—and so is your skin.

If your skin looks like it’s holding tension, this is your frequency.
741 Hz supports detoxification and energetic release, especially when your nervous system is overwhelmed. It’s like a reset button for overworked minds and inflamed skin.

Try this frequency when:

• You feel overstimulated, tired, or “wired but tired”
• Your skin is flaring, hot, or sensitive to touch
• You’ve been doing too much
• You want a quiet moment to reset your energy and your skin barrier

Listen to 741 Hz on YouTube

852 Hz — Spiritual Connection + Inner Clarity

If mostly E’s — 852 Hz: Return to Spiritual Alignment | For when your energy is soft, raw, or beautifully open.

This is the frequency of reconnection—to yourself, your intuition, your own wisdom.
852 Hz helps you quiet the outside world and tune into your inner rhythms.
Perfect for sensitive skin days, slow mornings, or moments when you want your skin care to feel sacred.

Try this frequency when:

• You’re in a reflective or transitional season
• You want your skin care ritual to feel spiritual
• You’re healing from something deeper—emotionally or energetically
• You’re craving quiet, softness, and groundedness

Listen to 852 Hz on YouTube

Final Thought

No matter which frequency you need and choose in the moment, the invitation is the same:
To slow down. To listen. To care for your skin like it’s part of you—because it is.

Healing doesn’t always start with a product.
Sometimes, it starts with a breath. A sound. A shift in energy.

And that shift can begin right now—with just one tone.

Centuries before the 10-step routines, celebrity skincare lines, and double cleansing, there was one woman whose beauty routine was… iconic—for all the wrong reasons.

We’re talking about Queen Elizabeth I, known for her stark white complexion created with Venetian ceruse—a lead-based cosmetic that gave her the ghostly glow we now associate with the Elizabethan era.

But beneath the powdered perfection was something much deeper: chronic skin inflammation.

What Was Venetian Ceruse—and Why Did It Matter?

Venetian ceruse was made by mixing white lead with vinegar and water. It created an opaque, porcelain-like finish that covered blemishes, scars, and even smallpox marks.

But here’s the catch: lead is toxic.

Repeated use of lead-based makeup caused the skin to become more fragile, dull, reactive, and chronically inflamed. Over time, users needed more of the product just to achieve the same effect—creating a damaging loop of cover-up and breakdown.

Sound familiar?

From Royal Courts to Modern Routines: Inflammation Is Still Misunderstood

Today, we may not be brushing lead on our faces—but the cycle of irritation and inflammation still exists in modern skin routines:

• You notice redness, flaking, or dullness
• You switch products or try to “treat” it
• Your skin flares up more
• You assume the product is to blame
• You try something else
• Repeat.

But often, the real issue isn’t irritation. It’s inflammation—and it behaves very differently.

Irritation vs. Inflammation: What’s the Difference?

What Your Skin Might Be Trying to Tell You

If your go-to products suddenly feel too strong…
If your skin flushes after your normal cleanser…
If everything “safe” still makes your face feel off…

You may not be dealing with sensitivity.
You may be dealing with a compromised barrier and inflammation that needs a different kind of support.

What Can You Do?

Just like Queen Elizabeth, we often try to cover or fix what we don’t fully understand.

But instead of layering on more products, the better solution is to pause, listen to your skin, and give it what it actually needs:

• Simplicity
• Barrier repair
• Calm, low-stimulation treatments
• Expert guidance that looks beyond the surface

That’s what we focus on inside Catherine’s Skin Transformation Design sessions.

Because great skin isn’t just about products—it’s about partnership, strategy, and knowing what your skin is really reacting to.

Ready to Find Out What Your Skin’s Really Saying?

If your skin’s been unpredictable lately, book my professional skin evaluation with me at HAUS Salon | North Loop and get a personalized plan built around your skin—not trends or guesswork.

From Glam to Glow: The Surprising History Behind Our Sunscreen Habits

In 1923, Coco Chanel returned from a Mediterranean vacation with an unexpected accessory: a sunburn. Photos of her bronzed skin began circulating, and suddenly, tanned skin—once considered a mark of the working class—became a sign of wealth, leisure, and fashion.

And just like that, an era of sunbathing began.

This shift marked the start of decades where a golden glow was equated with health and beauty. Unfortunately, it also ushered in a long stretch of sun damage—often without protection. Sunscreen didn’t become widely used until the 1940s, and even then, it was mostly reserved for lifeguards and vacationers.

Now we know better. But the effects of that cultural shift are still written on our skin—especially for those of us who came of age in a time when SPF was optional at best.

Sun Damage Isn’t Always What You Think

For many women 45 and up, sun damage doesn’t show up as dramatic burns or dark spots. Instead, it appears as:

• Uneven tone that makes you feel like you have to wear foundation
• Texture changes that cause makeup to sit poorly on the skin
• Fine lines and visible pores that seem to appear “overnight”

And when you’re trying to wear less makeup—a trend many of my clients are embracing this year—sun damage can feel like the invisible barrier in the way.

So, What Can You Do?

You don’t have to erase decades of sun to feel better in your skin today.
But you do need the right support.

My go-to approach focuses on restoring skin health—not just covering up damage. That’s where treatments like BBL (BroadBand Light) come in. These services target the underlying effects of sun exposure to help:

• Brighten uneven tone
• Reduce redness and pigmentation
• Improve the way your skin reflects light—so you actually need less makeup

You can also start by making one small shift: daily SPF. Not just on sunny days. Not just on vacation. Every day.

Because glowing, healthy-looking skin isn’t about hiding your age. It’s about protecting the skin you’re in, and giving it the care it’s always deserved.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’ve been relying on makeup to mask uneven tone or texture… there might be a better way.

When we think about facials today, we often picture glowing skin, dewy cheeks, and that unmistakable post-treatment confidence boost. And don’t get me wrong—I’m all for that. But the origin of facials? It had little to do with appearance… and everything to do with function.

In fact, the earliest facials were designed to support the skin’s natural elimination pathways—a critical piece of skin health that we don’t talk about nearly enough.

Wait—What Do Elimination Pathways Have to Do with Skin?

Your skin is the body’s largest organ, and it plays a major role in detoxification. Through processes like sweat and cellular turnover, it’s constantly working to clear out waste, manage inflammation, and maintain balance.

But when those systems get sluggish—due to stress, poor circulation, lack of movement, or even just daily buildup—your skin can start to show signs:
• Congestion
• Dullness
• Breakouts
• Puffiness
• Slower healing

Early facials were developed as a way to stimulate lymphatic flow, increase circulation, and encourage the skin to release what it didn’t need—so it could begin the real work of healing and regenerating.

Why That Still Matters Today

Here’s the thing: Even with all our modern advancements—LED, peels, microneedling—we can’t ignore the basics. If your skin is inflamed, stagnant, or congested, piling on treatments might not deliver the results you’re hoping for.

That’s why my Signature Oxygen Glo2Facial begins with supporting the skin’s natural detox functions. We focus on:
Oxygenation and circulation
Gentle lymphatic stimulation
Enzymatic exfoliation to assist cellular renewal
Hydration and barrier support to help your skin respond—not react

This combination creates a foundation your skin can actually build on—without irritation, inflammation, or over-treatment.

A Return to What Works

The glow you see after a truly restorative facial isn’t just surface-level—it’s a sign your skin is functioning well. And when that happens, the results last longer. Your products work better. You feel better in your skin, because your skin feels better.

So yes, facials have come a long way—but the best ones still honor what our skin has always needed:
• Circulation
• Support
• Space to renew

And that’s what we create together every time you step into my treatment room.

—

Curious what this kind of reset could feel like for your skin?
The Signature Oxygen Glo2Facial is available for booking now. Tap the link in my bio to learn more or reserve your spot.

Your answer says more than you might think. Here’s what it might be reflecting about your current rhythm, relationship with yourself, and what your skin—and spirit—might need right now.

A) “I don’t have a brow routine… and I could use a moment to exhale.”

You’re running on reserves—and your body knows it.

Maybe your energy has been going toward everyone else lately. Maybe your days are so full that the thought of carving out a moment just for you feels… indulgent. Or unrealistic. But here’s what I’ve seen again and again in my treatment room: the smallest rituals often hold the biggest shifts.

Your skin—and your nervous system—are quietly asking for presence, not perfection. You don’t need a full spa day. You just need one moment. One minute to return to yourself.

What to try next:
Start with something gentle. A warm cloth over your eyes. A slow breath as you trace your brows with your fingers. Let that be enough for now. And when you’re ready? A professional brow shaping can become more than a service—it can become your reset.

B) “I usually rush through it—I’m always multitasking.”

You’re doing everything… but are you doing anything for you?

You’re efficient, capable, and always moving—but even the strongest need a place to land. When your self-care becomes one more task to check off, it loses the nourishment that makes it matter.

Your brow routine might seem small, but it’s also an invitation: to slow down, to get present, and to experience care without needing to earn it.

What to try next:
The next time you’re in front of the mirror, try this: one breath in, one breath out. Let your brow routine become a pause instead of a chore. Or better yet, let someone else take care of it for you—just this once.

C) “I’ve started noticing how calming it feels when I slow down.”

You’re in a sacred in-between—the space where habit becomes ritual.

You’re beginning to experience what so many of us overlook: that self-care isn’t about how much time you have, but about how present you are. You’re learning how to listen to your skin, to your body, to the quiet cues beneath the surface.

That awareness? That’s the foundation of transformation.

What to try next:
Deepen this connection. Consider booking a brow service that’s focused not just on results, but on the experience. You don’t need to earn your pause—you just need to claim it.

D) “It’s my favorite ritual—I treat it like a little meditation.”

You’ve found your anchor. And that’s something worth celebrating.

You’ve learned that the simple act of tending to your brows is about so much more than appearance. It’s about returning to yourself. It’s about creating space. It’s about holding reverence for your face, your energy, your presence.

People like you often become the quiet leaders—showing others what it looks like to care for themselves without apology.

What to try next:
Keep leaning into this version of beauty. Share what you’ve learned with someone who needs it. And if you ever want to go deeper—refine your brow shape, refresh your routine, or just soak in some peace—I’d love to welcome you into my treatment room.

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, Why does my skin suddenly feel so different?—you’re not alone.

Fine lines that seem to settle in overnight.
Sensitivity to products you used to love.
Dullness that won’t go away, no matter how much you exfoliate.

Most people assume these are just signs of aging, but there’s another factor at play—inflammation.

Your quiz answers gave you a glimpse into how inflammation might be affecting your skin’s aging process. Now, let’s break it down and talk about what’s happening beneath the surface—and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

If You Answered A: “My skin gets red and irritated more easily than before.”

Your skin is sending early warning signs of chronic inflammation.

What’s Happening: Your skin barrier is compromised, making it harder to lock in moisture and protect itself from external stressors. This leads to ongoing redness, dryness, and irritation—and over time, this weakens collagen and speeds up fine lines.

What to Do: Focus on barrier repair. Swap out any harsh exfoliants or drying products for hydrating, skin-strengthening ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and centella asiatica. Your skin can’t heal if its foundation is compromised—so start here.

If You Answered B: “My fine lines seem to have deepened suddenly.”

Collagen breakdown might be happening faster than it should.

What’s Happening: Chronic inflammation doesn’t just cause irritation—it slowly depletes collagen and elastin, making skin lose firmness and elasticity more quickly than it should.

What to Do: Support collagen production with a mix of internal and external care.

• Internally: Get enough omega-3s, vitamin C, and protein to support natural collagen synthesis.
• Externally: Use peptides, retinol (if tolerated), and SPF daily to protect and rebuild your skin’s structural integrity.

If You Answered C: “My skin feels more reactive to products I used to tolerate.”

Your skin is struggling to regulate inflammation—and it’s making everything feel like a trigger.

What’s Happening: A weakened skin barrier + chronic inflammation = overreactive skin. Your skin might be experiencing a cycle where it reacts to everything, leading to increased sensitivity, dehydration, and long-term damage.

What to Do: Calm inflammation before it escalates.

• Simplify your routine. Strip it down to gentle, hydrating essentials.
• Avoid over-exfoliation (this can worsen the cycle).
• Introduce anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide, green tea extract, and azelaic acid to help soothe and rebalance.

If You Answered D: “All of the above.”

Your skin is in active inflammation-driven aging, meaning inflammation is taking a toll on multiple levels—barrier health, collagen production, and overall resilience.

What’s Happening: Your skin is caught in a cycle of stress, breakdown, and impaired repair. It’s not just feeling sensitive—it’s losing the ability to bounce back.

What to Do: Focus on reducing inflammation from multiple angles.

• Skincare: Strengthen your barrier, use SPF religiously, and introduce calming, reparative ingredients.
• Lifestyle: Prioritize sleep, hydration, stress management, and anti-inflammatory foods like berries, turmeric, and leafy greens.
• Professional Support: If your skin feels stuck in a reactive state, it might be time for a tailored skincare plan.

What You Need to Know: Inflammation Doesn’t Just Cause Sensitivity—It Speeds Up Aging

Most people think aging is just about time. But the truth is, chronic, low-grade inflammation is one of the biggest drivers of premature skin aging.

The good news? It’s also something we can influence.

By learning to recognize the early signs, supporting your skin’s natural repair processes, and making small shifts before damage accumulates, you’re not just calming irritation—you’re actively protecting your skin’s long-term health.

Just like the moon moves through phases, your skin is constantly shifting—some days it’s hydrated and glowing, others it feels dry, reactive, or unpredictable. If your skin’s mood seems to change with the weather, stress levels, or even the seasons, your prejuvenation focus should be on adaptability and balance.

Prejuvenation Focus: Strengthening your skin’s resilience through hydration and barrier support so it stays steady, no matter the phase it’s in.
Your Skin Needs: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and barrier-supporting ingredients to create a foundation of stability.
Tip: Keep a core routine of gentle hydration and protection, adjusting as needed rather than overhauling your products too often.

B) The Sun – Your Skin is Radiant, But Needs Protection

Your skin is at its peak right now—healthy, strong, and vibrant—but like the sun, it’s exposed to environmental stressors that could cause long-term damage if not properly shielded. Prejuvenation for you means maintaining what’s working while focusing on protection and prevention.

Prejuvenation Focus: Defending your skin against premature aging, sun exposure, and environmental stress so your glow lasts.
Your Skin Needs: Daily SPF, antioxidants (like Vitamin C & E), and hydration to keep your skin bright and resilient.
Tip: Consistency is key—maintain what’s working and focus on prevention rather than correction.

C) The Stars – Your Skin is Luminous, But Losing a Bit of Its Sparkle

Your skin is still glowing, but it’s not quite as bright as it used to be. Whether it’s dullness, dehydration, or fine lines creeping in, your prejuvenation focus should be on restoring radiance and supporting skin renewal.

Prejuvenation Focus: Boosting hydration, stimulating collagen, and encouraging gentle cell turnover to keep your glow intact.
Your Skin Needs: Hyaluronic acid for deep moisture, peptides to strengthen skin, and gentle exfoliation (lactic acid or enzymes) to bring back luminosity.
Tip: Think hydration plus renewal—keep your skin plump and glowing by locking in moisture while encouraging gentle resurfacing.

D) A Solar Eclipse – Your Skin is Reactive & Needs Rebalancing

Just like an eclipse, your skin feels temporarily blocked from its natural glow. Sensitivity, inflammation, or flare-ups might be causing frustration, and your prejuvenation focus should be on calming, repairing, and strengthening your skin barrier.

Prejuvenation Focus: Soothe, rebuild, and protect—supporting your skin through barrier repair and gentle hydration so it can regain its natural balance.
Your Skin Needs: Niacinamide for redness control, ceramides for barrier repair, and calming ingredients like oat extract or centella asiatica.
Tip: Simplify. Less is more when your skin is reactive—focus on gentle, nourishing products instead of overloading with actives.

A) Ancient Egypt

Beef tallow in skin care? It’s one of those things that sounds completely outdated—but lately, I’ve had more and more clients ask me about it. Some people claim it’s the ultimate natural moisturizer, while others warn that it can clog pores and cause breakouts.

So, what’s the real story? And more importantly—is beef tallow actually good for sensitive or autoimmune-prone skin?

Let’s start with where it all began.

Where Did the Use of Beef Tallow in Skin Care Begin?

Believe it or not, using animal fats (including beef tallow) in skin care dates back thousands of years. The Ancient Egyptians—who were way ahead of their time when it came to beauty—used tallow-based creams and ointments for:

Moisturizing & protecting skin from the harsh desert climate
Healing minor cuts, burns, and irritations with herbal-infused fats
Anti-aging benefits—Egyptians were obsessed with soft, youthful skin

Even Cleopatra—who is known for her famous beauty rituals—likely used some form of animal fat-based moisturizer, along with her well-documented milk baths and honey treatments.

Over time, beef tallow made its way into other cultures’ skin care routines:

Ancient Greece & Rome – Used by athletes and soldiers to protect their skin.
Indigenous North American Cultures – Combined with herbs to prevent dryness and heal wounds.
Medieval Europe – Found in early soaps and skin creams.
Victorian England – Sometimes mixed with beeswax and floral waters in cold creams.

But here’s the thing—just because something has been used for centuries doesn’t always mean it’s the best option for modern skin.

The Problem With Beef Tallow for Sensitive Skin

I completely understand why people are drawn to simple, natural ingredients in their skin care. But while beef tallow is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, it comes with some pretty big downsides—especially for those with sensitive, acne-prone, or autoimmune-related skin concerns.

Here’s what I want my clients to know:

1⃣ It Can Weaken the Skin Barrier Over Time

While beef tallow may feel ultra-hydrating at first, its high oleic acid content can actually disrupt your skin barrier in the long run.

What this means for your skin:
Increased moisture loss (your skin may feel drier over time)
More redness & sensitivity (especially for rosacea-prone skin)
Higher risk of inflammation & irritation

For clients with eczema or rosacea, this can actually worsen flare-ups instead of calming them.

2⃣ It’s Highly Comedogenic (aka Pore-Clogging)

Beef tallow ranks high on the comedogenic scale, meaning it’s likely to clog pores—even for people who don’t typically break out.

For acne-prone or sensitive skin, this can lead to:
Persistent breakouts
Blackheads & whiteheads
Worsening of existing acne conditions

If you’ve ever struggled with hormonal acne, congestion, or tiny under-the-skin bumps, tallow is NOT your friend.

3⃣ It May Increase Sun Sensitivity

This is something a lot of people don’t realize: Long-term use of beef tallow may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

This means:
You may burn more easily
Your risk of sun damage could increase
Fine lines & pigmentation may appear faster

If you’re using beef tallow in your routine, daily SPF is a must—but there are safer, more effective alternatives that don’t come with this risk.

4⃣ It Can Disrupt the Skin’s Natural Microbiome

Your skin has a delicate balance of good bacteria that helps keep it clear and healthy. Beef tallow can actually throw this off by creating a thick, occlusive layer on the skin.

Over time, this could lead to:
Bacterial overgrowth → more breakouts & inflammation
Trapped irritants beneath the surface
Increased risk of skin infections

For anyone with autoimmune conditions that affect the skin, like psoriasis, lupus, or eczema, this could trigger more flare-ups instead of relief.

So, Should You Use Beef Tallow in Your Skin Care Routine?

Short answer? It depends on your skin type.

If you have very dry, non-reactive skin, you might see some short-term hydration benefits.
If you have acne-prone, sensitive, or autoimmune skin, I wouldn’t recommend it—there are much better, safer options.

My advice? Stick with proven, non-comedogenic moisturizers that hydrate without the risk.

Better Alternatives for Sensitive Skin

If you’re looking for deep hydration without irritation, here are a few skin-safe alternatives I love:

Shea Butter – Anti-inflammatory & deeply moisturizing without clogging pores.
Squalane – A lightweight oil that mimics your skin’s natural sebum.
Colloidal Oatmeal – Calms irritation and strengthens the skin barrier.
Ceramide-Rich Moisturizers – Help rebuild and protect the skin barrier.

These ingredients deliver the same hydration benefits—without the risk of clogged pores, irritation, or sun sensitivity.

Final Thoughts: Should You Ditch Beef Tallow?

At the end of the day, your skin tells you what it needs—and for most people with sensitive, acne-prone, or autoimmune skin, beef tallow just isn’t the best choice.

It may have ancient roots, but modern skin care has come a long way—and there are better, safer options out there.

Still not sure what’s right for your skin? Let’s chat.

Many people worry that dermaplaning will make their peach fuzz grow back thicker or darker, but that’s actually a myth!

Here’s the science behind it:

Hair growth is determined by the follicle beneath the skin, not what happens at the surface. Dermaplaning only removes the hair at the epidermis level, meaning it has no effect on the structure, color, or thickness of the hair as it regrows.

What actually happens when hair grows back?

• The hair may feel different at first simply because it was cut bluntly, rather than naturally tapering at the tip.
• The regrowth process is completely natural—the hair will return in the same texture and shade as before.
• Since vellus hairs are fine and soft, they don’t have the same properties as terminal hair (like on the scalp, brows, or body), which is why dermaplaning won’t stimulate thicker regrowth.

Bottom Line: Dermaplaning won’t change how your hair grows—it simply gives you smoother skin by removing peach fuzz and dead cells for a brighter, more radiant glow.

 Want to debunk more dermaplaning myths?
 Read the full blog post here  Will Dermaplaning Make My Hair Grow Back Thicker?