The Science of Propolis In Skin Care

Sometimes referred to as “bee glue,” propolis is a sticky substance that bees make to hold their hives together and keep unwanted guests – like bacteria and fungi – out. Propolis is more than just a sticky bee construction material, though. It has been used by people for centuries for a variety of medicinal properties. Today, it is best known for its use in skin care products, thanks to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this guide, you’ll learn more about what propolis in skin care is, its benefits and side effects, and which skin types it’s best for.

Propolis is a natural substance made by bees to seal their hives.

Propolis in skin care provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

People with allergies to bees should not use propolis in skin care.

What Is Propolis?

Propolis is a resinous substance that bees produce by mixing saliva and beeswax with secretions gathered from tree buds, sap flows, or other plants. Propolis is used by bees to seal gaps in the hive, reinforce the hive’s structure, and protect it from external threats.

Propolis has been used by humans for thousands of years, particularly in ancient civilizations like Egypt, where it was used for its medicinal properties. In modern times, it has gained popularity in skin care for its ability to protect, heal, and rejuvenate the skin.

Active Compounds in Propolis

The efficacy of propolis in skin care can be attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds. These include:

Flavonoids. Propolis is rich in flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants that help to protect the skin from free radicals and oxidative stress. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory properties, making propolis effective in soothing irritated skin.

Phenolic acids. These compounds are known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They play a significant role in protecting the skin from infections and promoting healing.

Terpenes. Terpenes in propolis have strong antimicrobial effects, which help to keep the skin clear of acne-causing bacteria and other pathogens.

Essential oils. Propolis contains a variety of essential oils that contribute to its healing properties. These oils help to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

Amino acids. Amino acids in propolis support skin regeneration by promoting collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Benefits of Propolis in Skin Care

Propolis offers a wide range of benefits for the skin, making it a versatile ingredient in skin care products. Some of its key benefits include:

Anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Propolis in skin care is effective for reducing inflammation, making it ideal for treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Its soothing properties also help to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Antimicrobial properties. Thanks to its many flavonoids and phenolic acids, propolis in skin care acts as a natural antimicrobial agent. It helps to fight off bacteria, fungi, and viruses, making it beneficial for acne-prone skin and for preventing infections in minor cuts and wounds.

Healing and regeneration. Propolis promotes the regeneration of skin cells and accelerates the healing process. This makes it an excellent ingredient for treating damaged skin, scars, and sunburns.

Anti-aging. The antioxidant properties of propolis help to neutralize free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging. By protecting the skin from oxidative stress, propolis helps to maintain a youthful appearance, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and improve skin texture.

Side Effects of Propolis in Skin Care

Propolis in skin care is generally safe for most people and comes with few side effects. The only major concern when using propolis is for those with allergies to bees. Do not use propolis or other ingredients like royal jelly that are derived from bees, as they can trigger allergic reactions.

Products That Contain Propolis in Skin Care

Propolis has become a popular skin care ingredient and is now included in a variety of products. One of my favorites is from the brand Nuxe, which has a line called “Reve de Miel” that uses ingredients like propolis to soothe and rejuvenate the skin.

Which Skin Types Should Use Propolis in Skin Care?

Propolis can be a beneficial skin care ingredient for most skin types, but its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly useful for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Additionally, its moisturizing and healing properties make propolis a beneficial ingredient for mature skin, helping to restore hydration and promote skin regeneration.

Bottom Line: Should I Use Propolis in Skin Care?

If you’re looking for a natural ingredient that offers a number of benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, propolis in skin care is worth considering. However, if you have a known allergy to bee products, it’s best to avoid propolis and other bee-derived ingredients. Otherwise, propolis comes with a variety of skin benefits that are backed by scientific research and few side effects, making it a generally safe and effective ingredient for most skin types.

If you don’t already know your skin type, take the quiz to find out which of the 16 Baumann Skin Types you are before trying new products to make sure they are a fit for your skin.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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