Beekeeping – Bees and beauty

Ageing is a natural process that we will all go through eventually, whether we want to or not. Some of us accept this process gracefully. Well, sort of gracefully because let’s be honest here, getting older is not for pussies. Meanwhile, for those determined, usually at great expense, to retain a subjective, youthful appearance, there are a number of bee-related preventative, beautifying products that might postpone this naturally occurring, ageing process. These include honey, propolis, bee venom and royal jelly. However, precautions need to be taken to find the right dosage and in case of allergens associated with bee products.

Propolis Used in beauty products to assist the healing and soothing of sensitive skin and to cure acne.

Forager bees collect propolis, also known as “bee glue”, from the sap of tree buds, sap flows and botanical sources. Propolis is a sticky, resinous substance that bees will use as a sealant in their hives, as well as an embalming agent. Propolis is also the bees’ “disinfectant”, as it is one of nature’s most powerful antimicrobials, thus sterilising the inside of a hive. Propolis is filled with minerals such as magnesium, calcium and zinc, as well as flavonoids (antioxidants) like quercetin, pinocembrin and galangin.

Bee venom Used in beauty products to stimulate collagen and elastin production for smoother skin.

Bee venom is a colourless, acidic liquid that contains enzymes, sugars, minerals and amino acids. Bee venom is extracted from honeybees using electrical shocks. This is done by means of a collection frame, which has wire electrodes installed with an electrical current running through them on a glass base. These frames are installed at the entrance of bee hives and when bees come into contact with the electrodes they receive an electrical shock. This causes bees to sting the glass, releasing the venom without losing their barbed sting. The venom is then left to dry and scraped off the glass plate. I have yet to read any research regarding how bees cope with electrical shocks, how many actually die and how the need to replenish their venom sac might alter their lifecycle/duties.

Royal jelly Used in beauty products as a multi-tasking ingredient with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, plus contains antioxidants help to soothe the skin.

Royal jelly is a rich milk-like secretion that is fundamental for the nutrition of bee larvae and queen bees and it is secreted from the hypopharynx glands of nurse bees. Royal jelly is made up of water, protein, simple sugars and acids. 10-HDA is a naturally occurring hydroxy fatty acid only found in royal jelly. Royal jelly is harvested by over stimulating colonies of bees to produce disproportionate quantities of queen bees. Royal jelly is then collected from each individual queen cell as these are the only cells in which large amounts of royal jelly are deposited.

Honey Honey is used in facial beauty products for moisturizing and soothing effects. Raw honey can hydrate the skin, leaving it soft, radiant and glowing.

Honey contains many diverse components, including carbohydrates, vitamins and amino acids, as well as a multitude of antioxidants and antibacterial components. The majority of honey types are consumed orally but certain medical grade mānuka honey can also be applied topically on the skin to heal wounds, burns and skin issues.

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