Why Our Ancestors Barely Had Acne and Why We Do Today

Our ancestors did not have access to cleansers, serums or medicated creams, yet they rarely experienced the chronic skin disruptions we consider normal today. Their diet and lifestyle supported the skin from the inside out. By returning to nutrient rich animal foods, removing antinutrient plant toxins, avoiding seed oils and embracing tallow based skincare, we recreate the conditions that once made skin clear, calm and resilient.

Acne and chronic skin irritation are considered normal today, yet when we look back at traditional societies and ancestral ways of living, these issues were remarkably rare. Our ancestors lived on nutrient dense animal foods, unrefined fats and simple whole ingredients. They were not exposed to the processed carbohydrates, seed oils, chemical additives and plant based antinutrients that drive skin disruption in the modern world. This post explores why skin conditions are so common now, how diet plays a central role, and why choosing animal based nutrition and tallow based skincare restores clarity, calmness and resilience to the skin.

The Modern Diet and the Rise of Acne Today

Most people eat diets high in refined carbohydrates and high omega 6 seed oils. This combination triggers insulin spikes, IGF 1 signalling, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. These metabolic disruptions show up on the skin as:

• Excess oil production

• Congested pores Irritated follicles

• Overgrowth of acne related bacteria Redness and swelling

  The skin is not malfunctioning. It is reacting to the internal environment created by modern dietary patterns.
  

How Oxalates Contribute to Skin Irritation

Oxalates are sharp, reactive plant compounds found in foods such as spinach, almonds, beetroot, sweet potatoes and many leafy greens. When eaten in excess or when gut health is compromised, oxalates can accumulate in tissues and create irritation. Oxalates contribute to skin issues by:

• Binding to minerals like calcium, zinc and magnesium and preventing their absorption

• Creating microscopic crystals in tissues for susceptible individuals

• Triggering inflammatory responses that manifest as rashes, itching or burning sensations

• Challenging the liver and kidneys which increases the load on the skin
  

For people with existing skin conditions or those in the early stages of a carnivore transition, oxalate dumping can also worsen temporary flare ups as the body clears stored crystals. Reducing high oxalate plant foods allows the body to stabilise mineral status, reduce irritation and restore a calmer skin presentation.

Seed Oils and Topical Skin Damage

Most commercial skin care products contain industrial seed oils such as sunflower, safflower, canola, grapeseed or soybean oil. These oils are fragile, highly processed and prone to oxidation. When applied to the face, seed oils can:

• Clog pores due to their unstable fatty acid structure

• Promote bacterial growth Increase oiliness by disrupting the natural lipid barrier

• Cause inflammation and redness

• Oxidise on the skin which contributes to premature aging
  

Sebum is designed to be stable and protective. Seed oils disrupt this balance and create the perfect environment for acne and irritation. By contrast, tallow is nature’s closest match to the structure of human sebum. It absorbs cleanly, supports barrier repair and does not clog pores.

What This Means for You

If you struggle with acne, rosacea, rashes, eczema or general irritation, consider a two sided approach:

Inside:

• Remove high oxalate and high lectin plant foods

• Minimise refined carbohydrates

• Remove seed oils from your diet

• Eat nutrient dense animal foods rich in bioavailable vitamins and minerals

Outside:

• Avoid seed oil based skincare

• Choose products made with grass fed and finished tallow

• Support your skin barrier with gentle natural ingredients

• Reduce inflammation rather than trying to strip or dry the skin

• The combination of ancestral eating and ancestral skincare creates an environment in which your skin can return to balance.

Wishing you health, happy tummies and even happier skin! Love, Meeka and family xo