Bee Propolis is the Newest Buzz in Skincare

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Bee Propolis is the latest buzzword in skincare, but what exactly is it and why is good for our skin?
According to Shape, bee propolis has actually long been used as an herbal remedy in eastern medicine but is just gaining popularity here in the west due to its beneficial antioxidant properties.
Unlike honey, propolis is the sticky brown resin bees use to help build their hives and is packed full of minerals and nutrients.
“If you think of beeswax as the ‘bricks’ of the cell wall of the hive structure, the propolis is the ‘mortar’ that holds everything together,” he explains. It’s unique in that it’s packed — and I mean packed — with a variety of minerals and nutrients. In fact, recent research suggests it contains over 300 active compounds, many of which can be very beneficial for your skin. This includes everything from antioxidants such as ferulic acid and flavanoids to vitamins C and E to zinc,” Robyn Gmyrek, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist told Shape.
When it comes to skincare, bee propolis can help neutralize oxidative stress caused by free radicals, help combat the breakdown of collagen and elastin, and promotes wound-healing, Shape reports.
Dr. Gmyrek told Shape bee propolis is especially good for those suffering from acne due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, if you have a lot of allergies, or are allergic to bees or bee venom you could have an allergic reaction to bee propolis. Dr. Gmyrek recommends steering clear of propolis if you have a bee allergy. As with all skincare products, Shape advises users to try any new ingredient by doing a patch test first before applying it all over the face.