Focus on: Honey and Propolis
Benefits of Hey Honey Bee Propolis Skincare
What Is Propolis ? ( PRO-PO-LIS)
Bee Propolis is a resinous mixture that honey bees produce from tree buds sap flows. When they combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky, greenish-brown product used as a coating to build their hives, as well as function as a natural disinfectant against bacteria.
The word Propolis is reputed to have been coined by Aristotle, from the Greek words "pro" (before) and "polis" (city), meaning, "Before The City", or "Defender Of The City".
Ancient cultures, used the Propolis ointment to cover new comers to city, in order to sterilize any bacteria they might be carrying with them.
Utilizing Propolis and Propolis oil in skincare products provides a similar defense for our skin
Is Propolis Good For Your Skin?
The short answer is yes! Propolis is good for your skin because it is naturally antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. In this post we’re going to answer a few of the most frequently asked questions about propolis and skin conditions. Click the headings below to reveal the answers. Let’s jump in!
Is Propolis Good For Your Face? Yes, propolis is good for your face. Creams, balms and ointments containing propolis are good for your skin. This is because propolis has many healing properties which support skin health. Propolis is antiseptic and antifungal, so it can help treat conditions like acne. Propolis is also anti-inflammatory, reducing the inflammation caused by skin conditions like acne. Clinical trials have shown that propolis can help heal wounds. Propolis also has antimicrobial properties. This means it can inhibit the grown of bacteria which may otherwise cause infections. Various propolis creams and oitments containing propolis are available. As with all skincare products, it’s recommended to try a small amount first to ensure no allergic reaction is caused.
Does Propolis Fade Acne Scars? Propolis has been used to treat skin after an outbreak of acne, reducing inflammation and redness. Propolis is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, so when it comes to treating skin affected by acne it has all the important bioactive properties required to promote healing. Propolis has been known to have the effect of reducing scarring, it can help even out skin tone and pigmentation and improve skin texture. While propolis cream may not be the single solution to persistent and aggressive acne, it certainly has a part to play in promoting skin health and healing. Various propolis creams and balms are available – find one which suits your skin type and contains few additives as possible.
Is Propolis Good for Fungal Acne? Yes, propolis is good for fungal acne. Propolis is highly antioxidant, it contains a wide range of flavonoids. These chemicals are found in plant and tree resins and are known to be antifungal. Lots of scientific research has been undertaken into the antifungal properties of propolis. Propolis has been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of fungal infections. Propolis creams generally contain propolis extract, a liquid propolis solution often made by extracting the bioactive chemicals within propolis into an alcohol solution. Creams which contain propolis extract exhibit antifungal properties which can be used to treat fungal acne.
Does Bee Propolis Clog Pores? Using a cream, balm or ointment containing propolis can improve skin health and moisturisation without clogging pores. Most propolis creams are non-sticky and made using a moisturising base combined with propolis extract. Whilst it can be beneficial to apply propolis extract directly to the skin in some circumstances, for regular use a propolis cream is preferred as it contains a lower concentration of pure propolis. At BeeVital our Propolis Cream is made using natural ingredients with no added colour or scent. It is easily absorbed into the skin providing nourishing moisture while the antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties of propolis promote skin health.
Does Propolis Brighten Skin? Yes, propolis can have the effect of brigtening the skin and can even-out skin tone. This is because skin redness and blotchy complexions are often caused by inflammation or irritation. Propolis is highly antioxidant and exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin in the form of a soothing cream or ointment, propolis can reduce the appearance of scarring left by acne, or uneven skin tone, often the result of inflammation. Propolis creams generaly moisturise and nourish the skin with other important ingredients such as Vitamin E as well, which can leave skin with a healthy glow and feeling smooth cared for.
Can I Apply Propolis on My Face? Yes, propolis can be applied to the face. Propolis extract can be applied directly to the skin, although it is generally recommended to use a propolis cream or ointment if applying regularly. Its easy to include propolis in your daily skincare routine. There are many propolis creams available, most of which contain propolis extract combined with other moisturising ingredients. Propolis lip balms are also available which can protect and heal the delicate skin of the lips. Our Propolis Lip Balm contains orange oil as well as sunblock for added UV protection.
Does Propolis Help With Acne? Yes, propolis can help with acne. It is made by honeybees from tree and plant resins which are packed with flavonoids. Flavonoids are highly antioxidant and the result is that propolis exhibits powerful antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties – all of which help in the treatment of acne. Propolis creams and ointments are usually made using propolis extract combined with a moisturising base cream. Applied daily, Propolis Cream can help inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria, help clear blocked pores and promote skin health. The anti-inflammatory properties of propolis can also help reduce the appearance of scarring or uneven skin tone left as the result of acne.
Can Propolis Cure Eczema? Eczema is generally caused by a combination of factors including irritants such as detergents, environmental factors including cold or dry weather, food allergies, hormonal changes or by skin infections. While propolis cannot cure eczema it has been successfully used to manage the symptoms of eczema. Its antibacterial properties means it can suppress infections which may trigger an outbreak of eczema. Lots of pharmaceutical treatments for eczema include steroids which can damage the skin if used long term. For mild cases of eczema it is always worth trying a cream which contains propolis extract. Our Propolis Cream is made with a moisturising base. It contains no scents or chemical additives and is parabens free. Our sister brand Sweet Cecily’s also produce a similar product called Soothing Skin Cream, which is also highly recommended as it was formulated by the company’s founder who suffered with eczema herself.
What Does Propolis Do For Skin? Propolis is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiseptic. These healing properties make it the perfect active ingredient in natural skincare products. Propolis extract can be applied directly to the skin to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation or treat conditions like acne, eczema or dermatitis. Often propolis creams and oitments are made using a natural moisturising base cream combined with propolis extract in a concentration which makes it suitable for regular application. Propolis is made by honeybees from plant and tree resins which contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are highly antioxidant and support the body’s normal immune function.
Focus on: Honey and Propolis
Bonnie is passionate about all things beauty. When she's not posting content on her Instagram , she's sharing her knowledge and expert advice here on BTY ALY.
Bees are your skin’s baes! Honey and propolis are not just great for your health, they also do wonder for your skin.
Skincare products rich in hive ingredients such as honey and propolis have always been popular, especially amongst sensitive skins. The use of these ingredients in cosmetics is definitely not new, but skincare products made in Korea have put a spotlight on both of these very powerful and effective natural ingredients.
If you’re a fan of Korean cosmetics, you have most likely heard about propolis skincare products. Propolis is this resin made by bees to fortify the hive.
Bees spend their days buzzing from flower to flower with only the well-being of their hive in mind.
In doing so, they produce many natural treasures such as honey, propolis and royal jelly that can all be used to heal the skin.
Honey and propolis are the two ingredients from the hive which are most used in cosmetics. Often confused with honey, propolis doesn’t exactly offer the same benefits for the skin. And many cosmetic products use both ingredients in their formulas to take advantage of the great combined benefits.
Honey:
Honey has always been consumed and appreciated, it’s a great sweet treat created by bees.
This liquid, thick and sticky substance that bees make is harvested from the nectar of flowers. The bees then carry this nectar (= a mixture of sugar, water, and pollen) to the hive. At the hive, other bees add enzymes, significantly reducing the substance and separating the sugar molecules. What has become honey is then placed in the hive’s alveoli, to be used as food for the larvae or stored for the winter.
The small sugar molecules of honey are easily absorbed by the digestive system. Honey is therefore considered a high-energy food. The sugars contained in honey also have anti-bacterial properties. Honey has been used extensively in the treatment of wounds and skin disorders for hundreds of years.
Indeed, honey improves skin nutrition, accelerates the healing process and is very effective to cleanse the skin lesions. It’s a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient. It also helps regenerate and repair the skin.
Honey is also used in cosmetics for its humectant action, which means it retains moisture in the skin. It is therefore a natural moisturizer that enhances the elasticity of the skin.
Honey can also be used fermented, which allows it to be even more concentrated and effective! It’s often used this way in Korean cosmetics where fermented ingredients are commonplace.
Propolis:
Propolis is a natural resin made by bees to build and repair their hive. It’s also used to protect the hive against various attacks and bacterial diseases. It’s made with tree buds, beeswax and other bee’s secretions.
Historically, propolis was used in Greece to treat abscesses. Assyrians also used propolis to treat wounds and tumors, while Egyptians used it for mummification.
Because propolis has a powerful effect on the healing process of the skin. Its antimicrobial action purifies the skin and prevents the proliferation of bacteria. It boosts the regeneration of the epidermis by stimulating the collagen production, and its antioxidant effect makes it a powerful anti-aging ingredient.
With all these beneficial effects, propolis has a great ability to repair damaged skin.
For which skin types:
Both ingredients are perfect to:
– repair damaged skin,
– soothe sensitive skin,
– calm redness,
– provide long-lasting hydration to dry and dehydrated skin,
– calm inflammation and help to heal the breakouts of acne skin,
– prevent the signs of aging with its antioxidant action.
In short, they are great for all skin types, especially sensitive skins!
When is the best time to use them:
Honey and propolis are perfect to use when the skin is sensitized by a strong treatment. For example, it’s great when you’re using exfoliating acids.
They both strengthen the barrier function of the skin and help you benefit from your acid treatment by reducing the undesirable effects. It works also if you’re using in combination with other strong active ingredients such as retinol, for example, which is prone to drying out the skin.
They’re also ideal ingredients in winter when the skin is sensitized by cold and windy weather. Honey and propolis help to nourish and regenerate the skin.
Honey and propolis are also great for acne prone skin because of their anti-bacterial and healing properties. They can be used in addition to an anti-acne treatment to enhance its effects and help the skin heal faster.
I personally love to use these ingredients in summer, because the air conditioning tends to dehydrate my skin a lot.
Product recommendations:
All these products are silicone-free (except for the Nuxe lip balm), mineral oil-free and alcohol-free.
– Skinfood Royal Honey Propolis Enrich Essence :
A Korean essence/serum that I adore, especially when my skin needs some extra comfort. More info in my mini-review!
– Cosrx Propolis Light Ampule
A Korean ampoule/serum with a light texture, ideal for combo skins which still want to repair but also to rebalance. My mini-review is here.
– Leegeehaam Vita Propolis Ampoule
this ampoule/ serum is probably my favorite of the bunch; see my mini-review.
– Farmacy Honey Drop
And you’ll find my my mini-review of Farmacy Honey Drop here.
– Farmacy Honey Potion
A heating mask that helps to clarify and stimulates the dull skins. It contains honey, propolis, and royal jelly as well as other moisturizing ingredients such as amino acids and vitamin B. Its texture transforms when you apply it on the skin. At first, it’s quite sticky (like honey ), then it becomes creamy and has a slight heating effect. It helps to give radiance to the skin and has a revitalizing effect. I would not recommend it for a very dry skin but it’s great for a tired and dull skin.
It retails for $56 for 117g.
– Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm
One of my all-time favorite lip balms. In France, it’s definitely a cult-classic product! This little jar contains honey, sunflower, rosehip, calendula, sweet almond oils, shea butter and grapefruit essence. It’s quite thick and waxy, so I usually apply it in the evening, just before going to bed in a rather thick layer, like a night mask for my lips. It helps to deeply repair the lips and it also prevents them from dehydration. The jar lasts a while, usually more than 6 months.
I repurchased this product 1 million times already, I have used it for almost 20 years.
It retails between $10 to $15 for 15ml.
