Winter in New Zealand: A Recipe for Dry Skin
Winter in New Zealand might not reach the extreme sub-zero temperatures of other parts of the world, but it still brings a unique set of challenges for our skin. Cold air simply holds less moisture than warm air, which means that during winter the ambient humidity drops and the air becomes drier. Blustery cold winds – think of Wellington’s famous gales or the chill blowing off the Southern Alps – buffet any exposed skin, stripping away natural oils and moisture. Indoors, we crank up heaters to stay warm, but this comfort has a downside: heating reduces indoor humidity dramatically. The result is an environment that draws moisture out of our skin, leaving it parched. Skin often begins to feel tight, rough or flaky during these months.
Your Skin Barrier Under Attack in Winter
Why does winter air cause such misery for our skin? The answer lies in the skin’s natural barrier. The outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum) acts like a protective wall, composed of cells “brick” and oily substances “mortar,” that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Harsh winter conditions can strip away this protective barrier, creating tiny gaps in the outer layer that allow water to escape and irritants to get in. In low-humidity conditions, water evaporates from the skin more quickly – a process known as transepidermal water loss. As the skin dries out, it may start to crack or become inflamed. You might notice itchiness (the dreaded “winter itch”), as dry air and a compromised barrier trigger minor inflammation. For those with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, winter often spells flare-ups because their skin barrier is already delicate. It’s no surprise that dry skin conditions tend to get worse in winter, with exposed areas like the face and hands suffering the most in the cold.
The key to relieving winter dryness is to support and repair the skin’s barrier, helping it retain moisture. This is where a good moisturiser becomes your skin’s best friend. But not all moisturisers are created equal – and many people searching for winter skin relief are now turning to an age-old, natural option: tallow balm.
What is Tallow Balm?
Tallow balm is a natural skincare balm made from rendered animal fat – typically beef tallow or lamb tallow – that has been purified and sometimes blended with oils or essential oils. It might sound old-fashioned, but tallow has a long history of use as a skin salve, dating back centuries. In the days before modern lotions, people used animal fats to protect their skin against the elements. Today, this traditional remedy is making a comeback as researchers and skincare enthusiasts rediscover its benefits.
One of the reasons tallow balm stands out is its remarkable similarity to the fats in our own skin. Human skin produces sebum – an oily substance that keeps skin supple and protected. Tallow’s fatty acid profile is astonishingly close to that of human sebum, containing a similar ratio of fatty acids to those found in our skin’s natural oils. This means our skin “recognises” tallow’s components and can absorb them easily, with less risk of irritation. In fact, because tallow’s lipids are so familiar to the skin, using tallow balm can bolster the skin’s barrier without triggering the inflammation or immune reactions that sometimes occur with synthetic ingredients.
Importantly, tallow balm is an occlusive moisturiser. Occlusives are substances that sit on top of the skin and seal in moisture – like a protective blanket that prevents water from evaporating away. In other words, tallow forms a breathable barrier over the skin, which is exactly what thirsty winter skin needs to hold onto hydration. Unlike a water-based lotion, a pure tallow balm contains no water at all – it’s a dense concentration of natural fats. This makes it ideal for dry winter conditions because it doesn’t evaporate or freeze, and it doesn’t require the preservatives that water-based creams need.
If you’re worried that “animal fat” sounds greasy, keep in mind that high-quality tallow balms (such as those made from grass-fed beef or lamb) are rendered and filtered to be smooth and odourless. The texture is rich, certainly, but when used correctly (a small amount spread and allowed to absorb), it can leave skin soft without a heavy residue.
Nutrient-Rich Hydration from Natural Fats
Tallow isn’t just a generic fatty substance – it’s actually packed with beneficial nutrients that help hydrate and heal the skin. Beef or lamb tallow naturally contains a range of fatty acids and vitamins that are essential for skin health. Here are some of the key nutrients in tallow balm and how they support your skin:
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Oleic Acid (Omega-9): This monounsaturated fatty acid makes up a large portion of tallow. Oleic acid is deeply nourishing – it’s rich and emollient, helping to lock in moisture and soften the skin. It also strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier, which means it helps prevent water loss and shields skin against environmental stressors like cold and wind.
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Stearic Acid and Palmitic Acid: These are saturated fatty acids abundant in tallow. They play a role in fortifying and repairing the skin barrier. Stearic acid, in particular, is known to help repair damaged skin and improve its suppleness, keeping the skin flexible rather than brittle. Palmitic acid helps to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and has emollient properties that prevent water loss.
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Fat-Soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): Tallow is a natural source of vitamins A, D, E, and K – nutrients that support skin health and repair. Vitamin A is well-known for aiding in skin cell turnover and regeneration. This helps refresh dry, flaky winter skin with new healthy cells. Vitamin D plays a role in skin repair and supports the integrity of the skin barrier. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage. Finally, Vitamin K supports the skin’s healing processes and can calm redness.
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and Others: Grass-fed tallow also contains small amounts of CLA, an omega-6 fat with anti-inflammatory properties, as well as palmitoleic acid (Omega-7), which is a component of our skin’s own oils and has natural antimicrobial benefits. These contribute to tallow balm’s overall gentle, healing profile.
What’s notable is that many of these fats and vitamins found in tallow are also present in popular plant-based skincare ingredients. The difference is that tallow provides them in a balanced, bioavailable blend that closely resembles our skin’s natural composition. In essence, tallow balm feeds your skin the nutrients and lipids it craves to stay supple and hydrated during winter.
Tallow Balm vs. Water-Based Moisturisers: Which Works Better in Winter?
If you’ve ever slathered on a typical water-based lotion in winter only to feel dry again an hour later, you’re not alone. Many conventional moisturisers are emulsions of water and oils, meaning they have a high water content. They can give quick relief by cooling and hydrating the surface, but that water can quickly evaporate in dry air, often leaving your skin feeling parched again.
By contrast, tallow balm is anhydrous (water-free) and occlusive, providing a long-lasting protective layer. One of the primary benefits of tallow balm noted by users is its ability to provide deep, lasting hydration – unlike water-based moisturisers which tend to evaporate, tallow balm creates a barrier that truly locks in moisture. Think of a water-based moisturiser like a light snack for your skin, versus tallow balm as a hearty, sustaining meal. The tallow balm’s rich fats soak into the upper layers of your skin and form a seal on top, preventing the moisture from escaping. This is particularly excellent for overnight use: applied in the evening, tallow balm can prevent overnight water loss and keep your skin comfortable till morning.
Another advantage is the skin-compatible nutrients we discussed earlier. Tallow naturally brings vitamins and antioxidants to the skin, whereas many water-based creams need to add those separately (often in small quantities) or rely on synthetic ingredients. A grass-fed tallow balm naturally contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which nourish the skin, while typical lotions might have one or two added vitamins or just rely on humectants like glycerin. Moreover, the neutral, simple formula of a tallow balm (just fat and maybe a few botanical oils) means it’s often well-tolerated by sensitive skin. There are no emulsifiers, preservatives, or fragrances necessary in a basic tallow balm, which reduces the chance of irritation for people with eczema or sensitivities.
This isn’t to say water-based moisturisers have no place – they can be lovely in humid climates or for quick absorption. In fact, the ideal routine in winter could include a humectant (water-attracting) serum or toner to draw moisture into the skin, followed by a tallow balm to seal it in. But if you find that regular creams just aren’t cutting it against the fierce dry winds of a Kiwi winter, an occlusive like tallow balm might be the game-changer for your skincare regimen.
Embracing a Natural Solution for Winter Skin
When it comes to soothing winter dry skin, sometimes looking to simple, natural remedies is best. Tallow balm provides a time-tested way to nourish and protect the skin during New Zealand’s cold months. Its unique combination of being deeply nourishing, occlusive, and bio-compatible with our skin makes it a standout choice for lasting hydration. By reinforcing the skin’s barrier with the very fats and nutrients it needs, tallow balm helps your skin hold onto moisture and fend off the harsh winter elements.
One gentle option to consider is Bloom Tallow’s lamb tallow balm – a natural moisturiser crafted from pure New Zealand lamb tallow. This balm harnesses all the benefits discussed above in a simple, fragrance-free formulation. Lamb tallow has the same wonderful occlusive and nutrient-rich properties, offering a soothing blanket of hydration for winter-worn skin. With its vitamins and skin-friendly fats, a lamb tallow balm can support your skin through the cold season without any unnecessary additives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the old-fashioned solutions – like a humble tallow balm – provide a modern answer to our winter skincare woes.
To learn more or to explore our full range of balms and lotions, visit our product collection page.