The Skin Struggle That Started It All

07.16.25

Field Notes

The Skin Struggle That Started It All

A CONVERSATION WITH HARRIET FITZPATRICK

A natural remedy for eczema, psoriasis & rosacea that actually works.

“Synthetic-laden, toxic products are just what irritated skin REALLY needs. . . “

. . . said not a single neighbor around here, well, ever.

So, what does work for skin that needs a little love? Well. . .

If you’ve been hanging around the neighborhood (and if you’re new around here, welcome!), you probably know My Neighbor’s was born from a deeply personal journey: I was on a mission to find something safe, gentle, and effective to relieve my first baby Wilhelmina’s eczema.

This search led me to rediscover the amazing ancient wisdom of tallow-based skincare.

I’ll be honest; I wasn’t expecting much at first. But I rendered some beef fat from grass-fed, grass-finished suet from local Hudson Valley regenerative farms. Then I watched the miracle of tallow clear up my sweet Willa’s angry eczema-plagued skin. 

That balm was the beginning of My Neighbor’s.

And while Wilhelmina’s eczema was the reason I fell in love with tallow, what I soon learned is that this ancestral ingredient can be used to help heal and soothe all kinds of irritated skin. 

Some of my most treasured moments have been looking other mamas in the eye at local farmer’s markets, both of us tearing up, as they share how tallow has helped heal their own child’s skin struggles. No more scratching, no more sleepless nights, no more helplessly watching their kid suffer. 

(Then there was the one mum whose cat kept licking tallow off her toddler. Ask me about my tallow ideas for cats and dogs sometime. . . the musings never stop around here ha)

From eczema to psoriasis to rosacea, tallow can be a true game-changer. 

So how’s tallow work its magic? And which My Neighbor’s balms work best for each condition? Let’s dive in.

Tallow is rich in Omega 3’s and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, plus anti-inflammatory conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which can help reduce redness and soothe flare-ups.

Unlike water-based lotions that evaporate quickly or petroleum-based creams that sit on the skin’s surface, tallow actually absorbs into the skin’s lipid barrier because it’s structurally similar to the oils your skin naturally makes. This allows tallow to help repair and restore from within.

For eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea that deep nourishment is EVERYTHING because the skin barrier is often damaged or compromised.

And because it’s 100% natural, with no synthetic fragrances or ridiculous preservatives, My Neighbor’s grass-fed and finished, dry-rendered tallow-based skincare is gentle enough for even the most reactive skin types.

I’ve seen firsthand how different formulas work best for different kinds of skin concerns. Here’s a little cheat sheet, based on what I use (and gift!) the most:

Bambino Balm
I originally made this for Wilhelmina, and it’s still our go-to for eczema patches behind the knees, on the arms, or around the diaper line for little ones.

Our neighbor Richard M. shared these kind words after using the Bambino Balm - “Fabulous company and product! Worked wonders on my son's eczema prone skin. Beyond pleased!”

Lavender on the Hudson
A favorite for grown-up eczema and dry, reactive skin. The scent of the lavender is super grounding and calming (like a walk through a summer herb garden), and the formula is simple but powerful. If you struggle with eczema on your hands, you’ll love this one after washing dishes or long days in the garden.

Blue Moon Tallow Balm
If you’ve got acne-prone skin and eczema, this is the one. The Blue tansy essential oil in it is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory rockstar, making it ideal for breakouts, while tallow repairs and soothes. It’s also an excellent option to combat rosacea. Great for faces, necks, and anywhere you tend to get that sensitive flare-up feeling. Our neighbor Salima K bought it for her husband to try - 

“Got this to help with my husband’s eczema and it’s been a total game changer. He uses the Blue Moon Face balm morning and night, and people have literally stopped him to compliment his skin. So glad we found My Neighbor’s Tallow - we’re obsessed!”

Not as obsessed as we are with YOU Salima!!

Wild Bergamot Balm
My Grammy Rita (on my mom’s side of the family) has struggled with psoriasis for years. While psoriasis is a chronic condition, she swears our Wild Bergamot balm has helped calm down the intensity and itching of her flare-ups. Bergamot oil is especially soothing for rosacea, psoriasis and really any inflamed skin. It supports skin's natural healing process. Plus. . .  it just smells amazing too.

People are often surprised to learn that tallow was a staple of skincare for centuries. Somewhere along the way, the beauty industry traded those ingredients for synthetic versions with longer shelf lives and flashier marketing.

But more and more of us are returning to what worked all along.

Skin that’s inflamed, irritated, or confused doesn’t need more chemicals. It needs nourishment. It needs. . . tallow;)

If you’ve been struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea—or one of your loved ones has—I know how disheartening that search for relief can be. I’ve been there.

But I also know how good it feels to find something that actually works.

And I’d be honored if our insanely natural, effective balms become part of you and your family’s skin healing journey too.