Dolly Parton’s mega-maximalist beauty look has defined her as a celebrity. She wears teased-up wigs, acrylics, rhinestones, and heavy makeup. Under all that, the music legend still manages to keep her skin clear. She shared her tips for keeping her complexion healthy and credited one surprising source: bacon grease.
Bacon grease, also known as bacon fat, is the rendered fat leftover from cooking bacon. Some people swear by using bacon grease on their skin and hair, claiming it has amazing moisturizing and other beauty benefits. But is rubbing bacon fat on your face actually good for your skin? Let’s dig into the facts.
The Potential Benefits of Bacon Grease for Skin
There are some characteristics of bacon grease that make it seem like it could be an effective moisturizer:
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It’s an emollient – Bacon grease has a high fat content which helps fill in cracks and holes in dry skin, soothing and smoothing.
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Contains vitamin D – Pasture-raised pigs convert vitamin D from sunlight, which transfers to their fat. Vitamin D is good for skin.
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Anti-inflammatory – Bacon contains omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation. This helps with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
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Non-comedogenic – Bacon grease doesn’t clog pores for most people so it won’t cause breakouts.
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Intense moisturizer – The thick fat penetrates deeply, softening skin. Dry winter skin drinks it up.
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Antimicrobial – The fat could help fight acne-causing bacteria
So in theory, rubbing bacon grease on your face could help moisturize, fight inflammation, reduce acne, and give skin nutrients. Anecdotal evidence from people who use bacon grease as a moisturizer supports these potential benefits.
Using Bacon Grease on Skin the Right Way
If you want to try using bacon grease on your skin, here are some tips:
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Use grease from pasture-raised, organic bacon when possible – This has more nutrients and less contaminants than conventionally-raised.
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Strain the grease through a coffee filter – This removes bacon bits and impurities.
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Store in a cool, dark place – Bacon grease lasts a year in the fridge, longer in the freezer.
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Do a patch test – Rub a dime-sized amount on your arm and wait 24 hours to check for reaction before applying to your face.
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Use sparingly – Start with a thin layer on clean skin and add more if needed. It spreads easily.
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Apply at night – The grease is thick so it’s best for a nighttime moisturizer, not under makeup.
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Use on feet and elbows – Bacon grease softens tough skin on feet, elbows and knees wonderfully.
Potential Downsides of Bacon Grease Skin Care
While bacon grease moisturizing seems to work for many, there are a few possible issues to be aware of:
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It smells like bacon – Some find the scent off-putting on their face. It fades after absorption.
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Very thick – People with oily skin may find bacon grease too heavy. It can clog pores.
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Allergies – Those allergic to pork may react. Grease from other animals like duck could be substituted.
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Germs – Home-rendered bacon grease could harbor bacteria if not properly filtered and stored.
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Sensitivity – Facial skin is delicate. Do a patch test first to check for irritation or breakouts.
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No SPF – Like any moisturizer, bacon grease does not protect against UV rays. Layer sunscreen over top.
So people with very oily or sensitive skin may want to avoid putting bacon grease on their face. Proper storage and a patch test are key to prevent problems. Consider using it as an intensive night treatment or on feet and elbows instead of daily facial use.
The Verdict: Bacon Grease Has Moisturizing Benefits But Proceed With Caution
While rubbing bacon fat on your face may sound strange, it does have legitimate moisturizing properties that could benefit skin. The vitamins, fatty acids, emollience and nutrients in bacon grease support its use as a skin-soothing treatment. It’s also inexpensive, natural, and easy to obtain.
However, not all skin types tolerate pork fat well. Grease that isn’t properly filtered and stored could breed bacteria. And some simply can’t get past the idea of smelling like bacon! So while bacon grease has promising benefits, it should be approached cautiously and intelligently.
Those willing to give bacon grease a try will probably want to use it sparingly as an overnight treatment until they see how their skin responds. Focus on very dry areas like feet, knees and elbows first before trying on the delicate facial skin. Make sure to do a patch test. And know that while bacon grease can definitely soften skin, its pore-clogging nature means it likely won’t replace your daytime facial moisturizer with SPF protection.
In conclusion, bacon grease as a skin moisturizer gets a tentative green light for those willing to experiment. But approach with realistic expectations and appropriate precautions. While smearing bacon fat on your face may not become your everyday routine, as an occasional deeply nourishing treat it just might give you skin to “oink” about!
Dolly Parton’s beauty routine is a major part of her identity
According to Parton, she has been perfecting her beauty routine since she was a child. Before makeup was available to her, she found crafty ways to enhance her features.
“Until I was a teenager, I used red pokeberries for lipstick and a burnt matchstick for eyeliner. I used honeysuckle for perfume,” she wrote in her book Dream More: Celebrate the Dreamer in You. “We were raised in the Pentecostal Church of God and they believed that wearing makeup was sinful. My grandpa Jake, my mama’s dad, was a preacher. So I had to hide and put on some makeup, but I had to wash it off quickly before they caught me. ”.
The singer was told to tone down her dramatic looks, but she said that her big hair and makeup are an important part of who she is. She’s talented as a musician, but she’s also a larger-than-life personality. The sparkly looks and powdered face are a part of this.
“I can’t separate the two. This is who I am,” she told Elle.
She talked about how she keeps her skin clear
Despite her dedication to beauty, some of Parton’s skincare tips are a bit unorthodox. In fact, she breaks one major skincare rule every night.
“You never know if you’re going to wreck the bus, you never know if you’re going to be somewhere in a hotel and there’s going to be a fire. So I leave my makeup on at night and clean my face in the morning,” she told The New York Times.
Though she sleeps in a full face of makeup, Parton says that her skin is clear. She gives Vaseline and makeup wipes some credit, but the country superstar listed her best anti-aging products.
“I have pretty good skin considering my age, and I think a lot of it is mineral oil and bacon grease,” she told For Women First.
The fact that Parton’s skin is so clear makes it likely that the bacon grease is part of her diet and not a moisturizer. In the past, she’s explained her affinity for greasy foods.