Skin Science: Why Winter Weather Causes Skin Dryness and How Grass-fed Tallow Skincare Can Help

by Brittany Hogan December 08, 2023 4 min read

dry winter skin on hands before using tallow on skin

Winter brings with it more than just snowflakes and holiday cheer. For many, it ushers in a season of dry, itchy, and flaky skin.

The cold, dry air, harsh winds, and indoor heating systems cause the water in our skin to evaporate more quickly, stripping the skin of its natural lipid barrier and depleting the skin's protective barrier, leading to a cycle of continuous dryness.

This is why during the winter months, our skin needs more than just a water-based, store-bought lotion. It needs a rich, thick, tallow-based cream that can hydrate on the cellular level, replenishing our skin oils.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind dry winter skin and the logic of why grass-fed tallow might just be the perfect remedy for all skin types.

 

Understanding Skin Science: The Basics

the science diagram of skin layers

The skin, our body's largest organ, is a complex and intricate system. It serves as a protective barrier against environmental hazards, regulates body temperature, and plays a vital role in the sense of touch.

The skin is divided into three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous fat layer. Each has a unique function and contributes to our overall skin health.

The epidermis, the outermost layer, is responsible for skin's color and provides a waterproof barrier. It's also where new skin cells are formed. As these cells mature, they move to the surface and eventually shed, a process that takes approximately one month.

The middle layer, the dermis, contains connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. It provides strength and elasticity to the skin.

The deepest layer, the subcutaneous fat, acts as padding to protect bones and muscles and helps regulate body temperature.

Maintaining skin health involves a combination of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper skincare. However, factors such as weather and climate can significantly impact skin condition.

 

The Impact of Winter Weather on Skin

dry, cracked skin up close

There are several reasons why our skin tends to dry out during the winter months.

One of the main reasons is the decrease in humidity. Lower humidity levels mean there is less moisture in the air for our skin to absorb. This results in a loss of moisture from the skin's surface, leading to dryness and flakiness.

Additionally, cold temperatures and harsh winds can cause the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, reducing the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. This can slow down cell turnover and lead to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface, making the skin appear dull and dry.

Lastly, the use of central heating systems during winter often produce hot, dry air, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it parched and susceptible to dryness and cracking.

 

Why Traditional Skincare May Not Be Enough

watery lotion applied to hands

Many skincare products on the market are water-based, and while they may provide temporary relief, they often do not provide the deep, lasting moisture that the skin needs during the cold months.

Moreover, some skincare products contain harsh, synthetic ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils.

This can exacerbate dryness and cause irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.

For these reasons, it's essential to seek out alternative skincare solutions that can effectively nourish and protect the skin during winter without exposing the skin to synthetic ingredients.

 

Grass-fed Tallow Skincare to the Rescue

grass fed tallow skincare by Nefertem

The best remedy on the market, with the longest history of successful use (ask Cleopatra) is grass-fed tallow skincare.

Tallow is a form of rendered fat, traditionally used in cooking, soap making and beauty products. When sourced from grass-fed animals, it is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that closely resemble the structure of human skin lipids.

Grass-fed tallow skincare products are naturally moisturizing and are believed to soak deep into the skin to provide lasting hydration.

They are also believed to help replenish the skin's lipid barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss.

 

How Does Grass-fed Tallow Skincare Combat Winter Skin Dryness?

woman applying Nefertem's grass-fed tallow skincare to arms

Grass-fed tallow skincare works to combat winter skin dryness in several ways.

First, it provides deep and lasting moisture to the skin. Unlike water-based moisturizers, tallow-based products, being rich in healthy fats and oils, strengthen to the skin's protective barrier, helping to lock in moisture and prevent evaporation.

Second, grass-fed tallow is rich in nutrients that help nourish and repair the skin. It contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, all of which have been shown to promote skin health and combat signs of aging.

Moreover, the essential fatty acids in tallow (such as CLA and Palmitoleic Acid) help to replenish the skin's natural oils, maintaining its health and elasticity.

Finally, grass-fed tallow skincare products (or at least the tallow products produced by Nefertem Skincare) are free of harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients.

This makes them suitable for all skin types, including those with ultra-sensitive and excessively, dry skin.

 

Top Recommended Grass-fed Tallow Skincare Products

grass-fed tallow skincare by Nefertem

For those looking to incorporate grass-fed tallow into their skincare routine, there are a variety of products available on the market.

Some top recommendations include Nefertem's Tallow Moisturizer, Nefertem’s Tallow Salve, and Nefertem’s Tallow Soaps. These products are all-natural, nutrient-rich, and highly effective at combating winter skin dryness.

Nefertem's Tallow Moisturizer is a luxurious cream that deeply hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and supple. With its unique texture, it can spread easily over the entire body surface like a lotion or body butter, without any of the harmful chemicals typically found in store-bought lotions.

Nefertem’s Tallow Salve is a multi-purpose product that is best used on the extra rough and dry areas of the body such as the hands, feet, elbows, knees, and heavily calloused areas. It is a rich, nourishing balm that is perfect for combating dry, cracked skin.

Nefertem’s Tallow Soaps, being loaded with natural oils, help prevent dryness during cleansing due to their rich, moisturizing lather. 

 

Eliminate Dry Winter Skin Today

3 women's legs after being moisturized with tallow lotion by Nefertem

While winter weather can wreak havoc on our skin, there are effective solutions available.

By understanding the science behind skin dryness and the benefits of grass-fed tallow skincare, you can help keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all winter long.

Try Nefertem’s Tallow-based skincare products today and have glowing, radiant skin tomorrow!

 


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