Tallow is the skincare ingredient that will blow your skin’s socks off. Here are 7 Key Benefits of Tallow for Healthy Skin.
Yes, Tallow, as in rendered beef fat. Although “FAT” has gained negative connotations over the last few decades, it is beneficial and essential to our overall health, including our skin health.
For centuries, our ancestors used tallow for many things, from cooking food to making candles to moisturizing their skin. And they were on to something because tallow has exceptional antimicrobial properties and is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals known to be beneficial for the skin’s overall health.
This incredible beef fat is versatile and fantastic for many different things. However, for now, we will focus only on the benefits for healthy skin.
What is Tallow?
Like many, you’re probably wondering, “What is tallow?” Tallow comes from fat slowly melted to preserve nutrients and separate it from the interior fat tissue, called suet. Which means it is entirely different than lard. When appropriately rendered, it has a creamy texture, a light warm yellow color, and the faint smell of beef.
The vital thing to remember when choosing a tallow-based product is that there is a difference in rendered beef fats. A beneficial form comes from grass-fed cows. The best, most beneficial though comes from grass-fed AND grass-finished cows because it has the highest concentration of nutrients.
The powerhouse benefits of tallow
1. Rich in vitamins
- Vitamins A, B12, D, E, and K nourish skin deeply. Vitamin D supports collagen formation, flexibility of the skin, and barrier function (meaning it keeps all free radical from entering your body). In contrast, vitamin A serves to enhance the regeneration of cells. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that shields the skin from the damaging effects of the environment. Lastly, vitamin K speeds up recovery after cuts and bruises, and aids in reducing discoloration, while promoting an even complexion. This combination of beneficial vitamins is not found in plant products, only in animal products.
2. Natural Fatty Acids
- Alpha linoleic acids. These are also known as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. They maintain the structure and barrier function of the skin. They are also helpful for anti-inflammatory and immune responses in the skin (including eczema and rosace).
- Stearic and oleic acids are fatty acids found in the outer layer of our skin and sebum. They are also known to aid in preserving the skin’s moisture barrier and prevent dryness. They are softening, moisturizing, regenerative, and anti-inflammatory. Stearic acid helps repair skin, improve flexibility, and improve skin barrier function. While Oleic acid helps different beneficial nutrients penetrate deeply into the skin.
- Palmitoleic acid is one of the basic building blocks of our skin. It helps fight against oxidative damage, increases the synthesis of elastin and collagen, which help keep skin young and reduce the onset of wrinkles. Palmitoleic acid also helps aid in skin hydration and overall appearance.
- Palmitic acid helps support cellular function, improve smoothness and barrier function. It also helps the skin stay hydrated and free from dryness, rashes, and irritation.
- These fatty acids help strengthen the skin’s natural defense against a harsh environment that can cause damage, improve elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Exact details of the composition of these fatty acids can be found on Wikipedia.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in tallow is a form of fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, meaning it helps reduce redness and irritation. This makes tallow a suitable, gentle option for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Tallow promotes an even complexion by calming the skin and reducing redness.
4. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-microbial Effects
- Tallow contains antimicrobial properties that help fight against harmful bacteria on the skin’s surface. These antimicrobial properties in tallow can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with acne or other skin conditions caused by bacterial overgrowth. Tallow’s antimicrobial effects promote a healthier skin microbiome, improving overall skin health.
5. Deep Moisturization
- Because it has a structure very similar to the natural oils produced by our skin sebum, tallow is the most compatible moisturizer for us. It deeply penetrates the skin, providing intense hydration and moisture. Our skin loves rendered beef fat so much that it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. The deep moisturization forms a protective barrier that prevents water loss and keeps the skin supple, soft, and plump.
6. Nutrient Absorption
- The structure of rendered beef fat enables it to carry other beneficial nutrients effectively into the deeper layers of the skin. By acting as a carrier, rendered beef fat enhances the absorption of vitamins, antioxidants, and other skincare ingredients (like oils and herb properties), maximizing their effectiveness and promoting optimal skin health.
7. Restoration of Skin’s Natural balance
- Using tallow as part of your skincare routine can help restore the skin’s natural balance. Tallow assists in maintaining the skin’s optimal PH level by replenishing essential fatty acids and supporting the skin’s lipid barrier. This balanced environment promotes healthy skin function, minimizes moisture loss, and prevents various skin issues.
embrace the time-Tested skin remedy of tallow
With its impressive list of benefits, it is easy to see why rendered beef fat is the key ingredient for healthy, vibrant skin. Its natural composition, richness in vitamins, fatty acids, and antimicrobial properties provide deep moisture, anti-inflammatory effects, and maximizes nutrient absorption. In addition, tallow is versatile and capable of treating various skin issues, like eczema, dry, flaky skin and many others. And above all, it is an all-natural, non-toxic option everyone can easily integrate into their daily lives. By incorporating tallow into your skincare routine, you can harness the power of nature to unlock your skin’s true potential. Embrace this time-tested remedy and experience the transformative effects of tallow for yourself.
READY TO HARNESS THE POWERFUL BENEFITS OF TALLOW?
Lesuif Tallow Balms are made of the highest quality, natural, non-toxic, and clean ingredients: beef tallow (grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture raised), oils, butters, infused herbs and essential oils.
Organic standards, besides being misleading, are not good enough for our products. While we can’t always claim they are certified organic, you can be sure we are sourcing our ingredients to be as pure and non-toxic as possible from excellent producers who use the best methods in production. This includes 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture raised tallow, farming with healthy soil and an eco system free of pesticides, pharmaceuticals and heavy metals.
If you’re unsure what product would be the best fit, send us a message. We are happy to provide a suggestion based specifically on your needs.
