Beeswax is another beneficial substance that comes from honey bees. It can moisturize the skin and promote healing. Here's why you should use beeswax for your skin.
People with acne and dry skin swear by honey, the sweet, sticky substance produced by bees. Honey isn’t the only gift from bees that we can enjoy. You can add beeswax to that list. It’s a natural substance produced by honeybees to build the walls of their honeycombs. The waxy material, made up of fatty acids, is secreted by worker bees. It’s used in candle making, food preservation, and even skin care products. Because it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, beeswax is good for your skin. Interestingly, there are different ways to use beeswax for your skin.
What are the benefits of beeswax for skin?
According to a study published in The Journal of Health, beeswax has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2023. “Thanks to these properties, this natural substance can help improve the overall condition of a person’s skin,” says the cosmetologist and skin expert. Dr. Jatin Mittal.
Here are some of them benefits of beeswax for skin:
1. Moisturizing
Beeswax is a great natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. “It can form a protective layer on the skin and prevent moisture loss while keeping the skin well-hydrated,” says the expert.
2. May help people with sensitive skin.
A 2018 study published in the journal Journal of Drugs in DermatologyNatural products like beeswax have been shown to be more effective in caring for sensitive skin than products made with synthetic ingredients. Beeswax can act as a barrier on the skin, protecting it from environmental damage such as pollution and harsh weather. This protective layer can also help prevent irritants from entering the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It is best to avoid exposing the skin to irritants as they can cause inflammation.
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3. Medicinal properties
According to a study published in the journal The Health, beeswax can be used to treat bruises, burns and cracked heels. Frontiers of Pharmacology in 2017. “Beeswax contains vitamin A, which is essential for cell regeneration,” says Dr. Mittal. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help heal the woundsminor cuts and burns. Thus, beeswax can help to speed up the recovery and improve the texture of the skin.
4. Anti-aging
Beeswax contains vitamin A, which may help protect skin from UV rays and reduce wrinkles, according to a study published in Scientifically based complementary and alternative medicine in 2016. “Vitamin A can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by aiding in the production of healthy skin cells,” says the expert. Plus, beeswax’s ability to retain moisture can help keep skin looking plump and youthful, as well as prevent premature aging.
5. Can soften chapped lips.
Beeswax is commonly used in lip balms for its emollient properties. “It can create a protective barrier that can lock in moisture and soothe your dry, chapped lips,” says Dr. Mittal.
How to use beeswax for leather?
Here are some ways to use beeswax for leather:
- Beeswax can be used as a natural moisturizer on its own or as an ingredient in homemade balms and lotions.
- Beeswax is a popular ingredient in lip balms because of its ability to protect and heal chapped lips. It forms a barrier on the lips, keeping them moisturized and preventing further drying.
- Beeswax is often used in ointments for its healing properties. It can be combined with other ingredients, such as essential oils, to soothe irritated skin and heal wounds.
- When mixed with sugar or salt, beeswax can be used as a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells.
- Beeswax can be used as a natural makeup base as it evens out the skin's surface and helps makeup apply more effectively.
What are the side effects of beeswax on skin?
“Beeswax can be used on the skin every day because it is gentle and safe for different skin types, including sensitive skin,” says Dr. Mittal. Using beeswax-based products daily can help keep your skin hydrated, protect against environmental damage, and keep your skin healthy. Beeswax is safe for most people, but it can also have side effects. Here are some:
- People who are allergic to bee products may experience an allergic reaction when applying beeswax to their skin, including redness, swelling, or itching.
- In some cases, especially in people with acne-prone skin, beeswax can clog pores, leading to breakouts.
- Beeswax may cause skin sensitivity or irritation in some people, especially if it is used in a product with other ingredients that are not well tolerated by the skin.
Using beeswax is a good way to take care of your skin. But in some cases, it can cause allergic reactions, so be sure to do a sensitivity test before including beeswax in your skin care routine.