Bacon grease is having a moment right now as a beauty trend. You may have seen headlines touting it as a miracle moisturizer or acne treatment. But is cooking up some bacon and slathering the grease on your face really a good idea? I decided to dig into the science and experiential evidence to find out.
A Brief History of Bacon Grease Beauty
Using animal fats as skincare is certainly not a new idea Our grandparents and their grandparents would have used rendered pork fat, aka lard, as an all-purpose moisturizer In fact, commercial products like cold creams and lip balms used to be made with lard until vegetable oils became more popular.
Recently, the popularity of DIY and natural beauty has led to a resurgence of interest in using bacon grease topically. Some homesteaders even claim it has helped their skin issues like acne, dryness, and wrinkles.
The Potential Benefits of Bacon Grease On Skin
So why might rubbing pork fat on your face actually be beneficial?
It moisturizes Like other animal fats, bacon grease contains compounds that help moisturize and soften skin. When applied topically, it forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture
It’s gentle. The fatty acid composition of bacon grease is similar to our skin’s natural oils. This makes it less likely to cause irritation compared to products with synthetic ingredients.
It contains skin-healthy nutrients. Bacon fat provides small amounts of vitamins A, D, E, and K which nourish skin cells and protect against damage from free radicals.
It may have antibacterial properties. Some research indicates bacon grease contains antimicrobial compounds that could help fight acne.
It’s accessible and affordable. You can get high-quality bacon fat from your own kitchen for just the cost of cooking bacon.
Potential Downsides of Using Bacon Grease On Skin
However, it’s not all bacon roses and rainbows. There are some potential issues to consider:
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Messiness. Bacon grease is greasy! The oils can be tricky to apply neatly and make a mess.
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Strong scent. Some find the signature bacon aroma unappealing on their skin.
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Clogged pores. Like any thick oil, it could clog pores and cause breakouts if you are acne-prone. Start with a small test patch.
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Germs. Cooking byproducts on your skin increase the risk of breakouts. Make sure to strain and refrigerate leftover grease.
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Shelf life. Rendered fat can go rancid quickly at room temperature. Store in the fridge and use within a few weeks.
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Ethics. Bacon production has serious animal welfare and environmental issues. Consider sourcing humanely raised pork.
How To Use Bacon Grease Topically
If you want to give pork fat skin care a try, here are some tips:
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Strain freshly cooked bacon grease through a coffee filter to remove food particles.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks max.
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Warm a small amount between your fingers before applying to soften.
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Use sparingly – a thin layer is all you need.
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Focus on extra dry areas like knees, elbows, cuticles, and heels.
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Apply at night and cover with gloves or socks to lock in moisture while you sleep.
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Remove excess in the morning with a warm, damp cloth if needed.
The Verdict: Should You Use Bacon Grease On Your Skin?
While rendered pork fat like bacon grease can provide skin benefits, it may not be for everyone. Make sure to patch test before slathering it all over your face. If you don’t experience any irritation or breakouts, then it could be a cheap natural moisturizer to add to your routine. But skip it if you find the smell unappealing or the greasiness too messy.
Overall, bacon grease is not a miracle cure-all but a potential skin soother that complements time-tested dermatological advice:
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Eat a balanced, skin-healthy diet
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Prioritize sleep, stress management, and exercise
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Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
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Hydrate and use sun protection
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See a dermatologist for persistent skin issues
Your grandma may have sworn by pork lard for her complexion, but when it comes to skincare, there are rarely quick fixes. Take a holistic approach for glowing skin that combines lifestyle habits with products that work for your unique needs – whether bacon grease makes the cut or not.
So consider giving pork fat a spot in your skincare rotation, but don’t bank on it as a stand-alone solution. With some experimentation, you may find that a bit of bacon grease makes a nice addition to your regular regimen. Just don’t crisp up a pound of bacon every morning expecting facially-applied grease alone to work miracles!
Bacon Grease: Better Than Butter?!
FAQ
Can you use bacon grease as moisturizer?
Is lard good for your face wrinkles?
Is pork fat good for the skin?
Can you use lard as moisturizer?
Is bacon grease a healthy fat?
Bacon grease is a natural fat that hasn’t been processed (however, the bacon has been). According to Fitbit, one teaspoon of bacon fat has 38 calories and zero carbs. Bacon grease is lower in saturated fat than butter and higher in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Is bacon grease healthier than butter?
Bacon grease is lower in saturated fat than butter and higher in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Bacon grease has Omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart and brain. As a fat, bacon grease is said to be healthier. Bacon grease is often called liquid gold. However, first, you must make the bacon or maybe bacon and eggs.
Can you use bacon grease in cooking?
You Can Use Bacon Grease There are many ways people use bacon grease in their cooking. Here is a list I came up with: Bacon fat seasons and adds deliciousness to the food. However, don’t overdo it. It is a fat and you should only use it to replace butter or oil. A pound of bacon will render approximately 1/4 cup of fat.
Does bacon grease go bad?
Yes, bacon grease eventually goes bad. However, with proper storage, it can last up to 6 months in the refrigerator. To store it correctly and use it within the suggested time frame, make sure to keep the bacon grease refrigerated. You can easily replace butter or cooking oil with bacon grease for a tasty twist in various dishes. (Passage text: How Long is Bacon Grease Good For?)