As the seasons change, so do the needs of our bodies and skin. Winter is especially harsh, often leaving skin dry, wind-chapped, and craving nourishment. My MVP ingredient that's been my go-to during these colder months (and even during the summer) is tallow. Not only is it deeply moisturizing for the skin, but it also supports a wholesome, nutrient-dense lifestyle when incorporated into cooking.
Long ago I was a vegetarian. It was a lifestyle choice I held close to my heart, but about a decade ago, I transitioned to a more holistic approach to health. Since then, I’ve been rediscovering the traditional methods our ancestors used for cooking, living, and self-care.
This exploration has deeply enriched not only my personal health but also my professional expertise in skincare. As a holistic esthetician, I used to pride myself on creating vegan skincare, thinking it was the ultimate standard for purity and sustainability. But now, I laugh at that belief because when I look to nature and history, I see how all species are interconnected. Nature thrives on balance, and using these traditional methods has brought new purpose to my work.
What Is Tallow?
Tallow is rendered beef fat, traditionally used in skincare, cooking, and even candle making. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and packed with essential fatty acids, tallow is surprisingly similar to the oils naturally produced by human skin. This makes it an ideal ingredient for nourishing and protecting the skin, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Winter often strips skin of its natural moisture barrier, leaving it dry and irritated. Tallow’s unique structure helps restore and strengthen the skin by locking in hydration and healing damage caused by cold and wind.
I’ve created a whipped tallow balm that’s perfect for this season. It’s made with a blend of tallow, honey, calendula infused jojoba oil, beeswax, and essential oils to soften tallow’s naturally earthy scent. My partner, who spends long days on the water fly fishing, swears by it for protecting his skin from windburn and dryness. It even moisturizes and softens his beard. His beard isn't so scratchy on my skin when he uses the balm.
Beyond skincare, tallow has also become a staple in my kitchen. After learning more about the potential harms of seed oils, I’ve replaced them with traditional fats like tallow and lard. These fats are heat-stable, nutrient-rich, and delicious, giving foods a nostalgic flavor that reminds me of simpler times.
One of my favorite ways to use tallow is for making popcorn for our family Friday night popcorn & pizza night! It’s comforting, flavorful, and far healthier than using commercial oils (which are now banned from our house). By sourcing tallow from local farmers, I can support our community while ensuring we’re eating sustainably and ethically.
Using tallow has been about more than just nourishment, it’s been a way to connect with nature and honor our roots. Using these traditional practices has helped me see the beauty in balance and interdependence, not only in the natural world but also in our daily lives.
Join Me for Winter Skincare Rituals
Want to learn more about tallow and how to incorporate it into your skincare routine? Join me for my Skincare: A Daily Mindful Ritual workshop, where I’ll share the recipe for my whipped tallow balm and guide you through seasonal remedies to nourish your skin. Together, we’ll embrace nature’s cycles to care for ourselves and connect with traditional wisdom.
Tallow may be an ancient ingredient, but its benefits are timeless. Whether it’s moisturizing your skin or elevating your cooking, this fat has found a permanent place in my life and it just might find one in yours too.
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