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Skincare influencers are promoting rubbing beef fat on your face for radiant skin. Here’s all that you need to know about this latest skincare trend.
Beef tallow is rich in nutrients and has moisturizing benefits.
If you have been following the beauty and skincare industry lately, you would have noticed how skincare is back in trend and people are prioritizing skincare first. Many beauty influencers are promoting building a healthy skin barrier and other skincare hacks in the quest of achieving glowing skin. Amidst this, a latest trend has emerged in the skincare world. People are resorting to rubbing beef fat on their faces because of its supposedly moisturizing properties. The trend is slowly growing on social media. Sounds strange, here’s all that you need to know about this skincare trend.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Dr. Rupika Singh, MBBS, MD, Dermatologist and Founder of Akiya Aesthetics said, “One recent skincare trend that is becoming quite prevalent is the use of rendered beef fat, also known as beef tallow, as an alternative to moisturizers and creams. Beef tallow is obtained from areas around kidneys and loins. The area of interest for using beef tallow in skin care purposes is its richness in fat content and its nutrient profile.”
Influencers have been raving about the benefits of rubbing beef tallow on the skin. Among the many benefits of this practice, one of the major benefits is how it effectively moisturizes the skin and how one can notice the difference in a few days.
Let’s check out some benefits and the drawbacks of rubbing beef tallow on your skin.
Rubbing beef tallow on your skin has both potential benefits and drawbacks, depending on individual skin type, preferences, and needs. Below are some of the most common pros and cons of using beef tallow for skincare:
Benefits of Beef Tallow for Skin:
- 1. Moisturizing: Beef tallow is rich in fats, especially saturated fats, which help to lock in moisture and form a protective barrier on the skin. This can be particularly helpful for dry, cracked, or sensitive skin.
- 2. Rich in Nutrients: Beef tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are known for their skin-nourishing properties. These vitamins support skin health, encourage healing, and help with cell turnover.
- 3. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some believe beef tallow can help with inflammation-related skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, due to its content of fatty acids and antioxidants.
- 4. Non-comedogenic: While this can vary from person to person, beef tallow is considered non-comedogenic for many people. It can potentially hydrate skin without clogging pores, unlike some oils that may lead to acne.
- 5. Natural and Simple: Beef tallow is a natural product with minimal processing, making it an appealing alternative to commercial moisturizers that often contain synthetic additives, fragrances, and preservatives.
Drawbacks of Beef Tallow for Skin:
- 1. Strong Odour: Beef tallow can have a strong, meaty smell, which some people find off-putting, even after rendering. This can be a deal breaker for those who prefer neutral-smelling skincare products.
- 2. Greasy Texture: Tallow is quite heavy and can leave the skin feeling greasy or sticky, especially if too much is applied. This may not be ideal for people with oily or acne-prone skin.
- 3. Risk of Clogged Pores: While some people find that tallow doesn’t clog their pores, others with sensitive or acne-prone skin might experience breakouts due to the rich texture and high-fat content.
- 4. Not Vegan/Vegetarian: Beef tallow is derived from animal fat, so it is not suitable for those who follow vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, or those who prefer plant-based skincare products.
- 5. Lack of Research: Although tallow has been used for centuries in various cultures, there is limited scientific research supporting its effectiveness in modern skincare compared to other ingredients, such as coconut oil or shea butter.
