Health Unchained — Column by Savanna DeHay
Entering a beauty store, or even the personal hygiene aisle of the supermarket, we are overwhelmed with an arsenal of beauty products, ranging from cosmetics, to skincare, and everything in between. It’s no wonder the cosmetic industry has reached an enormous market value exceeding $375 billion annually. According to a survey from OnePoll, men and women spend $2,928 and $3,756, respectively, on beauty products and services annually. And guess what? These beauty products are wreaking havoc on your body, as most contain known carcinogens. But what if there was a simple way to simplify your skincare routine using a natural and effective product, all while saving money? Ladies and gentlemen, let me present to you: beef fat.
Yes, beef fat (beef tallow). Beef tallow has been used since ancient times as both a moisturizer and in soap. Its unique chemical compounds are by far the most similar to that of human lipids, making it one of the most naturally moisturizing, healing, and protective substances to put on our skin. The leading brands of moisturizer contain alcohol, petroleum, chemicals, gums, and harmful synthetic ingredients. These ingredients damage our natural skin barrier, worsen dryness and redness, and can lead to skin irritation. Additionally, the chemicals we put on topically are absorbed by our bodies, which can cause numerous side effects. According to 100 Percent Pure, our skin absorbs sulfates, parabens, alcohols, heavy metals, synthetic dyes, and more, all from the products we apply to our skin.
On the flip side, if we put healing ingredients on our skin, our bodies absorb those wonderful ingredients as well. Beef tallow is both antifungal and antimicrobial, meaning it can also be used on wounds to protect and heal. Various skin issues including eczema, psoriasis, and even acne are no match for tallow. Rich in fat-soluble vitamins, beef tallow is like a power-up for your skin:
- VITAMIN A: Minimizes wrinkles and saggy skin by promoting skin elasticity.
- VITAMIN B1: Stimulates collagen production, along with removing dead skin cells.
- VITAMIN D: Promotes new cell growth and maintains a hydrating skin barrier.
- VITAMIN E: Anti-inflammatory, hydrates the skin, prompts cell turnover, and heals scars.
- VITAMIN K: Essential for wound healing, produces collagen, and reduces inflammation.
Regardless of gender, age, or skin type, everyone can benefit from beef tallow. If you’re considering purchasing a tallow balm, you may be shocked by its higher price point. This can be a daunting factor for some, but making your own is very cost-effective and easy to do. Just follow this simple recipe.
Yield: (1) 8-oz jar
Equipment:
- Double boiler
- Hand or stand mixer
- 8-oz jar
Ingredients:
- ½ cup of beef tallow
- 2 tbsp skin-friendly oil of choice (i.e. coconut, almond, olive oil, jojoba, etc.)
- 10 drops of your favorite essential oils (my favorite is vanilla and orange)
Directions:
- Melt the tallow in a double boiler over medium-low heat until completely melted.
- Turn off the heat and add the oil and essential oil drops.
- Cool in fridge or on the counter until everything has solidified.
- Using a hand mixer, whip the ingredients for a minute or two, until the tallow is light and fluffy.
- Transfer to your jar and use as needed.
The process takes less than thirty minutes to make, including cleanup. I save so much money that I would otherwise be wasting on moisturizer that causes acne and irritates my skin. And because tallow balm is so moisturizing, I’m not reapplying it seven times a day; I usually just need to apply once. Of course, using beef tallow might feel weird at first. You might be reluctant to tell your friends and family that you slather your face with rendered beef fat. However, your body will thank you. Mark my words.
It’s udderly worth it.
