Using Tallow for Eczema and Psoriasis: What You Need to Know

Living with eczema or psoriasis means constantly searching for products that won't trigger flares while actually providing relief. Many commercial moisturisers contain ingredients that can worsen these conditions, leaving sufferers frustrated and their skin compromised. Beef tallow has emerged as a promising option for many people with inflammatory skin conditions, though it requires a thoughtful approach. This guide explores how tallow may help, its limitations, and how to use it safely alongside proper medical care.

Understanding Eczema and Psoriasis

While often confused, eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis are distinct conditions with different underlying causes:

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Eczema is primarily a barrier dysfunction condition. The skin's protective layer is compromised, allowing irritants and allergens to penetrate while moisture escapes. This triggers an immune response causing inflammation, itching, and the characteristic red, dry, cracked skin. Eczema is closely linked to allergies and often appears in people with asthma or hay fever.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating cell turnover. This causes the rapid buildup of cells on the skin's surface, forming thick, silvery scales and red, sometimes painful patches. Psoriasis is a systemic condition that can also affect joints and other organs.

Why Tallow May Help

Several properties of beef tallow make it potentially beneficial for both conditions:

Barrier Restoration

Tallow's fatty acid profile closely matches human sebum, making it highly effective at supporting the skin barrier. For eczema, where barrier dysfunction is central to the condition, this is particularly significant. The saturated and monounsaturated fats in tallow integrate with the skin's lipid matrix, potentially helping to restore barrier function.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Grass-fed tallow contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and palmitoleic acid, both of which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in research. While not a substitute for medical treatment, these properties may help soothe inflammation between flares.

Minimal Irritation Risk

Pure tallow contains no synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or common allergens that frequently trigger sensitive skin reactions. This simplicity reduces the risk of introducing new irritants to already compromised skin.

Deep Moisturisation

Both eczema and psoriasis benefit from consistent moisturisation. Tallow provides long-lasting hydration without the water content that can paradoxically dry skin as it evaporates (as happens with many lotions).

Choosing Tallow Products for Problem Skin

If you have eczema or psoriasis, product selection is especially important:

Pure and Unscented

Choose products with minimal ingredients—ideally just tallow or tallow with vitamin E. Essential oils, even natural ones, can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Avoid fragranced products entirely until you've established that pure tallow works for you.

Grass-Fed Sourcing

Higher CLA and vitamin content in grass-fed tallow may offer enhanced anti-inflammatory benefits. This is particularly relevant for inflammatory conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Products Designed for Problem Skin

Some tallow producers create formulations specifically for eczema-prone skin, often incorporating gentle additions like calendula or chamomile (though be cautious—even these can cause reactions in some people).

How to Introduce Tallow Safely

Timing Matters

Never introduce new products during an active flare. Wait until your skin has calmed and is in a relatively stable state. Introducing new products to inflamed skin makes it impossible to distinguish between a reaction to the product and the underlying condition.

Patch Test Protocol

For eczema and psoriasis, an extended patch test is wise:

1. Apply a small amount to unaffected skin (inner forearm) and wait 48-72 hours
2. If no reaction, apply to a small area of previously affected but currently calm skin
3. Wait another 48-72 hours
4. If still no reaction, begin using on larger areas

Start Small

Begin with once-daily application to a limited area. Gradually expand use as your skin demonstrates tolerance.

Application Techniques

For Eczema

• Apply to damp skin: After bathing, pat skin until slightly damp and immediately apply tallow. This "soak and seal" technique is widely recommended by dermatologists.
• Use gentle pressure: Press tallow into skin rather than rubbing, which can irritate fragile eczema-affected areas.
• Focus on barrier zones: Pay extra attention to hands, elbows, behind knees, and other common eczema sites.
• Apply frequently: Eczematous skin benefits from multiple applications throughout the day, not just morning and night.

For Psoriasis

• Work into plaques gently: Tallow can help soften psoriatic plaques, but don't pick at or scrub scales aggressively.
• Consider overnight application: Apply a generous layer to plaques before bed and cover with cotton gloves (for hands) or soft clothing.
• Be patient with absorption: Psoriatic skin may take longer to absorb products due to the thickened cell layer.

Combining Tallow with Medical Treatments

Tallow should complement, not replace, prescribed treatments. Here's how to integrate it safely:

With Topical Corticosteroids

During flares, apply prescription steroid creams first, wait for absorption (15-20 minutes), then apply tallow as a protective layer. Tallow can help lock in the medication and provide additional barrier support.

With Calcineurin Inhibitors

Products like tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) should be applied to clean skin. Wait 20-30 minutes before applying tallow to avoid diluting the medication.

With Phototherapy

If undergoing UV treatment, apply tallow after sessions when skin may be especially dry. Avoid applying before treatment unless your dermatologist specifically approves.

Maintenance Between Flares

Once flares resolve and you taper off prescription treatments, tallow can serve as your daily maintenance moisturiser, potentially helping to extend the time between flares.

What the Research Says

It's important to note that direct clinical trials on tallow for eczema or psoriasis are limited. However, research supports several relevant points:

• Emollients (moisturisers) are a cornerstone of eczema and psoriasis management, and tallow functions as an effective emollient
• Barrier repair is critical for eczema management, and lipids similar to those in tallow support barrier function
• CLA has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in various studies
• Reducing exposure to potential irritants (found in many commercial products) benefits sensitive skin conditions

Anecdotal evidence from the tallow skincare community is substantial, with many eczema and psoriasis sufferers reporting significant improvements. However, individual responses vary considerably.

Realistic Expectations

Be realistic about what tallow can and cannot do:

Tallow May Help With:

• Daily moisturisation needs
• Barrier function support
• Reducing exposure to synthetic irritants
• Softening dry, rough skin and scales
• Providing a simple, gentle skincare option

Tallow Will Not:

• Cure eczema or psoriasis (nothing topical can)
• Replace prescription medications during flares
• Work for everyone—individual responses vary
• Address underlying immune dysfunction in psoriasis
• Prevent all future flares

Signs It's Working

Positive signs when using tallow for eczema or psoriasis include:

• Reduced dryness and scaling between flares
• Less itching (though this won't be eliminated)
• Softer, more comfortable skin texture
• Potentially longer periods between flares
• Reduced need for frequent application compared to lighter moisturisers

When to Stop and Seek Help

Discontinue tallow and consult your dermatologist if you experience:

• Increased redness, inflammation, or burning
• New rashes or hives
• Worsening of symptoms rather than improvement
• Signs of skin infection (increased warmth, pus, spreading redness)
• Any concerning changes to your condition

For many people living with eczema and psoriasis, beef tallow offers a gentler alternative to commercial moisturisers laden with potential irritants. While it's not a cure, it can be a valuable tool in the management toolkit—providing effective moisturisation, barrier support, and peace of mind from knowing exactly what's going on your skin. As always, partner with your dermatologist to create a comprehensive care plan that works for your unique situation.