Propolis is the newest skincare ingredient buzzing all over the internet

Propolis is one of the recent trends most discussed in the global market of cosmetics and beauty products. This natural substance that is formed by honeybees is also quite enviable in all the aspects when used on the skin which might be the reason it is gaining a lot of popularity. Please wait to receive all the specific information that you need about propolis for skin.

What is Propolis?

Propolis is sticky material which honey bees collect from plants which they pick in the plantations and transform into sticky mass. It is used to secure leaks in the hives, to seal spaces between the foundation combs, and to reinforce the entrance of the hive against invasions by disease carrying organisms inclusive of bacteria, fungus, and viruses. The term propolis is of Greek origin, propoli literally means ‘the city’s protection,’ because of the functions of propolis.

Propolis or bee glue is sticky material that is gathered by bees from botanicals and comprises saliva, beeswax and exudate mixture. Tap hole sap which is the liquid that oozes from the tree trunks and branches, tree buds are the ones most preferred by bees in the preparation of propolis. Here is the point: This reveals that depending on plant availability in the surrounding environment of bees, propolis will be of different contents. However, bee propolis Constitutes about 50% resins, 30% wax, 10% volatile oils, 5% pollen and the remaining 5% is other compounds.

However, during collection of the propolis from the beehives, the manufacturers sometimes employ a series of treatments in order to make this skincare constituent available.

Skin benefits of propolis

Most of the skin benefits of propolis revolve around anti-aging properties as well as wound healing.

Traditionally, people used propolis for treatment for many centuries and it is evident that it does have some positive effects on the human body. According to historical records, propolis has been employed by Egyptians to preserve the dead bodies, particularly mummies. According to the evidence, ancient Greek and Roman physicians employed propolis in wound treatments. This valuable product remains to be utilized in some of the modern traditional Eastern medicines up to this very day.

A good number of the uses that people have been using propolis for have a historical origin and many of them that relate to skin have now been found to have scientific backings. Here are some of the top scientifically-proven ways that propolis benefits skin:

1. Protects against sun damage

Flavonoids are antioxidant compounds found in propolis that help combat free radicals. Flavonoids stabilize these reactive molecules thus playing a protective role in that they protect skin cells DNA from being damaged by UV light. Antioxidants also help the skin to fight free radical inflammation and to preserve collagen for young, healthy skin.

A clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research in 2007 showed that propolis protects the skin from sunburn or erythema in human subjects. In the present study, oral propolis at 8 weeks dosed had fewer incidences of sunburn in participants taken for the supplement. The propolis group could also be exposed to higher levels of UV before burns occurred.

Based on these studies, it can be inferred that ingesting antioxidants in propolis or applying them on the skin may prove useful in skin protection from the sun.

2. Heals wounds

From cuts to minor ones or bed sore, is one of the most effective and oldest remedies for wound healing. Present research supports the proposition of propolis as a regenerative substance.

The research published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy highlighted that propolis aids the wound healing process in several ways. It is also effective against germs that leads to an infection among other things. It also promotes the formation of new tissue, enhances the development of new blood vessels, reduces inflammation, and eliminates reactive oxygen species that prolong the healing process.

A randomized human study carried out in International Wound Journal was focused on the comparison of a skin propolis cream to a silver sulfadiazine cream in treating surgical wounds. The results reveal that, in this study, the wound healing rate of the propolis group was significantly higher than that of the silver sulfadiazine group in the early stage of the first week of treatment.

3. Treats acne

The effectiveness of propolis in reducing the antimicrobial activity is also applicable to bacteria causing acne. The Propolis proved to have enzymes that are effective in preventing bacterial growth and formation of biofilms from C. acnes bacteria. Biofilms enable the acne bacteria to form a community and hence contribute to inflammation within the hair follicles and the subsequent formation of pimples.

A comparative cross-sectional study done in Herbal Medicines Journal ascertained that a 3% propolis gel was more effective than placebo in the reduction of inflammatory acne lesions after 12 weeks. Researchers suggested that propolis possesses a synergistic antibacterial effect that also inhibits C. acnes and reduces inflammation associated with the formation of acne.

4. Fights fungal infections

Besides bacteria, bee propolis can also effectively reduce annoying fungal pathogens including Candida albicans.Among the flavonoids present in the propolis, two of them, namely pinocembrin that inhibits the biofilm formation and has an impact on the formation of the cell wall of the Candida.

Therefore, with the regard of the list of diseases and ailments, which can be treated by using propolis it can be stated that application of the propolis for the treatment of the fungal diseases like athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, nail infections may have some degree of effectiveness as the additional therapeutic intervention. There has also been discovery that propolis has some potential in the eradication of skin fungal infections, which normally find their way into the body during times when immunity is low such as oral thrush.

5. Anti-inflammatory effects

Inflammation can be given as the defining feature of most of the primary simple skin diseases such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis or skin allergy. This immune response is beneficial for body defense but is detrimental when experienced by the skin, and due to its anti-inflammatory properties propolis soothes this.

Studies reveal that propolis strongly suppresses various enzymes associated with inflammation including lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It also recycles free radicals that spur inflammation damage sequences. Moreover, the flavonoids present in propolis inhibit the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by immune cells.

Most likely, the use of propolis has a possible effect to alleviate inflammation of the skin and in addition to this, it may also be effective in reducing general redness or skin sensitivity. They aid in keeping skin healthy and resistant to inflammation due to various assaults from the environment such as pollution.

6. Supports skin immunity

In connection with inflammation, there are adaptations of propolis on the immune functions of tissues of the skin. Propolis is actually known as a selective immunostimulatory substance because it increases protective immunity but does not over-activate the process of inflammation.

Some of the known compounds like galangin and CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) in propolis work on the skin immune cells referred to as the Langerhans cells to increase their ability to detect and eliminate pathogens. Also, propolis suppresses the level of inflammation by reducing the synthesis of molecules such as interleukin-6 (IL-6).

This is helpful in maintaining the activity of skin immunity and in regulating immunity to germs while avoiding immune response to harmless antigens. In other words, propolis can be viewed as a type of strengthening of the skin’s immune system and enhancement of what is called “good” immunity.

7. Firms skin and better skin quality 

Not only is propolis effective in regulating and restoring skin’s barrier function, but also has skin aesthetics functions – improving skin’s surface smoothness.

The antioxidants of quercetin and other elements of propolis enhance the roughness, fill fine lines and wrinkles and provide better skin finish. Another benefit of propolis is that it helps to brighten the skin as it helps reduce melanin formation in the skin and clear skin complexion. Tyrosinase is a natural enzyme that plays a role in melanin pigments biosynthesis which may accumulate in skin and result in the undesirable formation of dark spots. This flavonoid found in propolis called galangin inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase to lighten up skin discoloration for a smoother skin tone.

All these cumulative actions make propolis as a multi-functional skin anti-aging agent given that propolis shields the skin from harm, enhances the skin renewal rate, and the quality of skin collagen as well as skin surface texture and color.

For whom the Propolis for Skin is effective?

However it is clear that propolis works the product can then be advocated for all categories of skin chiefly because no type of skin can be said to benefit or be harmed by propolis. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties make it useful for a wide range of skin issues:Because of its properties on issues tending to be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant, wills can be used to treat several skin illnesses.

• Acne-prone skin: The explanation is as it removes the bacteria which is mainly if not the only one responsible for the formation of an acne and assists in decreasing inflammation of a breakout.Due to the anti-acne properties, propolis can be useful for teenagers, adults, sportsmen, and everyone who has a tendency to develop so-called ‘mask’ acne when wearing protective face masks.

• Sensitive skin: They also reduce redness, itching, and inflammation that is characteristic of sensitive skin. They assist in helping the sensitive skin develop immunity to redness, reaction, rashes, and other effects of the environment.

• Mature skin: The antioxidants in propolis protect against collagen damage since it enhances the skin texture for anti-aging effects. It handles the skin by brightening it when it becomes pale, repairing skin that looks fatigued and preventing wrinkles and age spots.

         Dry skin: Concerning the skin, propolis helps boost the dermis’ propensity to produce hyaluronic acid, thereby boosting moisture content. This is beneficial for enhancing the skin moisture;              particularly for those who have dry skin, since it improves the skin’s water content. It also prevents skin infections on areas that have been chapped through use of its antimicrobial features.

• Oily/combination skin: Despite this, propolis does offer moisture to the skin; however, it is not comedogenic meaning it will not clog up the skin pores and make the skin oily as most moisturizers do. As it has been observed, it caters for all skin types.

           Damaged skin: Whether it is a small cut or a burn, an eczema patch, propolis accelerates the healing process by offering a natural defense against bacterial growth and reducing                                     inflammation as well as stimulating cell division.

• Post-procedure skin: Propolis has healing properties that help with the skin’s renewal process, making it especially useful after procedures such as chemical face peels, microneedling, or laser facials. This again has a role in eliminating certain complications such as infections due to the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial nature of turmeric.

Concerns About Using Propolis

As for the skin application of propolis, despite the fact that it is quite safe for almost everyone, people with known allergies should be very careful with any new skin product. It is also worthwhile to mention that propolis allergy exists, and it is quite limited and known to affect people with pollen, bee venom, honey, Royal Jelly or balsam of Peru allergy. It is advisable to first make a patch test before using any products with propolis as the main ingredient.

If you have any reaction such as rash, hive, redness or other related symptoms which may suggest allergy, stop using the product. Thankfully, many of the adverse reactions only last a few days once the person is no longer in contact with propolis.

The following presents dermatological products developed from propolis, which include creams, lotion, mask, and moisturizers.Therefore, it is increasingly incorporated in topical skin products due to the following skin benefits of propolis.

• Propolis extracts: While simple propolis extracts need not contain complex ingredients, the bioactive compound concentration is usually high. In serums and ampoules propolis extracts are used in the strongest dosage and stimulate the skin to protect and regenerate.

• Propolis toners: Propolis added toners represent skin cleaning and treatment procedures due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, in spray or wipe-on application.

• Propolis essences: These propolis serums contain special ingredients to give acne the one-two punch to combat pimples. These work by addressing the issues that are blocking pores, bacterial infection, inflammation, and others; propolis, tea tree oil and other botanicals.

• Propolis creams/ointments: Richer propolis creams serve well as emollient for insensitive or inflamed skin. The occlusive effects retain moisture in the skin and this is applicable to the dry skin. Ointments also serve in the way of keeping skin injuries safeguarded in a bid to heal.

• Propolis gels: The feeling when applying the propolis gels is rather warm and the skin becomes fresh and moisturized besides which they act on the final stages of getting rid of the pimples. It has a lightweight texture, and this is good for this user that regularly has problems with oily or acne skin Not only does it not cause the appearance of acne but also contributes to the regulation of sebum secretion.

• Propolis masks: Sheet masks, overnight masks and peeling skin masks provide a strong propolis boost for anti aging, moisturizing and purifying benefits. Carrying masks also facilitate deeper infiltration by propolis’ bioactive compounds and additional convenience.

• Propolis spot treatments: Condensed propolis serums are aimed at concentrating on zones of conflict such as a breakout, a sunburn, inflammation, or pigmented places, such as age spots.The other properties of the drug including the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory also plays a role in enhancing the rate of healing.

• Propolis supplements: The oral propolis capsules also have skin benefits of propolis since it is absorbed by the body. Supplements also help to replenish antioxidant stores that combat inflammation and oxidant injury on all levels.

How to add propolis into your skincare regimen

It makes sense that with all the flawless skin-care products, putting them on in the right order and at the right time can further complicate things. Fortunately propolis integrates very simply:Fortunately propolis integrates very simply:

Day care routine:

For propolis, it should be used in the form of a toner, essence or serum in the morning as a base before other thicker creams. This means that the lighter product of propolis has a chance to get inside the skin as fast as possible and as deep as  possible at the same time as it strengthens the body’s antioxidant barrier for the day’s exposure to the environment.

Night care routine:

But what’s this, expert estheticians claim that the antioxidants such as propolis are best applied at night after a dose of heavy moisturizers. The moisture boost enables penetration of active ingredients into the skin during night repair as compared to the day. For propolis, additional use on spots for acne, face masks ideally 1-2 times per week and oral supplements for the inflammation fight.

This makes propolis to complement other antioxidant enhancers such as vitamin C and niacinamide. Moreover, it works best with peptide serums or retinols, which promote the production of collagen in the skin. To enhance propolis effectiveness in treating acne, mix the substance with azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

It is best to either use propolis alongside AHA/BHA chemical exfoliants or apply products that may potentially irritate the skin such as retinol. For example, apply acids and retinol at night but opt for propolis during the morning. This helps to avoid incidences where a particular actives are over applied or used frequently with compromise to skin’s barrier function.

This product fits very well with most other anti-aging, soothing and purifying ingredients due to its natural nature. This natural transdermal remedy takes advantage of mother nature’s strength by fortifying your skincare from the inside out for that vibrant skin glow.