Beef tallow is making a much needed comeback in skin care. Today most of us think it's strange to slather ourselves in beef fat, but it's actually what our ancestors used before commercialized skin care and industrial seed oils. Beef Tallow can be used on it's own as a skin moisturizer, but it's important to note that not just any tallow will do. Tallow comes from beef suet and if that suet came from a cow that was keep in a small pin, milked relentlessly, fed low quality foods or grains that have been sprayed with pesticides, then that tallow will be full of toxins and low in the vitamins and nutrients that make other tallow so good for your skin.
What you want is beef tallow from a cow that was pasture raised, 100% grass fed and finished, and ideal never given antibiotics. Cows raised as described in the previous sentence will produce high quality tallow that is rich in vitamins A, D, E, K and B1. If the cow wasn't exposed to toxins and pesticides then they wont be in the tallow either. Now lets get into more details of the benefits.
1. Antioxidant
Tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, & K which are all antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the risks of certain diseases including heart disease and some cancers. They protect against free radicals which are produced when your body breaks down food, is exposed to tobacco smoke, or radiation. Free radicals can contribute to heart disease and also cause our skin's collagen to break down leading to the formation of wrinkles, lines, dark spots, and loose skin. Antioxidants help to defend against damage caused by free radicals and reduce the signs of aging.
2. Natural & Skin Compatible
Tallow is a 100% natural and compatible with our skin due its similar make up. Many skin moisturizers and are made with seed or vegetable oils which are not necessarily skin compatible. Don't get me wrong, lots of vegetable oils have benefits for our skin and we use some as well, but the reality is they aren't the best thing for your skin. Tallow has a make up that's quite similar to our own skin's sebum allowing our skin to easily recognize and absorb it. That's one of the reasons why tallow is such an effective moisturizer.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Yup, tallow has anti-inflammatory properties as well. Vitamins E, D, and K are all known to poses anti-inflammatory properties in addition to being antioxidants. We've all experienced inflammation at one point or another. Whether caused by a common rash, breakout, eczema, sun damage, redness, irritation, or itch, tallow is effective at soothing inflammation quickly. Regular use can help make your skin more resilient and stay smooth and flexible by blocking skin disrupting enzymes before they can do damage.
4. Anti-Microbial
Tallow is an anti-microbial which means it can help stop the spread of micro organisms. By stopping bacteria, viruses, and fungi before they reach your skin, tallow can help keep your whole body healthier. Every surface we come in contact with is a potential place of contamination, but using tallow as full body moisturizer can help reduce the amount of micro organisms that reach and stay on your skin.
5. Heals & Restores
That's right, tallow also aids in the recovery process. Vitamin E is known to help reduce redness, irritation and speed recovery. It also helps to boost collagen by stimulating blood flow to our skin. Tallow's anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its anti-microbial properties help prevent infection and keep wound sites calm so they can focus on healing.
6. Fades dark spots/scars & fights acne.
Tallow fights acne by reducing inflammation. Unlike other moisturizers tallow wont clog pores and it can even help fade scars and dark spots. Tallow has a high content of fatty acids which help lighten scars caused by acne, and it mimics the skins natural sebum which helps to plump skin and improve the appearance of dark spots.
7. It's shelf stable!
What more can I say? Beef tallow doesn't need preservatives because it's shelf stable and stays fresh for up to a year in sealed container. Keep moisture out of the jar as best you can, and close it up when not in use to ensure it lasts as long as possible. We only use amber glass jars so you don't have to keep it in a dark place, but if you move it to a clear or semi transparent container, then be sure and keep it out of light too. One last bonus benefit, tallow naturally has a thick creamy texture that makes it easy to apply. We whip our tallow to help it stay soft and more fluffy so it's always easy to get a scoop.
All of these benefits make tallow Ideal for treating conditions like eczema, healing dry and/or cracked skin, and generally keeping your skin healthy and moisturized without any of the toxins, preservatives, additives, or harsh ingredients commonly found in popular store brands.