What is Propolis?
Propolis, also known as "bee glue," is a sticky, resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds, sap flows, and other botanical sources. It has a distinctive woody scent and is used by bees to seal gaps in their hives and protect against disease and bacterial growth. In fact, propolis has been used by bees to mummify small animals that occasionally enter the hive, eliminating the risk of disease spread. The name "propolis" was coined by Aristotle, who named it "defender of the city" – a fitting name for this versatile substance.
Propolis is also known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which is why it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Today, propolis is gaining popularity as an ingredient in skincare products, and for good reason. In this blog, we'll explore the potential benefits of propolis for skincare and why you should consider adding it to your routine.
What is propolis used for?
Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and it is still used today in some countries to treat a range of conditions. Propolis is thought to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it effective against a range of infections and skin conditions.
In modern skincare, propolis is commonly used in a variety of products, including toners, serums, moisturizers, and masks. Propolis is often combined with other natural ingredients to create products that are designed to support healthy skin and improve its appearance.
What are propolis benefits for the skin?
Propolis has been shown to have a number of potential benefits for the skin. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds, and has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Some studies have shown that propolis can help to support the skin's natural barrier function, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and protecting against environmental irritants. It may also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
One study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment [1] found that a cream containing propolis extract was effective at reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in patients, with no significant side effects reported. Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology [2] found that a gel containing propolis extract was effective at reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
Propolis in skincare
At Bee Cosmetics, we believe in the power of propolis and its many skincare benefits. That's why we use it in some of our most popular products, including our propolis ointment and propolis beeswax soap.
Our propolis ointment is made with just three simple ingredients: sunflower oil, beeswax, and propolis. This simple yet effective formula has helped many of our customers soothe and improve the appearance of problem skin, including psoriasis, eczema, and rashes. Here's what some of our customers have to say about our propolis ointment:
"My son's psoriasis has completely disappeared, fantastic." - Katherine
"Many thanks for the lovely products; I’m so pleased with the propolis ointment as it seems to have cleared up a stubborn patch of what I think was eczema on my face! Great stuff!!!" - Beck
"It’s the first time I’ve had some relief from an ointment (eczema)." - Jill
"Love your products and the propolis ointment, the first product I ever bought from you, served me well on holiday recently ... Excellent for a rash and bites." - Audrey
In addition to our propolis ointment, we also use propolis in our propolis beeswax soap. This soap is loved by many of our customers for its strong woody scent and skin-soothing properties. Whether you're dealing with problem skin or simply want to nourish and protect your skin, our propolis-based products are a strong natural choice.
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[1] Kim, Y. J. et al. (2008) Efficacy and safety of a cream containing 70% propolis extract in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of dermatological treatment, 19(2), pp. 83-89.
[2] Singh, M., Dhawan, A. and Kaur, S. (2013) Propolis: a natural botanical source with immense pharmaceutical potential. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 148(2), pp. 401-414.