Tallow Tales

it's a good fat

Aging is a process that I approach one day at a time. I've never aspired to look like Barbie; instead, I want to be a healthy and happy senior, living my best life. However, all those years of gardening in the sun without a hat or sunscreen (which I've never been a fan of) have certainly left their mark over time. And the bulleye is the face. The wrinkles are young, but the lines resemble a road map, with no fun trip planned. I’ve tried many products, all natural, some even questionable, but nothing has helped.

I’ve tried to get on the tallow bandwagon, but every time I do, I smell like beef jerky! And the dogs won’t leave me alone! Even the brands that are scented, the meat smell comes through; some were even hard to wash off. But, I’m not a quitter!

Just what is tallow? Beef tallow is rendered fat from cows, used in soaps, candlemaking, and for cooking. It’s widely popular for skin care, hailed as a safe and natural way to combat wrinkles. It’s also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as fatty acids similar to those found in human skin. Tallow is excellent for hydrating and repairing the skin barrier.

So, where do you find tallow? Butcher shops, farmers’ markets ( where I got mine), health food stores, and even Amazon sell it. When buying tallow from a store, make sure the label says it is for skin care use and that it is 100% pure, grass-fed tallow.

Yep, I made my own wrinkle cream with tallow. And I like it, but not straight. So, I added frankincense essential oil to the mix. I use it in many products I make. Known for its ability to improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote cell regeneration, frankincense is a must-have in anti-aging skincare. I even put it in a rollerball with castor oil and run that baby over my face at night. It also covers the beef smell wonderfully.

I’ve almost used my first jar, so I can honestly say it leaves my face soft, hydrated, and lasts almost all day. It’s good for the hands, too. Wrinkles form as the skin loses collagen and proteins that keep it firm and elastic. It’s a good idea to consume more collagen and protein safely while tallow works it’s magic on the outside. Wrinkles are a natural part of aging; tallow is a natural way to live with them.

Tallow Wrinkle Cream

1/2 cup grass-fed beef tallow

1 tablespoon jojoba oil (or another carrier oil, such as almond or argan oil)

10-15 drops of frankincense essential oil

Place the tallow in a double boiler and gently heat until fully melted. Avoid high heat to preserve its nutrients.

Once melted, remove the tallow from the heat and stir in the jojoba oil, or other carrier oil, and mix thoroughly.

Let the mixture cool slightly (but not solidify) and add the frankincense essential oil.

Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.

Pour the cream into a sterilized glass jar with a lid. I used a pint-sized canning jar. Allow it to cool completely before sealing. Will last 6 months in a cool, dark place.