Propolis For Skin | Propolis In Skincare, Is It Good?

Is propolis good for skin? What does Propolis do to the skin? Propolis are in skincare products now and it's now a current trend. Propolis is known to own many great benefits not only for the skin but also for the whole body. That's why propolis is taking over the beauty industry and you might be shocked that propolis isn't even honey. It has to do with bees producing it but it's not honey. Read on to know what is propolis and what it does to the skin.

What is Propolis?

Propolis is also known as bee propolis is a waxy substance that's created for their nest. It's created when bees harvest tree saps then adds beeswax and enzymes through their body process that creates a complex mixture of end product which is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. It's said that this 'bee glue' is used to protect a bee’s nest from harsh elements and bees mainly line their hives with propolis as an external immune system.

No wonder Propolis now is taking over the skincare industry as the properties it contains are not only great for bees but for humans too. However, I did read that propolis serves as an extension of a bee's immune system as well as a form of defense in their hives. So commercially collecting propolis could harm the bee's colony and that's really something we all should think about. 

Benefits Of Propolis For The Skin

Propolis is raved for anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Below is a breakdown of what is can do to the skin when used in skincare products.

Eases Inflammation
Propolis helps soothes redness and inflamed skin. It can also ease and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation too.

Antioxidant Protection

Environmental aggressors could cause harm to the skin making our skin age aggressively. Propolis can can neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress that damages skin cells, dullness and also dark spots.

Treat acne & its aftermath

I didn't expect that Propolis would be good in treating acne as well. In fact, most articles on propolis are promoting its usage to treat acne. It's said that Propolis targets the bacteria causing acne then helps ease the inflamed skin that caused the acne. However, it's also said that Propolis doesn't really do good in treating acne alone but it does but heal acne aftermath such as scarring, pigmentation, textural issues. Products containing propolis certainly has the bio properties to help with these problems.

So does propolis work with acne?

It should be, but still, acne-prone skin should always stay cautious.

Side Effects of Propolis

Allergy reactions. It shouldn't be overlooked as allergy reactions due to propolis could cause more harm than good. It's advised to patch test propolis based products at first if you're new to the ingredients.

Another harm is for the bees. Even though it's a really good skincare ingredient, we should also consider what commercial harvesting of propolis could impact on the bees as well.

For more detailed elaboration on Propolis. Please do refer to the source of reference below:
Reference:
What Is Bee Propolis & How Does It Benefit Sensitive Skin?
This Sticky Bee Byproduct Can Help Reverse Acne Scarring