We get this question all too often. People who have used traditional big brand soaps, usually made with palm oil, may find soaps made from tallow to seem strange. Why would anyone want to use animal fat, beef suet, as a base for a soap? The answer to this question is quite simple. It is beneficial for your skin. However, answering exactly how tallow is beneficial takes a bit more explaining.
Since the beginning of our commitment to a chemical-free (or limited) lifestyle, we have tried to share our knowledge with our customers to ensure you know why this is important to us and how opting out of the chemical lifestyle benefit you. In this case, we use quality tallow produced from grass-fed cattle, which contains vitamins and nutrients that can help us in various ways. In fact, tallow is an incredible ingredient for a variety of products such as soaps, balms, hair products, laundry soap, and more. In this blog, we will highlight the specific ways tallow can help your skin as a soap or a balm.
1. Tallow contains antioxidants.
Tallow contains Vitamins A, D, K, and E, all antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radical damage. Free radicals are molecules in our bodies that become unstable and damage skin cells. Free radicals are caused by environmental stressors like pollution, sun exposure, and other toxins. Damage from free radicals causes our collagen to break down, which results in wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and loose skin. Antioxidants help protect your skin from free radical damage, which helps reduce the signs of aging. By combating free radical damage before it happens, you can help your skin look younger and healthier for longer.
2. Tallow has anti-inflammatory properties.
Tallow contains vitamins E, D, and K, known to possess anti-inflammatory properties. We have all dealt with inflammation and/or irritation on our skin at one point or another. Typical breakouts, sun exposure, certain foods, and redness can cause inflammation. It is crucial to combat inflammation early on because prolonged inflammation and irritation causes damage to your skin. Anti-inflammatory skincare products, such as tallow, help reduce inflammation by blocking enzymes that cause disruption in the skin, helping it maintain a fresh, smooth look by protecting and reinforcing your skin barrier.
3. Tallow doesn’t clog pores and works with your sebaceous glands.
Vitamin A in tallow helps our sebaceous glands and skin operate at their optimal capacity when used correctly. Vitamin A is known for helping our cells turnover faster, which reduces acne and skin irritation. Given the molecular structure of our skin and the suet used to make tallow, it is naturally more compatible with our skin, allowing it to act as natural sebum, locking in moisture and nutrients without clogging pores. This is a significant factor in what makes tallow ideal for a skincare base.
4. Tallow has antimicrobial properties.
Antimicrobial products stop the spread of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Our skin is exposed to a ton of surfaces each day, and as our largest organ, it can be an ideal place for microorganisms to accumulate and grow. Antimicrobial skincare is a great way to protect our skin from these microorganisms, and it will help the product itself remain free of bacteria.
5. Vitamins in tallow can help produce collagen.
Vitamin E is known for its anti-aging properties. It helps stimulates blood flow to our skin, which increases collagen production, and helps prevent signs of aging. By increasing collagen production, you can keep your skin looking smooth and firm for longer.
6. Tallow helps soothe skin injuries and helps repair damage faster.
Vitamin E is often associated with soothing the skin, reducing redness and irritation, and helping skin aliments subside. This is likely due to Vitamin E’s anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to increase collagen production and stimulate blood flow to our skin. This is great for people who may be suffering from skin irritations, scars, or dry, cracked skin.
All of the vitamins and nutrients in tallow and its compatibility with our skin create a unique skincare base that helps your skin retain moisture, restore and protect itself, and stay firm and moisturized. Our tallow soaps and balms are a sustainable skincare option that is all-natural and beneficial for your skin. Try one today!
