Here we go again with TikTok’s latest beauty trend. The advice floating around the video-sharing app: some are recommending that you smear your face in beef fat. It allegedly works as a moisturizer and cure for acne. Technically, it’s beef tallow, a rendered fat that’s been cooked down to remove impurities.
Tallow skincare is not a new concept. People have been using animal fat as a moisturizer for centuries. According to Health News, it dates back hundreds of years, when men and women would use tallow to nourish dry skin and treat wounds.
What can beef fat do for the skin?
Apparently, it’s mainly made up of triglycerides and is high in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Also, it can help soothe and treat everything from eczema and burns to diaper rash and can also be made into high-quality skincare products such as anti-aging creams and serums.
In the comments beneath the viral video, a staff member at a Nashville butcher shop said that scores of Southern women line up to purchase beef lard for the purpose of using it on their skin. EGOT-winning actress Viola Davis famously uses Crisco, a vegetable shortening commonly used as an animal fat alternative, on her bunions.
However, not everyone is sold on the trend. “Skinfluencer” Charlotte Palermino recently shared that this Victorian beauty practice does not “moo-ve” her. She explained that there is something about applying suet to your face and that she’s trying to consume less animal products.
Is beef fat good for your skin?
While beef tallow contains properties that are beneficial to the skin, it also comes with a few concerns. Dr. Steven Devos, a dermatologist at Misumi Luxury Beauty Care said that there are precautions and downsides to using tallow for skin. Also, it’s not a cruelty-free option, and it smells bad.
Here are 6 foods you can use on your skin.
Honey
Research has found that raw, organic honey has antimicrobial properties, can help heal skin wounds, and is anti-inflammatory. You can use it as a face wash by applying it to dampened skin and removing it with a warm washcloth. In addition to a face wash, use it as a healing mask.
Coconut Oil
It’s used for everything from natural lip glosses to hair masks. The oil is rich in fatty acids and can help improve moisture on the skin and act as a skin barrier.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is high in vitamin E, an oil-soluble antioxidant that is often used on the skin and hair.
Oats
Oats are a favorite for those with sensitive skin. It’s found to be calming for irritated skin. This could be due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Avocado
These bright green fruits are rich in antioxidants and hydrating vitamin E, making them particularly useful for dry and sensitive skin types. The healthy fatty acids in avocados act to soften, hydrate, and nourish the face. It can also help with diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Yogurt
Applying yogurt to your face may help improve your skin’s barrier function, lock in moisture, and reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation. This could be due to the lactic acid it contains.
