Does tallow help with hyperpigmentation? Everything you should know
by Social Nix on Dec 14, 2023
With all the global warming and different types of pollution, our skin is under a great threat of different diseases. Not only these environmental reasons but also several things like processed foods, high sugar intake or sleep deprivation. A lot of new skin diseases are also appearing which were not there before.
Simultaneously there are also different beauty brands coming up that are selling you a solution to those skin diseases or the dream of perfect skin. This is leading to billions of dollars of business, but not all products are actually good for your skin.
Similarly, there is another skin disease that has been visible among many people in recent times - hyperpigmentation. Today we will come to know more about this disease and whether tallow cream can help cure it or not.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation causes patches of skin to be darker than the surrounding skin. This occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, the pigment that determines skin colour. It can affect any type of skin and is more common during pregnancy, in the elderly, or after an injury. Hyperpigmentation is very common in the skin of people of colour because darker skin tones already have higher melanin content. Burns, bruises, acne, rashes, or other skin damage can cause more melanin to be produced and dark spots to appear.
Types of hyperpigmentation -
Three types of hyperpigmentation can affect your skin.
Melasma - is thought to be caused by hormonal changes and can develop during pregnancy. Hyperpigmented areas can occur on any area of the body, but most commonly occur on the abdomen and face.
Sunspots - which are also known as melasma or solar lentigines are common. These are associated with long-term excessive sun exposure. It typically appears as age spots on areas exposed to sunlight, such as the hands and face.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - This is the result of skin damage or inflammation. A common cause of this type is acne.
Causes of hyperpigmentation -
A common cause of hyperpigmentation is an overproduction of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its colour. It is produced by skin cells called melanocytes. A number of different conditions or factors can alter the production of melanin in your body.
Some medications can cause hyperpigmentation. Some chemotherapy drugs can also cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect.
Pregnancy changes hormone levels and can affect melanin production in some women. A rare endocrine disorder called Addison's disease can cause hyperpigmentation, which is most evident in sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck and hands, and in areas exposed to friction, such as the elbows and knees.
Hyperpigmentation is a direct result of increased hormone levels in your body that increase melanin synthesis. Excessive sun exposure can also increase melanin levels.
Solutions of hyperpigmentation -
Hyperpigmentation can be easily cured by following some steps. Let's know how can you fight hyperpigmentation -
- Keep your skin moist - Although the primary goal of your hyperpigmentation is to lighten dark spots, an effective over-the-counter (OTC) moisturiser should contain ingredients that benefit the skin in other ways. A good moisturiser can also restore the skin's lipid or oil layer, helping new skin cells stay healthy as they emerge to replace old ones.
- Protect yourself from sun rays - Apply sunscreen daily. If you're in the sun, reapply it every two hours; if you're perspiring or swimming, apply it more regularly.
There are other skin conditions, such as melasma, where exposure to light may contribute to the hyperpigmentation's persistence.
If that's the case, search for a mineral sunscreen that contains iron oxide as well, as it can partially block visible light. Utilise every day. Put on SPF-infused clothes that block the sun.
- Medications -
Certain forms of hyperpigmentation may be treated with topical prescription medicine. Usually included in this prescription is hydroquinone, which lightens skin.
However, ochronosis, or skin darkening, can result from using topical hydroquinone for an extended period of time without stopping. In order for a dermatologist to correctly advise you on how to take the drug without experiencing any side effects, it is therefore best to use topical hydroquinone only while under their care.
Applying topical retinoids helps to lighten the skin's dark patches.
It may take several months for either of these drugs to brighten parts that are dark.
How can beef tallow help you fight hyperpigmentation?
Now as we discussed what hyperpigmentation is, what are the causes of it and how can you cure it? But now let's jump into our main question, that's - can beef tallow help you to cure hyperpigmentation?
Like firstly as we know to fight hyperpigmentation, you need to keep your skin moist and beef tallow cream can surely help you out with that.
Beef tallow contains both conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and niacin naturally, which helps to keep your skin moist. Tallow with its fatty acids is naturally helpful for curing dry skin. Dry skin is mostly caused by dryness and your skin loses water at the cellular level very quickly. However, since beef tallow balm leaves your skin feeling incredibly hydrated, it offers a remedy. It is quickly absorbed and works to stop dryness at the cellular level without smothering your skin's protective layer.
Tallow also contains vitamin E which helps you to protect your skin from the dangerous effects of harmful UV rays. Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant that is beneficial to your skin in different other ways.
Conclusion -
Beef tallow has been used historically by our ancestors to treat dry skin. Beef tallow is a natural product that can be used by us for the betterment of our skin and also for fighting several skin diseases.
While the other chemical added inorganic beauty products have several side effects that can be damaging to your skin, beef tallow is a totally natural product with natural beneficial elements for your skin. If you're someone dealing with the problem of hyperpigmentation, you can use beef tallow cream to fight it. But if it gets worse then you can surely choose medication.
