If you’ve ever felt exhausted yet wired, experienced sudden breakouts and weight gain, or struggled with mood swings, you might be caught in what we call the “cortisol rollercoaster.”
Cortisol, often dubbed the body’s primary stress hormone, plays a crucial role in how your body responds to stress, but when it’s out of balance, it can cause havoc on your skin, hormones, and overall wellbeing.
Many women are experiencing side effects of high cortisol without realizing it, and blaming it on other factors. It's so important (especially for women) to understand what cortisol really does. That's why we've done the research, so you don't have to. Keep reading for information on how chronic stress impacts your skin and hormones, and why choosing non-toxic skincare made from pure, natural ingredients is essential for maintaining balance.
What Is Cortisol and How Does It Affect You?
Cortisol is produced by your adrenal glands and is a vital hormone for survival. It regulates a range of functions, including your metabolism, immune response, blood sugar levels, and inflammation. In short bursts, cortisol helps you respond to stress by increasing your alertness and energy.
But problems arise when cortisol stays elevated over long periods due to chronic stress, poor sleep, or environmental factors. Prolonged high cortisol levels can lead to:
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Hormonal imbalances, disrupting estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
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Skin problems, including acne, dryness, and inflammation
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Fatigue and insomnia
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Mood disturbances like anxiety and depression
The Cortisol and Skin Connection
Cortisol triggers your sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can clog pores and cause acne flare-ups. It also breaks down collagen and weakens your skin’s natural barrier, leaving your skin more vulnerable to irritants and dryness.
Worse, many conventional skincare products contain chemicals that disrupt your hormones further, worsening skin issues instead of helping. This is why non-toxic, hormone-friendly skincare is a must.
The Hidden Dangers of Toxic Skincare
When your skin absorbs harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives, these compounds can mimic or interfere with your body's hormones, these are called endocrine disruptors.
Research links exposure to endocrine disruptors to:
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Increased cortisol production and stress response
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Worsening hormone imbalances
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Skin inflammation and allergic reactions
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Long-term health issues like fertility problems and metabolic disorders
Choosing skincare made from clean, non-toxic ingredients means you protect your skin barrier and your hormonal health simultaneously.
Why Tallow Twins Is Different: Non-Toxic, Hormone-Friendly Skincare
At Tallow Twins, we believe in skin wellness that honours your body’s natural balance. Our products are:
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Made from 100% GMO-free, organic beef tallow, rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K for skin repair
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Free of harmful chemicals and endocrine disruptors
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Infused with plant-based oils and botanicals to soothe and nourish
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Crafted with ancestral skincare wisdom combined with modern science
Our tallow products nourish deeply without clogging pores or triggering inflammation, making them ideal for sensitive, hormonal, and stressed skin.
How Stress Impacts Hormones
Chronic stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, throwing off the delicate balance of your hormones. This imbalance can cause:
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Irregular menstrual cycles
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Increased estrogen dominance leading to bloating and mood swings
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Reduced progesterone levels causing poor sleep and anxiety
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Low testosterone, affecting energy and libido
How to Naturally Lower Cortisol and Support Hormones
You don’t need to overhaul your life to start calming the cortisol chaos. The key is consistency: daily habits and small rituals that signal safety to your body and help restore hormonal balance over time.
1. Get Morning Sunlight
Exposing yourself to natural light within 30–60 minutes of waking helps regulate your circadian rhythm. This gentle rise in cortisol in the morning (when it should naturally peak) supports better energy and more restful sleep at night.
2. Breathwork and Nervous System Support
Deep breathing, slow movement, and nervous system regulation practices like meditation help shift your body out of “fight-or-flight” and into a parasympathetic state, where cortisol levels begin to drop.
Simple daily breathwork or a few minutes of calm with our magnesium balm applied to pulse points can help reset your stress response throughout the day.
3. Eat Blood Sugar–Balancing Meals
Spiking and crashing blood sugar levels can keep cortisol elevated. Instead of skipping meals or starting your day with coffee alone, aim for balanced, protein-rich meals with healthy fats and fiber.
Fermented foods, grass-fed meats and mineral-dense vegetables all help to nourish your hormones and support adrenal function.
4. Support with Magnesium
Magnesium is one of the most effective minerals for lowering cortisol and easing physical symptoms of stress. It supports the HPA axis, promotes deep sleep, and helps calm the nervous system, especially when absorbed through the skin.
That’s why our Magnesium Balm is designed to help ease tension and promote calm, without the digestive side effects some oral supplements can bring. Apply it to your chest, wrists, or feet before bed or whenever your body needs grounding.
Shop Magnesium Balm for Stress and Anxiety
5. Prioritize Sleep and Recovery
Cortisol can only come back into balance when the body is getting enough rest. This means 7+ hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep each night, ideally with a consistent bedtime. Avoid screens late at night, keep your room dark and cool, and create a calming wind-down routine.
Many of our customers find applying magnesium balm before bed dramatically improves their ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, which in turn helps naturally lower cortisol over time.
How to Use Tallow Products to Support Acne Caused By High Cortisol
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Cleanse gently with a non-toxic cleanser that has little to no ingredients. The key is removing all makeup and dirt, without stripping the skin.
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After cleaning, apply a thin layer of For The Face, or your favourite TT product, to lock in moisture and protect your skin’s barrier. Tallow has vitamins and mimicks our skin's natural sebum, so you don't have to worry about irritation or breakouts.
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Invest in high-quality foods and supplements such as zinc, probiotics and Vitamin D.
Weekly Self-Care
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Ensure you are taking time to rest, exercise, nourish properly & make time for self-care activities that focus on lowering your stress (even spending time with loved ones).
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Practice mindful breathing or meditation alongside skincare rituals to enhance relaxation
Take Control of Your Cortisol Rollercoaster Today
Your skin and hormones deserve the best care; free from toxins and full of nourishing ingredients designed to support your unique biology. Choosing non-toxic products is step one.
Shop Our Hormone-Friendly Skincare Now
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tallow safe for all skin types?
Yes! Our tallow balm is deeply nourishing, non-comedogenic, and gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Can magnesium balm really reduce anxiety?
Magnesium supports the nervous system and muscle relaxation. Many users report reduced tension and better sleep with consistent use.
How soon will I see results?
Skin improvements vary, but many customers notice softer, calmer skin within two weeks. Stress relief benefits from magnesium balm can be felt after the first few uses.
The connection between stress, cortisol, hormones, and skin health is undeniable, but you don’t have to stay stuck on the rollercoaster. Don’t let stress steal your glow. Take the first step today.