Tallow balm for skin

[floramorada]

Does anyone have thoughts or experiences regarding tallow balm as a moisturizer? I'm curious, as I still haven't found a all-over body moisturizer that works for my very dry, sensitive skin. I've heard good things about the Vintage Traditions brand, and apparently it's also very easy to DIY.

[localkaty]

I tried tallow for a while when it first started getting cold last fall. It definitely didn't make my skin any worse, but I also didn't find that it made things any better. I used plain grassfed tallow, because I prefer to minimize the EOs I use on my skin, and it definitely smells beefy. The smell takes longer than I expected to dissipate.

Have you experimented with adding a humectant into your routine? Oils and balms can't penetrate skin cells, they just create a layer on top to block moisture loss. If your skin is dehydrated beneath the occlusive layer, there isn't much to trap. Adding glycerine, hyaluronic acid, or squalane into a moisturizer or using it before a balm can work wonders if your skin hasn't responded well to anything else. They'll help pull moisture into your skin so the tallow (or whatever you wind up using!) has more to trap.

[floramorada]

Thanks for the tip, Localkaty! I haven't tried, or even heard of incorporating humectants, but I'm intrigued! Off to google! Have you used any of those with success?

[localkaty]

I use hyaluronic acid under oils; it's a miracle!

[EJ]

So...I swear I just read something about oil cleansing that says the oil does get trapped under the skin-that's why you're supposed to do it. But I'm no skin expert

Also, I wanted to pass on that you're looking in the right direction. I just saw Liz Wolfe last weekend at a book signing and she said that if you have super sensitive skin you should avoid plant-based moisturizers and stick to animal-based ones, like tallow She said then you could experiment with other oils on the side, like essential oils and coconut oil. Just thought that was interesting. Who knew our skin could react more strongly to plants than animals?

[elleneliza]

I just got one from Etsy that smells lovely (lavender!). It's a tallow/olive oil blend. I've only used it a few times, so I can't give a review quite yet- so far, so good though. www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieWoodSprite?ref=l2-shopheader-name

[Melissa]

I bought tallow from US Wellness Meats and used Vintage Traditions recipe to make my own tallow balm.  I LOVE IT!!!!

[floramorada]

EJ, it's good to know I'm looking in the right direction! Who knew, indeed! I've been experimenting with many plant based oils (shea, coconut, almond, avocado, olive... the list goes on) and while they are certainly moisturizing, they don't last and cause discomfort for me under the skin, if that makes sense. So I'll keep on experimenting... I hope the tallow is an improvement!

Elleneliza, thanks for the link! Those look lovely, and super affordable!

Melissa, I'm glad to hear you're loving the tallow balm! I was looking at purchasing tallow from US Wellness Meats as well, but there's a minimum 7lb/$75 order, correct?

[deeber7]

Localkaty - just wondering what kind of skin lotion you use with the hyaluronic oils in it? Thanks in advance!

[localkaty]

May 6, 2014 14:05:41 GMT -5 deeber7 said:

Localkaty - just wondering what kind of skin lotion you use with the hyaluronic oils in it? Thanks in advance!

I use hyaluronic acid as a separate step before the oil. Specifically, I use 100% Pure's Rose and Calendula Water Serum on damp skin, let it dry, then use avocado oil or an oil-based moisturizer. I'm pretty sure a similar serum could be made at home; it's just hyaluronic acid, rose water, green tea, aloe, and calendula water. Glycerin can be added directly to any lotion (as long as it's got something occlusive in it), if you don't want the extra step.

[EJ]

Question about using tallow balm...any tips for making it more spreadable? I just started using mine last night and it's like putting wax on my skin Is that normal or do I need to melt it a bit before each use?

[floramorada]

I take a little bit in my palm, then rub my hands together til it warms up to help make it more spreadable. You can also take the balm and whip it with a mixer to make it easier to spread right out of the container.

[saraburns]

Thanks for the recommendations of 100% Pure and Prairie Wood Sprite products. Lots of good stuff to try that will keep my hair clean, soft and shiny without killing my hands. I've been in denial about my beloved, but hand irritating Avalong Organics Rosemary Volumizing Shampoo. Because my hair is so fine, I'm not willing to use a clay based product like Morocco Method. I'd never be able to get that stuff out without taking all of my hair with it!

[cherylynn1003]

I started using a tallow balm from www.tallobalm.net. There are so many uses depending on the essential oil you choose. The clove tallow is great for itchy dry skin. The added oil benefit combined with the tallow is very effective. I have an Afrian American friend who uses the unscented tallow to soften their hair too. Check it out. We love it!