There are no limits in the world of beauty and skin care. People go to great lengths in search of glowing skin. Beauty trends change quickly: some are fleeting, others are long-lasting, and many surprising trends leave us scratching our heads.
The beef fat skin care trend is the newest addition to the block, and yes, it’s exactly what you think of when you rub beef fat on your skin. Sounds amazing, right? Before you jump on the bandwagon, here’s what the experts have to say.
“One recent skin care trend that is becoming quite common is using rendered beef fat, also known as beef fat, as an alternative to moisturizers and creams. Beef fat is obtained from the areas around the kidneys and loins. tallow for skin care purposes is its rich fat content and nutrient profile,” says Dr. Rupika Singh, MBBS, MD, Dermatologist and Founder, Akiya Aesthetics.
Dr. Rupika further shared with HT Lifestyle the pros, cons and safety precautions to keep in mind while considering the beef tallow skin care trend.
Benefits of the beef fat skin care trend
Abundance of fats: Beef fat has emollient properties due to the content of saturated fats, namely palmitic and stearic acids. Also, the presence of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, also has anti-inflammatory properties and moisturizing benefits. This makes beef fat very useful for treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea. These fatty acids mimic the skin’s natural sebum and help hydrate and brighten the skin. So the suggestion is to use beef fat for dry and flaky skin.
Packed with vitamins: Beef fat is extremely beneficial due to the presence of fat-soluble vitamins in it, namely vitamins A, D and E. Vitamin A plays a key role in the synthesis of collagen, the main protein of the skin’s structural matrix, vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant and scavenges free radicals, thereby reducing the signs of premature aging, and vitamin D supports skin integrity and immune function.
Non-comedogenic nature: Although it is oily in nature, it has a comedogenic rating of 1-2 and does not clog pores when used in moderation.
What are the disadvantages of beef fat skin care
Prone to acne: Despite having a low comedogenic rating, sometimes people with oily or acne-prone skin may experience breakouts due to clogged pores.
Allergy risk: If beef fat is not properly rendered, it can cause an allergic skin reaction and skin rashes, burning or irritation.
Bad smell and texture: Beef fat is fatty in nature and has an unpleasant smell. It may be inconvenient for a few people to avoid its consistent practice.
Ethical question: Some people may refrain from using beef fat due to environmental or ethical concerns.
Remember the safety measures of beef fat skin care
- To prevent rancid beef fat, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Those with oily or acne-prone skin should refrain from using beef fat, as it may cause an allergic reaction or breakouts.
- Don’t abuse beef fat as it can make your face greasy or clog your skin pores.
- Before using it on your face, do a patch test on another part of your body and wait at least 24-48 hours to notice any skin changes or signs of allergies.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
