F-Balm Field Guide
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What's your #1 skin goal?
Pick one and we'll tailor your guide: what to expect, and when, plus the tips that matter most for you.
What to expect, and when
The steps below are the same for everyone: nights only in Week 1, then morning and night.
Your top tips
Your skin barrier matters more than your skin type
Everyone loves to talk about skin types.
But it’s your skin barrier that makes the biggest difference. The skin barrier is the top-most layer of your skin. It’s made up of keratin-filled (dead) skin cells, ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids, with a layer of sebum on top that seals moisture in and keeps irritants and bad bacteria out.
When the skin barrier is damaged, bad things start happening…
- Dry, tight or flaky skin: water escapes faster than your skin can hold it, and you lose that protective moisture barrier.
- Oily or shiny skin: your skin overproduces sebum to protect itself, trying to make up for the damaged barrier.
- Breakouts, redness, sensitivity: irritants get in more easily and flare-ups happen.
So while, yes, you might have a skin type, that type is directly tied to the condition of your skin barrier. It affects how you react to products, and how your skin looks and feels.
You might be taking care of your skin and STILL be having these issues. Things like puberty, menopause, diet, other hormonal changes and sleep can affect your skin barrier beyond just your skincare routine.
Harsh cleansers with alcohols and sulfates, and physical exfoliants (think sugar scrubs and charcoal!), can all wear your barrier down and rob your skin of its good bacteria. Ever washed your face and felt it go tight, like the elasticity has been sucked out of it? That’s your skin stripped of its natural sebum.
Everyone should be able to enjoy a healthy skin barrier.
F-Balm was crafted to repair and build up your skin barrier, whatever your ‘skin type'.
There are only five ingredients
- Grass-fed and finished Canadian beef tallow
- Ontario raw honey
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Canadian beeswax
- Organic frankincense
A grass-fed and finished, pasture-raised cow is chemically different from one that’s fed genetically modified and chemically sprayed corn in a crowded space. Grass-fed tallow closely mimics the lipid makeup of your own skin, which makes it a natural fit for skin repair.
Honey is a humectant, so it draws moisture into your skin, and the tallow, beeswax and olive oil lock it in. Frankincense helps brighten and calm the skin. You’re fixing the foundation, not fighting the symptoms, which is why it works whatever your skin type. Read more about our ingredients.
You know how you learned that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell? F-Balm is sort of the powerhouse of your skincare.
It’s more like a concentrate than a face lotion (which is usually water-based), so a little goes a LONG way. We’re talking a pea-sized amount or LESS on your face, once a day to start.
Your first 3 weeks
Night only
Let your skin get to know it.
For the first week, apply once a day in the evening. Less is more with F-Balm: use half a pea-sized amount, up to a full pea-sized amount.
Morning & night
This is where it really starts to show.
Use it twice a day, every day. This is when you should start to not just feel a difference (softer skin) but see one too (brighter, smoother skin).
Keep going
Twice a day, every day.
By now it should feel as routine as brushing your teeth, and the results keep building over the next few months.
The dial
If your skin ever feels heavy or greasy, turn it down. Use less.
Go every other night for a week with half the amount, then build back up.
Greasy isn’t a reaction
If this is your first time using a natural, tallow-based (fat-based) product, it can be quite the change! Your skin is likely used to producing extra oil to make up for being stripped, and to protect itself from irritants. Switching to a fat-based product means your skin may need time to adjust and rebalance its oil production. The more damaged the barrier, the longer that takes.
That’s okay! It will adjust and heal with time.
How to apply
Step 1: Remove makeup (IF YOU WEAR IT)
Loosen mascara with warm water. Melt half a pea-sized amount of F-Balm between your fingers and gently massage it into your face to lift eye makeup and any other products. Wipe it away gently with warm water, a warm washcloth or a cotton pad before cleansing.
Step 2: Cleanse
- Start with clean fingers and clean skin. If there’s any dirt on your skin, the Balm will trap it, which can cause a breakout.
- Cleanse gently with warm water.
- Need something a little stronger? Use a natural soap with a short ingredient list, like a Tallowed Truth soap bar (try Lavender or Unscented). Wet your face, lather the bar in your hands and gently massage the lather into your skin for 1–2 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Rinse the bar before setting it to dry.
- If you use soap, only use it every other day. Overwashing strips your face of its good bacteria, which can also lead to oily skin.
Step 3: Leave your skin damp
- Keeping your skin moist when applying makes the biggest difference. On dry skin, F-Balm tends to sit on top and feel greasy. Keep your skin damp from water before applying.
- Trick: after rinsing, lay a warm, wet washcloth on your face for 30 seconds. It helps open your pores, loosen any leftover dirt, and helps the Balm soak in better.
Step 4: Apply
- A little goes a long way! Scoop half to a full pea-sized amount and warm it between your fingers until it’s spreadable. Massage it into damp skin until it’s absorbed. Add a little water if you need help spreading it.
- Rub any extra into your neck and hands. Give it a few minutes to absorb before heading to bed (evening) or applying makeup (morning).
- Using serums? Niacinamide pairs well with F-Balm. Stick to 1–2 water-based products underneath to avoid build-up, and apply F-Balm last to lock everything in. If you’re adding other serums, patch-test a small area first.
Troubleshooting
“I’m using F-Balm and my skin broke out.”
Why it happens: Usually one of three things: your barrier is healing after years of harsh products, you’re using too much Balm, or your skin wasn’t fully clean underneath it. As your skin barrier starts to heal, it can push out all the ‘bad stuff’, which can mean a breakout. This should clear up within 1–2 weeks!
Try this: Drop to every other night for a week with half a pea-sized amount, on freshly cleansed, damp skin. Then slowly build back up to every night, then twice a day. Skip other strong products while your skin settles.
“My skin looks oily and feels greasy.”
Why it happens: You’re probably using too much, applying to dry skin, or layering over too many other products.
Try this: Halve the amount you’re using, and make sure your face is damp before you rub it in. Cut back to 1–2 water-based products underneath. Still shiny? Use the dial: every other night for a week.
“It just sits on top of my skin.”
Why it happens: Your skin is too dry when you apply, or the Balm isn’t warmed up enough.
Try this: Melt the Balm between your fingers until it’s almost liquid. Add a splash of water as you massage it in.
“My skin still feels tight or dry.”
Why it happens: You’re over-cleansing, your cleanser is still stripping your skin, or you need a touch more Balm.
Try this: Switch to warm water only, or a natural, gentle bar soap. Add a little extra Balm to the driest spots before bed. If you’re still on once a day, move to morning and night.
“The texture changed. It’s soft, melted or a bit grainy.”
Why it happens: Tallow and honey react to temperature, like butter. Shipping in the heat or cold can change the texture for a while, but it won’t affect how well the ingredients work.
Try this: Let it sit at room temperature to firm back up. Store it away from hot windows and heaters. Arrived damaged or leaking? Contact our Help Centre and we’ll send a replacement.
“My makeup pills or slides around.”
Why it happens: You applied to dry skin, or did not allow for enough time for the Balm to soak in before applying other products .
Try this: Give it more time to absorb, use less on damper skin, or go back to evenings only for another week or two while your skin adjusts.
“I’m not seeing results yet.”
Why it happens: Skin usually feels softer within days, but bigger changes can take weeks of consistent use. Medications, barrier damage, genetics and hydration can all affect results. See what other customers noticed.
Try this: Stick with twice a day through week 3 and beyond. Take a photo in natural light now and compare in 2 weeks. Changes are hard to spot in the mirror day to day.
“I’m allergic to frankincense.”
We get it! Sensitivities to essential oils are common, especially with delicate skin. Our Unscented F-Balm has all the same ingredients, just without the frankincense. It smells faintly of honey!
“I’m allergic to beeswax and honey!”
Don’t fret :) Our Freedom Face Whip is made with grass-fed tallow and organic jojoba oil, with no honey or beeswax, so you still get the tallowed goodness without the bee ingredients.
“I don’t like the smell.”
That’s okay! Different noses have different sensitivities, and we want you to love what you’re using. F-Balm comes in four scents, all made with organic essential oils: Original (frankincense), Lavender, Orange Vanilla and Unscented. All of them are great on your face. Ask our Help Centre and we’ll help you find one you love!
FAQ
Can I use it under makeup?
Yes. It makes a great base. Apply it 5–10 minutes before makeup so it can soak in.
Do I still need a moisturizer?
Nope. F-Balm is your cream step. It moisturizes and seals in everything underneath it.
Can it help with eczema, rosacea or psoriasis?
We hear from a lot of customers with dry, patchy and discoloured skin who say it’s made a huge difference for them. Everyone’s skin is different, so if you’re managing a skin condition, check with your doctor first.
If your skin is very raw or sensitive, start with Original or Unscented F-Balm. Apply to clean, damp skin after a shower or bath before bed, gently massage it into the sensitive areas and let it soak in while you sleep. Add a little more to drier spots as needed.
Can I use it around my eyes?
Yes! F-Balm is safe to use around your eyes and on your eyelids.
Can I use it anywhere else?
Anywhere that needs moisture: hands, elbows, heels, lips, cuticles, even tattoos. Plenty of customers keep a second tin by the shower for their body.
How do I store it?
Open tins can live in a humid bathroom for easy application. Unopened tins can be kept in a cool, dry place, the fridge or even the freezer. Keep all tins out of direct sunlight.
Still have questions?
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