Is There a Benefit to Using Tallow for DIY Eczema Treatment?

Although no clinical research has directly looked into beef tallow as of yet, some have shown that certain components of it may be able to lessen skin inflammation.

The National Eczema Foundation estimates that 31.6 million Americans suffer from eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin disease. One of the most prevalent skin disorders among kids is eczema. It affects approximately 10% of Americans.

Moisturisers, emollients, and other topical medications are commonly used in eczema treatment to assist control of symptoms and lower the likelihood of flare-ups. When used topically, the emollient qualities of tallow may help reduce the symptoms of eczema.

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of using tallow for eczema, as well as how to create your tallow body butter at home, by reading the research.

Is Tallow good for eczema symptoms?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that can result in skin that is dry, itchy, discoloured, or scaly. The most prevalent kind of eczema is atopic dermatitis, although other illnesses might be included under the "eczema umbrella."

Although there are several over-the-counter and prescription eczema treatments available, moisturising the skin is one of the most crucial at-home treatments, and here's why.

The foundation of a robust, healthy skin barrier is moisture. However, due to a compromised skin barrier, eczema sufferers may find it difficult to keep their skin moisturised. Eczema flare-ups and dry, itchy skin can occur in a cycle over time.

One kind of skin care product that can help seal moisture into the skin is an emollient; this makes them particularly helpful for eczema sufferers. Among the emollients are:

• cream
• lotion
• gel
• body butter
• body oil
• ointment

For millennia, people have utilised tallow, also known as rendered beef or mutton fat, in skin care products. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that tallow contains qualities that may help lessen eczema sufferers' symptoms of dry, itchy, and irritated skin.

Because fatty acids are a crucial part of the skin's barrier, tallow may be beneficial for eczema sufferers.

Experts examined the potential benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids in treating and preventing inflammatory skin disorders in a review of research published in 2020. Research indicates that the fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 found in beef tallow may help lessen the symptoms of dermatitis.

Tallow is an emollient component that helps seal moisture into the skin, perhaps reducing dryness and increasing hydration.

A single, brief study from 2022 We researched how well various emollient creams affected the health of the skin barrier in adults with atopic dermatitis. Emollients containing glycerol, one of the fatty components of tallow, were found to considerably enhance research participants' skin moisture levels.

Having said that, there isn't any research on using tallow to treat eczema symptoms in humans, despite indications that certain of its ingredients may be helpful for the condition.

What are the disadvantages of using tallow?

When it comes to treating atopic dermatitis and other eczema disorders, emollients are among the best solutions. They may lessen the intensity and frequency of flare-ups associated with certain illnesses in addition to increasing skin moisture.

Nevertheless, urea and glycerin, two components of emollient formulations, can produce sensitivity and result in adverse consequences like:

• sensations of burning or stinging
• itchiness
• irritation
• skin discolouration
• dryness

Some people may discover that using tallow products containing these substances irritates their skin. When using handmade tallow, users run the risk of coming into contact with other contaminants that irritate their skin.

Tallow's excessive oiliness makes it an unsuitable ingredient for daily usage, which is another drawback of utilising it in skin care products. Additionally, tallow occasionally has an odour that some find offensive.

Check-in with your doctor

See your primary care physician or a dermatologist before using tallow balm or any other skin care product. They can provide you with information about potential side effects and how well it might work for you.

Additionally, test tallow products on your inner elbow or wrist before putting them on your face or neck, which are more delicate areas.

How to make a tallow butter balm for eczema treatment

If you would want to explore natural treatments for your eczema, it is rather simple to make a small batch of homemade cream or balm at home.

The two primary components you'll need to make tallow butter balm are as follows:

• Tallow: For the base of your balm, it's considerably simpler to buy a batch of premium, grass-fed tallow from a butcher than to prepare your own at home from suet.
• Carrier oil: Many skin care products require carrier oils; however, select an oil that is appropriate for eczema sufferers, such as jojoba or sunflower seed oil. Since there are typically no stringent laws governing skin care products, using premium food-grade oils is frequently a wise decision.

Certain individuals also incorporate essential oils into their body butters and balms. However, some doctors might not advise using these oils if you have eczema because they can aggravate your skin.

A supplement of an antioxidant such as vitamin E may also be beneficial. By doing this, oil-based items may be prevented from getting rancid. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to make any handmade product in small amounts so that you can use it right away and minimise the possibility of bacterial development.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup grass-fed beef tallow
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E (optional)
• 2–3 drops essential oil (if desired)
• 1/8 cup carrier oil of your choice

Instructions

• Transfer your beef tallow to a small pot over medium-low heat, allowing it to melt into a liquid.
• When the tallow reaches a liquid consistency, add the carrier oil and mix.
• Optional: Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl and beat until it turns frothy, similar to whipped butter after it has cooled slightly.
• Pour the mixture into a glass jar and refrigerate until it solidifies.
• Use the combination whenever your skin becomes wet, after taking a bath or shower, and store it at room temperature. Keeping water out of the balm with an applicator (such as a tiny spoon or spatula) will help prevent the growth of bacteria.

Takeaway

There is very little research on the use of tallow as a treatment for eczema, and very few studies have looked at the efficacy of this approach. However, several research on emollients and other tallow components indicate that these substances may be able to help some people manage their eczema symptoms.

Speak with your dermatologist or physician about your alternatives if you'd like to explore new eczema treatment methods. Together, you can choose the best course of action to help you control your symptoms and lower your chance of flare-ups.

FAQs

Is animal fat good for eczema?

Tallow can calm the skin and supply the precise minerals required for the best possible healing.

How does beef tallow help eczema?

Creating a barrier for hydration

Is tallow anti-fungal?

It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. 

Can tallow make eczema worse?

can be beneficial for eczema