Eczema is a skin condition that affects about 1 in 10 people, from infants to adults. It can present as itchiness, scaly skin, hyperpigmentation, cracked skin and rashes. Scratching eczema can lead to broken skin, which is further prone to infection. Moisture is an essential component of a strong, healthy skin barrier, which is lacking in those with eczema who have a weakened skin barrier.

While the exact cause of eczema is still unknown, researchers understand eczema flare-ups to be the immune system producing excess inflammation, causing irritation and skin barrier problems. There are several possible triggers of eczema—all of which are extremely common—including soaps, lotions, detergents, allergens, stress, emotions, illness, and so much more. 

Common treatments for eczema include moisturizers, over-the-counter topical creams, prescription steroids, antibiotics, and even bleach baths. However, over half of the population living with eczema have reported treatment to be ineffective, with 44% discontinuing prescribed medication use. 

Burnt out from the never-ending and ineffective pharma cycle, many living with eczema have turned to holistic measures and preventative care. 

Today, many natural (and ancient!) treatments for soothing eczema flare-ups are having a resurgence. High-quality beef tallow has been used to soothe skin for centuries, and research suggests it may even prevent flare-ups from happening in the first place. 

Let’s take a deep dive into understanding eczema, and the many benefits of using beef tallow for eczema as a natural remedy.

What is Eczema?

Eczema presents in many forms, depending on the individual. Research is still discovering more about this condition, but here’s what we know:

• There are 7 known types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.
  
  
• Eczema can present as a rash, scales, itchiness, cracked skin, and more. For deeper skin tones, eczema can present as brown, purple, gray or ashen. In lighter skin tones, eczema can present as red, inflamed skin.
  
  
• Many newborns experience eczema, but adults are also prone to developing the condition most commonly from ages 20 to 50.
  
  
• Children born outside the U.S. have a 50% lower risk of developing eczema, which is increased after living in the U.S. for 10 years, according to the National Eczema Association.
  
  
• Flare-ups describe acute eczema symptoms, which can last many days or even several weeks. About half of patients spend more than eight days in a month in a flare.
  
  
• Eczema is not contagious. It is an over stimulation of the immune system, causing inflammation within the body. Research shows people develop eczema because of an interaction between genes and environmental triggers.
  
  
• There is no known cure for eczema; however there are treatments to help manage flare-up symptoms. Preventative care is key for those living with eczema.
  
  

Beyond the deep discomfort of a flare-up, there are further-reaching impacts of eczema that deserve to be recognized.

Children with eczema are deeply impacted in some unexpected ways. More than 50% of children with severe eczema will develop asthma in their lifetime. They are six times more likely to develop a food allergy than children without eczema. Children with AD are also at a higher risk for obesity, autoimmune conditions and metabolic syndrome.

Throughout one’s lifetime, eczema can negatively impact sleep, bone health, and even ocular health. It’s also associated with chronic conditions including diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, high blood pressure and heart disease. 

The mental health impact of eczema is perhaps the most alarming aspect, which is often overlooked. Recent studies have suggested that those with AD are up to 44% more likely to exhibit suicidal ideation and 36% more likely to attempt suicide, according to the National Eczema Association.

When eczema flares up, people report feeling embarrassment or shame, leading to canceled plans and self-isolation. Eczema has shown to negatively impact relationships, social engagement, education, career, and finances. “The annual economic burden of eczema, including direct medical costs, indirect costs from lack of productivity and quality of life impacts is conservatively estimated at $5.3 billion,” according to The National Library of Medicine. 

What’s worse is the overall impact on lifespan that eczema can have. “Hospitalization due to eczema flares and related infections is associated with an 8.3 year reduction in lifespan,” according to the National Eczema Association. 

Clearly, the impact of eczema is much greater than skin-deep. Thus, finding effective treatments for eczema is crucial for those living with this condition.

Considering eczema flare-ups are often triggered by environmental stimuli, preventative care is key. Common triggers include detergents, fragrances, soaps, cleaners, and certain metals (nickel), as well as allergens, heat, cold, wind, illness, stress, and emotions. Avoiding these triggers is key to preventing flare-ups. 

However, flare-ups do happen, oftentimes out of the blue, with no obvious trigger. Commonly recommended treatments include:

• Over-the-counter lotions, moisturizers and balms aimed at restoring the skin barrier and preventing loss of hydration from the skin (ex: Vaseline aka petroleum jelly)
  
  
• Topical treatments to reduce inflammation (ex: hydrocortisone)
  
  
• Over-the-counter antihistamines (ex: Benadryl)
  
  
• Prescription medications to reduce inflammation (ex: oral or topical corticosteroids)
  
  
• Oral or topical antibiotics
  
  
• Immunosuppressants
  
  
• Injectable biologics
  
  
• Water softener: the chemicals used to treat local water supply can be quite harsh when dosed on the skin daily. Plus they’re relatively affordable.
  
  

It is worth noting that over 50% of adults with eczema face concerns about the long-term use of pharmaceutical treatments—and over 50% have found a treatment to be ineffective. Almost half have discontinued prescribed medications for eczema altogether! 

It’s no surprise that we are seeing a growing interest in using natural remedies for eczema. Non-pharmaceutical options for treating eczema come in many forms, from doctor-recommended bleach baths to simply eating more honey. 

Many alternative eczema treatments include:

• Red light therapy to reduce inflammation
• Bleach baths
• Cryotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Meditation
• Manuka honey
• Beef Tallow for prevention and flare-up treatment

 

Of all the alternative remedies listed, using beef tallow for eczema is our very favorite. From its ancestral roots to the precise nutritional profile, beef tallow is uniquely suited to both soothe and prevent eczema flare-ups. Read on to find out more.

The Benefits of Tallow for Eczema

Known as nature’s gold, beef tallow contains naturally-occurring vitamins that are incredible for skin health. Its fatty acid profile naturally resembles human sebum (the oil our skin naturally produces), making it a much closer match for nourishing our skin than plant- or chemical-based alternatives. These qualities make beef tallow perfect for soothing eczema in a natural and healthy way—as well as nourishing skin to prevent flare-ups. 

From what we understand, eczema flare-ups are a result of the immune system producing excess inflammation. Beef tallow is a known, naturally-occurring anti-inflammatory product. Whether it’s applied to the surface of the skin or eaten, beef tallow can soothe from the inside-out. 

• Tallow closely mimics the lipid content of human skin, so our skin absorbs it easily when applied topically.
  
  
• By fortifying the protective barrier of the skin, tallow helps hydrate and prevent moisture loss. It also protects the skin from environmental stressors that can lead to inflammation, such as pollutants and allergens, which are known to cause eczema flare-ups.
  
  
• It’s rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been studied for its ability to reduce inflammation in the body overall.
  
  
• Grass-fed tallow contains palmitoleic acid, which studies suggest is beneficial for reducing inflammation and redness in the skin.
  
  
• The nutritional profile of beef tallow is rich in anti-inflammatory vitamins, such as vitamin A (repairs skin, anti-inflammatory), and vitamin E (antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress in the skin cells), among many others. 
  
  

The best part? Beef tallow is a natural product, minimally processed, and provides rich nutrients directly to the skin when sourced from grass-fed and grass-finished cattle. Say goodbye to heavily processed lotions and balms that contain chemicals, fragrances, and possible skin irritants.

Beef tallow has been found to be beneficial in treating and possibly even preventing a number of skin conditions, including dermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin, and wounds. 

• Research on has found tallow to be:
• Biocompatible with and beneficial to our skin
• Hydrating to the skin
• Helpful in atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis when applied topically

 

Bonus: Another therapeutic benefit of topical tallow was wound healing! One study observed the benefits of using herbal soap made with tallow as an anti-infection agent for wound healing versus regular soap. The herbal soap was successful in fighting skin-infecting bacteria. It was also less drying and damaging to the skin than regular soap, as most chemical soaps tend to dry out the skin. Thus, the herbal soap showed positive results by retaining the skin’s moisture, rather than depriving it.

 

To understand how beef tallow positively impacts the skin, you must have a basic understanding of how the skin’s barrier is structured.

The outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) is composed of a brick-like structure made of keratinocytes. These bricks are held together by a lipid-rich matrix, creating the skin’s protective barrier. The main lipids found here are cholesterol, free fatty acids, and ceramides. The body naturally produces all of these lipids, but in limited quantities. We need to supplement by providing the body with essential fatty acids, via nutrition or topical treatments. This is especially true for people with eczema, as the lipid barrier function is compromised.

Research has shown improvements to the skin barrier when topical lipids are applied to the skin — particularly in patients suffering from eczema, where ceramides must be replenished. 

While many pharmaceutical eczema creams contain ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol, they come in chemically-engineered formulations. 

However, the essential lipids needed to restore the skin barrier are found in naturally-occurring beef tallow, which is primarily made of lipids. The lipid profile of beef tallow includes significant amounts of stearic acid and oleic acid, which are beneficial for the skin's health and integrity. It’s rich in all the healthy lipids, cholesterol and ceramides needed to treat eczema. 

Beef tallow truly is nature’s skin salve.

It is essential to understand the formulation process for chemical-based skincare and pharmaceutical products. 

The main ingredient in most creams or moisturizers is water. Water-based products require preservatives or risk going rancid. What’s worse is they’re often formulated with added irritants like dyes, fragrances, and other shelf-stabilizing chemicals. 

By choosing a natural balm like beef tallow for eczema, rather than chemicals and over-the-counter creams, you are supplementing the natural skin barrier. Not only does beef tallow retain moisture and hydrate the skin — it also provides anti-inflammatory strength to prevent further infection and irritation of the inflamed skin. 

Beef Tallow is non-comedogenic, meaning it’s less likely to clog pores compared to other types of oils and fats. Here’s why:

1. Similarity to Skin's Sebum: Beef tallow closely mimics the lipid profile of human sebum, the skin's natural oil. This similarity allows tallow to integrate well with the skin without disrupting natural processes or clogging pores.
   
   
2. Balanced Fatty Acid Composition: Tallow contains a balanced mix of saturated and monounsaturated fats, primarily stearic and oleic acids. Stearic acid is known for its ability to soften and protect the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Oleic acid, while slightly comedogenic in larger quantities, is generally well-tolerated in the balance found in tallow.
   
   
3. Non-Irritant: Tallow is typically well-tolerated by most skin types and does not contain additives or irritants that might provoke acne or other skin reactions. This makes it suitable for use even on sensitive skin. (It is worth noting oily skin might find tallow to be too rich. Always spot-test new skin products in a small patch.)
   
   
4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: As mentioned earlier, the anti-inflammatory properties of tallow can help calm the skin and reduce the likelihood of acne outbreaks that might otherwise be exacerbated by inflammation.
   
   
5. Moisturizing Efficiency: By effectively moisturizing the skin, tallow helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, which can prevent the overproduction of sebum. Overproduction of sebum can lead to clogged pores, so a well-maintained barrier can reduce this risk.

 

Beef tallow is a highly effective remedy to soothe eczema symptoms, and is just plain good for skin in general — see our guide to tallow for skin to read all about the benefits. What you might be surprised to learn is that tallow is also cost-effective, unlike many prescription and over-the-counter remedies for eczema. You can purchase pure grass-fed and finished tallow here. Beef fat, which beef tallow is derived from, is often thrown away by butchers, so you can alternatively make beef tallow at home at virtually no cost! See our extensive guide to all things tallow for our step-by-step instructions on how to make your own beef tallow.

Besides restoring the skin’s natural lipid barrier, beef tallow hydrates the skin in a sustained, safe, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic manner. Furthermore, tallow acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, preventing further skin irritation and even infection.

Are you convinced to switch to beef tallow for eczema relief yet?

Application Tips: How to Use Tallow for Eczema

If you are looking to use beef tallow for eczema, there’s a few things you need to know. 

First and foremost, the quality of your beef tallow absolutely matters. There’s a massive nutritional difference between beef tallow made from traditional factory-farmed cows versus tallow made from grass-fed and grass-finished cattle. (Bonus points for Wagyu tallow!) The list of grass-fed beef tallow benefits is a mile long, but the basic principle is that the nutritional value of the fat depends on the food and environment the cow was raised in. Simply put, higher-quality cattle leads to exponential vitamin, lipid and anti-inflammatory benefits in higher-quality rendered tallow (just as the opposite is true).

Using pure grass-fed tallow without any added ingredients, fragrances or oils is recommended for a few reasons. Research has found direct application of pure tallow topically to be more effective in soothing and repairing skin than mixing tallow with other oils. Plus, fragrances, dyes and chemicals are known irritants for people with eczema, which can have the opposite effect of the soothing properties of tallow alone. 

When applying beef tallow for eczema, it’s recommended to first cleanse the skin to remove any dirt or oil. We recommend our high-quality, house-rendered grass fed beef tallow soap! Make sure the skin is slightly damp after cleansing for optimal tallow absorption. Warm the tallow (which is solid at room temperature, like coconut oil) by rubbing a small amount between the palms. The natural warmth of your skin will melt the tallow into a moisturizing slick. Apply a small amount of beef tallow directly to eczema flare-ups, or any area of the skin that feels dry or inflamed. 

We recommend using tallow anytime, but many prefer applying beef tallow to the skin at nighttime, allowing for the salve to marinate and absorb into the skin overnight. It’s best to work tallow into your everyday self-care regimen. Try adding it as a step in your routine, perhaps after brushing teeth at night. Consistent use can help improve skin texture, hydration, and overall health.

If you’d like to take your beef tallow moisturizing to the next level, here’s a simple DIY beef tallow lotion recipe from O’Naturelle:

• ¼ - ½ cup beeswax
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup beef tallow
• 1 tbsp honey
• 10 drops frankincense oil 

This produces a substantial amount of lotion, so divide as needed! Feel free to play around with the added oil, to tailor the texture and effect to your liking.

Always perform a patch test before using a new product extensively, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply a small amount of tallow to an inconspicuous area and wait 24 hours to ensure there is no adverse reaction.

How Tallow Compares to other Natural Remedies for Eczema

There are many holistic treatments for eczema flare-ups, unsurprisingly since almost half of those with eczema report giving up on prescribed treatments. While these holistic measures still need to be studied in-depth, here’s the most common alternatives beloved by those with eczema.

Common holistic treatments for soothing eczema:

• Aloe vera gel: antimicrobial, antibacterial, heals wounds
• Coconut oil: gets rid of dryness, antibacterial, improves skin barrier with fatty acids
• Sunflower seed oil: helps soothe itchy skin, reduces rashes, eliminates blisters and improves the skin barrier function and immune system
• Colloidal oatmeal: comes from oats ground and boiled to extract their skin-healing properties; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. 
• Bleach baths: when diluted with water, bleach baths can be beneficial to the skin by killing bacteria on the surface of the skin
• Honey: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that people have used to heal wounds for centuries
• Acupuncture: help to reduce itch, and may prevent flare-ups though a global approach to well-being of the individual

Beef tallow has a high concentration of fatty acids compared to most vegetable oils and plant-based butters, and is most similar to the composition of our skin. This allows for immediate soothing of eczema symptoms, as the beef tallow can absorb deep into the skin’s layers instantly. 

Is Tallow better than Pharmaceutical Treatments for Eczema?

Modern medicine provides treatments for eczema as both topical and systemic drugs. Topical corticosteroids are effective at reducing eczema symptoms and controlling flare-ups, offering fast relief/ However the side effects are significant, including skin thinning and increased infection risk. They can often be costly, and generally manage the symptoms, rather than treating the root cause. 

It’s imperative to also mention topical steroid withdrawal (TSW), aka steroid addiction syndrome or red skin syndrome—which refers to a range of symptoms that can present after someone discontinues the prolonged use of topical steroids. Hallmarks of TSW include intense flaring and redness of the skin, burning sensation and pain, peeling, shedding, itching, swelling, oozing, increased risk of infection, plus mood changes and impact on mental health. Ironically, the treatment to help soothe eczema symptoms can produce long-term exacerbated effects on skin health — not unlike eczema symptoms in the first place! 

When choosing an over-the-counter treatment for eczema, it seems the shelves are lined with products derived from Big Oil. Many eczema skincare products available in drugstores, including moisturizers and lip balms, commonly contain mineral oil, often labeled as petroleum or petrolatum. While mineral oil can protect the skin, it's preferable to use barrier creams that support the skin's natural functions. In contrast, tallow balm offers a unique advantage as it closely resembles the oils found in healthy human skin, more so than other natural or pharmaceutical skincare options. Unlike creams based on petrolatum that create a superficial barrier, tallow balm enhances the skin's natural sebum, accelerating healing and improving barrier function. This gentle, non-toxic alternative also enriches the skin with fat-soluble vitamins and naturally occurring fatty acids, making it a superior choice for skin care.

Personal Story: Beef Tallow Transformed my Eczema

Over the past 10 years, I have personally experienced eczema flare-ups for periods of time. This would present as itchiness in my legs, irritated to the point of waking me up in the middle of the night scratching my skin. This often unconscious scratching would leave scratch marks in my skin, taking even longer to heal. The discomfort was visceral, omnipresent, and deeply distracting – not to mention a bit gross.

I made the switch to using O’Naturelle grass-fed tallow soap after researching the toxins and synthetic ingredients found in most liquid soaps. I started reading the labels on my body wash and hand soap bottles, and the ingredients list was a mile long, full of chemicals I couldn't recognize nor even pronounce. Could these chemicals be irritating my skin and causing eczema flare-ups? I put my bar-soap aversion aside and ordered a few bars of tallow soap – for scientific research. This was four months ago, and I’ve never looked back.

Making the switch to grass-fed tallow soap has had a significant improvement on my overall health, and certainly my eczema symptoms. I have not had an eczema flare-up since switching to grass-fed tallow soap! My skin is clear and healthy, and I will never go back to liquid soap again. I’ve even switched out my hand soap for tallow soap bars. In the few instances I’ve had to use body wash when traveling, the difference is notable – my skin looks scaly, feels insatiably dry, and it takes a few days to recover.

Any hesitation I had to try tallow soap (i.e. the lather, the smell, the beefy ick factor) have been completely mitigated. With a little loofah, the lather is rich and soothing. There is absolutely zero beef smell, and just a light scent of essential oils. Plus, I’ve completely converted to the magic of tallow for eczema symptoms — it’s soothing, all-natural, and incredibly effective. Knowledge is power! 

In Conclusion

It’s clear that eczema is more than skin deep, impacting not just physical health but also mental and social well-being. In a sea of treatment options, beef tallow emerges as a standout natural remedy, revered for its compatibility with human skin and its rich composition of fatty acids and vitamins. This makes it an excellent alternative for those seeking relief from eczema symptoms without resorting to harsh pharmaceuticals.

Tallow not only soothes irritated skin but also fortifies the skin’s natural barriers, helping to prevent future flare-ups. If you’re exploring gentler, effective ways to manage your eczema, tallow might be worth considering. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before introducing new products into your regimen, especially for sensitive conditions like eczema. Consider this guide not just as advice but as a resource to help you make informed decisions about your skin health. The more you know!