Beef tallow skin care has taken over wellness-tok in recent months as influencers become more conscious of what they are putting on their skin. From Hannah Bronfman to Jaclyn Hill's hubby, Jordan Torrey, it's touted as a natural skincare remedy that can help with acne, soothe eczema, reduce wrinkles, and more. But, is it actually good for your skin?
What is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is the fat from various cuts of meat from the cow that's rendered into a malleable substance. When kept at room temperature, beef tallow is supple with a soft butter-like texture. It has had many uses throughout history, including uses as biofuel, used in cooking, making soaps and candles, and most recently, skincare products.
Does Beef Tallow Smell Like Beef?
If you apply beef tallow to your face, will you end up smelling like a steak? According to Bronfman, the Bela Nektar Cerate balm has a "totally neutral" scent, although the aroma of bovine tallow can vary depending on the rendering process. In skincare products, the scent of beef tallow is often disguised by blending it with essential oils, which are known irritants and may cause sensitivity for some users.
So, Is Beef Tallow Actually Good For Your Skin?
Despite the commotion about beef tallow, we do not recommend using it as part of your skincare regime. One of the primary reasons why beef tallow is not suitable for facial use is the lack of scientific evidence to support its benefits. While anecdotal evidence may suggest that beef tallow can be beneficial for the skin, there is a notable absence of robust scientific studies to back up these claims. As a medical spa, we prioritize evidence-based skincare practices, and until concrete scientific data is available that supports the efficacy of beef tallow for skincare, we cannot ethically recommend its use.
Natural Oils Vs. Natural Non-Comedogenic Oils
Furthermore, one common misconception about using natural oils on the face is the belief that the skin can differentiate between oils and non-comedogenic oils. The truth is that the skin cannot discern between different types of oils, which means that using beef tallow, a heavy and potentially pore-clogging oil, may lead to breakouts and exacerbate existing skin concerns such as acne. Natural oils, including beef tallow, can be particularly detrimental for those with acne-prone skin as they can further stimulate the skin's oil production, leading to an unwanted increase in sebum production and you guessed it, acne.
Fragrances
Moreover, many beef tallow-based skincare products contain fragrances, which are known skin irritants. Fragrances have the potential to cause allergic reactions, sensitivity, and irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. As a medical spa that prioritizes the health and well-being of our clients, we always develop and advocate for fragrance-free skincare products to minimize the risk of adverse reactions and maintain skin health.
A pH Balance Disruptor
Another concerning factor regarding the use of beef tallow on the face is its potential to disrupt the pH balance of the skin. The skin's natural pH balance plays a crucial role in maintaining its integrity and protecting against external aggressors. Using products that are not pH-balanced can disrupt this delicate equilibrium, leading to issues such as dryness, sensitivity, and inflammation. Beef tallow, being a heavy and alkaline substance, can be harsh on the skin and may compromise its natural pH balance, causing more harm than good.
The allure of natural skincare such as beef tallow may be tempting, but it is essential to approach skincare from a scientifically informed perspective. At Starlight Med Spa, our priority is to provide evidence-based skincare recommendations that are safe and effective for our clients. While trends come and go, we will never make a recommendation based on popularity alone until there is substantial scientific evidence to support its use. Opting for non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced skincare products is a safe and reliable approach to maintaining healthy and radiant skin.
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