A Simple Skincare Routine for Aging Skin: What 8 Years of Tallow Taught Me
If someone had told me eight years ago that I'd be using beef fat on my face, I probably would have laughed. But here I am, eight years later at 42, with a skincare routine so simple it fits in the palm of my hand—and skin that I genuinely feel comfortable and confident in.
If you're searching for a simple skincare routine for aging skin, this has been my personal approach. Let me share what I've learned about keeping skin healthy, bright, and resilient without the overwhelming 10-step routines or expensive serums.
The Top Skin Concerns We're All Searching For
Whether you're scrolling through skincare forums or chatting with friends, the same worries keep coming up: fine lines creeping in around the eyes, dull skin that's lost its glow, uneven texture, and that nagging question—how do I keep my skin looking youthful without breaking the bank or my bathroom counter?
I've been there. And honestly? I still think about these things. But what's changed is how I approach them.
My Personal Journey: From Kitchen Experiments to Nana Latta
Eight years ago, I started with the simplest tallow you can imagine—I melted my own using whatever oil I had in the kitchen. Yes, in those early days it smelled a little like beef, and I'd just add some essential oils to mask it. But I was absolutely fascinated by how my skin felt. Soft, nourished, balanced—nothing I'd tried before gave me that same result.
That fascination quickly turned into serious experimentation—testing different oils, ratios, and techniques. Eventually, I decided to take it seriously and enrolled at Formula Botanica, where I earned my diploma in organic skincare formulation. That's where everything clicked. I learned about active ingredients, carrier oils, skin science, and how to create formulations that weren't just nice—they were effective.
This is where the formulations became more refined. I developed what would become my signature blends: Fancy Rose with bakuchiol and rosehip extract, and Sweet Orange with orange peel wax and carrot extract. I tested these formulas for another three years—on myself, day in and day out. And the results? They were everything I'd hoped for and more.
Then came Nana Latta. Honestly, I wasn't planning to start a brand. But my family and friends—who had been watching my skin transform and trying my balms themselves—kept pushing me. Their skin stories were just as awesome as mine, and they convinced me that this needed to be shared with more people.
So here we are. What started as a curious kitchen experiment became a passion, a diploma, years of testing, and eventually, a brand built on one simple belief: skincare doesn't have to be complicated to be transformative.
Why Tallow Works (From My Experience)
Here's what I've noticed over the years:
Biocompatible: Tallow is incredibly similar to our skin's natural oils, so it absorbs beautifully without clogging pores or sitting on the surface.
Rich in fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K are naturally present in grass-fed tallow—nutrients our skin actually recognizes and uses.
Hydrating without heaviness: Even on humid days, it sinks in and leaves my skin soft, not shiny or sticky.
Gentle enough for daily use: I've used it morning and night for years without irritation, breakouts, or sensitivity.
Of course, everyone's skin is different. What works beautifully for me might feel different for you—and that's completely okay. Skincare is personal.
Addressing Common Concerns
Fine lines and aging: While I can't promise tallow will erase wrinkles (nothing can, really), I've found that keeping my skin deeply moisturized and nourished has helped minimize the appearance of fine lines. My skin looks plumper and more resilient.
Dull, tired-looking skin: The vitamin-rich profile of tallow, especially in blends like Sweet Orange with natural vitamin C, has given my complexion a brightness I didn't have before. It's subtle, but it's there.
Uneven texture: Consistent hydration has been key for me. Tallow helps keep my skin barrier strong, which means fewer rough patches and smoother overall texture.
A Minimal Skincare Routine for Mature Skin
When people ask me about natural skincare for fine lines and dull skin, I always come back to the same principle: nourish deeply and keep it simple. Overcomplicating things often does more harm than good.
Tallow has given me that foundation—a single ingredient that supports multiple concerns without needing a cabinet full of products. It's been my personal foundation for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin in my 40s.
Keeping It Real
I want to be clear: this is my experience. I'm not a dermatologist, and I'm not saying tallow is a miracle cure for everyone. What I am saying is that for me, simplifying my routine and choosing a deeply nourishing, natural ingredient has made all the difference.
Some days my skin isn't perfect. I still get the occasional blemish or dry patch. But overall? I feel confident, comfortable, and happy with how my skin looks and feels—and that's worth more than any expensive serum ever gave me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tallow suitable for mature or aging skin?
In my experience, yes. Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K—nutrients that support skin health and resilience. Its biocompatible nature means it absorbs easily and provides deep hydration, which I've found essential for keeping my skin plump and minimizing the appearance of fine lines. I've been using it since my mid-thirties, and now at 42, my skin feels healthier than ever. Of course, everyone's skin is different, but it has worked beautifully for my skin.
Can tallow replace multiple skincare products?
For me, yes. I've simplified my entire routine down to just tallow—no separate serums, moisturizers, or anti-aging treatments. It hydrates and nourishes all in one. That said, skincare is personal. Some people may still want to use additional products, and that's completely fine. But if you're looking to simplify, tallow can definitely do the heavy lifting.
If You're Curious...
If you're dealing with similar concerns—fine lines, dullness, or just wanting a simpler routine—I'd encourage you to try something minimal and nourishing. Whether it's tallow or another ingredient that resonates with you, sometimes less really is more.
Over the years, blends like Fancy Rose and Sweet Orange naturally became part of my routine. They've kept things simple, effective, and something I genuinely enjoy using every day.
Here's to healthy, happy skin—however you choose to care for it.
