As good as it tastes, honey bestows plenty of health benefits on you. Besides its therapeutic health effects, did you know honey is also your skin’s best friend? That’s sweet news for sure! 

Plenty of over-the-counter skincare products contain varying amounts of honey. Authentic honey-based skincare always offers either of these two critical components of bee products- beeswax and propolis. If your honey-based skin product does not provide either of these two, you are likely not getting the real deal for your skincare.  

How beeswax and propolis nurture your skin?

Before discussing the many benefits of beeswax and propolis on your skin, here is a quick look at what beeswax and propolis are..

Beeswax is a waxy substance that is produced in the bee’s hives by honeybees. Honeybees naturally secrete this wax, which is used to build the honeycomb. 

Propolis is a resinous mixture produced by honeybees by combining their saliva and beeswax with substances collected from tree saps, resins, and other flowering sources. 

Both beeswax and propolis have unique ways to enhance your skin health. Their natural composition is suitable for people with sensitive skin and safe to use. Check out these healing effects -

Antimicrobial: Propolis is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and several studies attest to its antimicrobial effects (1, 2). Propolis is generally composed of mostly resin; the rest is wax and other organic substance (3) that have antibiotic effects. It is because of this reason, bees use propolis to repair the cracks of their hives and as a shield from bacteria and microbes. 

Antioxidant: Beeswax and propolis both are high in antioxidants. The fatty portion of the beeswax is rich in antioxidants. Propolis is naturally high in triterpenoids, compounds that exert potent antioxidant effects. The phenolic compounds in propolis play a defensive role and shield the beehive from invading pathogens(4). 

Anti-inflammatory: Many studies have confirmed the medicinal effects of propolis in cartilage, and bone regeneration, primarily due to its potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies link its anti-inflammatory effects to the presence of pinocembrin, galangin, chrysin, and kaempferol, types of flavonoids that naturally occur in propolis(5).  

Ways to use beeswax and propolis balm

As skin moisturizer: Studies show that beeswax has lubricating, skin-softening properties along with the ability to prevent loss of moisture from the skin(7). which promotes skin health. Besides, beeswax constitutes a protective barrier against many external factors by forming a film on the skin. Beeswax also provides vitamin A to the skin, which delays collagen degradation, stimulates cell growth, and promotes skin regeneration(7). 

Reduces skin infections: Preliminary research shows that applying beeswax in combination with calendula to a fungal infection-prone area three times a day for four weeks helps improve jock itch and fungal infections. Most of its healing effects are attributed to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Another study found that the application of propolis extract to infections in the nail (onychomycosis) was promising with antifungal effects (9). 

For acne treatments: The antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of beeswax-propolis makes it a useful tool to treat acne. Since it contains vitamin A (as betacarotene), it acts as an effective remedy in cell repair and rejuvenation of acne-prone skin (8). 

To heal dry, cracked lips: If you frequently suffer from chapped and dry lips, the beeswax-propolis mixture makes a perfect lip balm. The U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends using beeswax-propolis (0.5% to 3% propolis) five times daily as a remedy to treat cold sores (6). 

Reduce stretch marks: Beeswax-propolis combination helps protect the skin and retains water. This property enables the skin to hydrate and may have positive effects on stretch marks. Studies reveal that propolis increased Type III collagen, which accelerated the wound healing process, by retaining water and hydrating skin. (7)

Anti-aging effects: Research shows that propolis smoothes out wrinkles and exerts anti-aging effects due to the presence of antioxidant phenols and flavonoids. Since the antioxidants neutralize the free radical damage to the skin, it may postpone age-related skin changes and prevent premature aging. Beeswax also lightens and smoothens the skin, reducing the signs of skin fatigue and nourishing the skin through hydration (10).   

If you prefer natural ingredients and love chemical-free skincare products, beeswax and propolis combination is right for you. It is a great alternative to treat skin and rejuvenate them without the use of harsh chemicals. Since the beeswax-propolis mixture is rich in antioxidants and minerals, it naturally replenishes and refreshes the skin. Adding propolis as part of your skincare regimen makes skincare effortless. 

CAMFormula’s lineup of Apiceuticals products offer both beeswax and propolis for comprehensive skin nourishment. These beeswax and propolis balms come in three combinations - argan oil, calendula, or coconut oil to suit your needs. The combinations work together to hydrate, soften, and soothe your skin while delivering essential nutrients. All of these products are safe, non-toxic, and bee-ecosystem friendly. 

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6600457/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7569119/
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814607000647
4. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2018/7074209/
5. MARCUCCI MC. Propolis: Chemical composition, biological properties and therapeutic activity. Apidologie, 1995, 26, 83-99
6. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/390.html
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036894/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3872021/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5996904/
10. Sawicka D., Borawska M.H. The use of propolis in skin diseases. Derm. Estet. 2013;1:13–17