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Natural honey is not the only bee product with proven beneficial properties made from bees. Propolis, also referred to as bee glue, is equally useful for internal and external application to the skin, as well as boosting our body's immunity. Therefore, the increased interest in propolis as a main ingredient in a number of cosmetic products is fully justified. Studies show that it perfectly complements skin care in every aspect such as smoothing, removing skin imperfections, and improving the overall structure of the skin.

It is believed that bees produce propolis as a means of gluing the individual structures of their hive, but they also rely on another one of its powerful properties, which is of interest to the cosmetics industry. Propolis has pronounced antibacterial properties and they can be used to supplement skin care.

Healing ingredients in propolis

Researchers have identified more than 300 different compounds in propolis. The majority of these compounds are some forms of polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that fight disease and damage in the body. More specifically, propolis contains the type polyphenols called flavonoids. Flavonoids are produced in plants as a form of protection and have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects as they protect your cells from oxidative damage that can lead to disease. These antioxidants can prevent the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cognitive diseases.

They’re commonly found in foods thought to have antioxidant properties, including: fruits, green tea, vegetables and red wine.

Prevention and treatment of acne

The antibacterial properties of propolis help reduce skin inflammation and complement the care to control the causes of acne. In addition, propolis unclogs the pores of the skin, which helps to dilute these causes and prevent the subsequent inflammation of acne.

Healing wounds and burns

Propolis has a special compound called pinocembrin, a flavonoid that acts as an antifungal active agent. These anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make propolis beneficial in healing wounds.  More severe sunburns, as well as milder forms of other types of skin burns can be alleviated with the application of propolis products. In addition, propolis has a stimulating effect on the renewal of the epidermal layer of the skin.

Along with its complementary effect to control some skin problems, propolis also has a purely tonic effect on the skin to maintain its good health. Therefore, it can be used as part of daily skin care at any age as a rich source of coumarin, polyphenols and amino acids for skin health.

Smoothing skin  complexion and pigmentation

Propolis also acts as an antioxidant as it neutralizes free radicals that damage melanocytes and disrupt the production of the skin pigment melanin.

 Removal of warts and cold sore treatment

Studies show that treating a few drops of concentrated propolis tincture daily can help shrink and remove warts on the skin. The positive effect is associated with the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties of propolis.  Research also shows that propolis creams not only reduce the amount of herpes virus present in a person’s body, but also protected the body against future cold sore breakouts.

Possible allergic reactions

Everyone takes in some propolis when they eat honey, but if you have an allergy to honey or bees, you will also have a reaction to products containing propolis. Propolis may also cause its own allergic reaction when used for a long time.

Beekeepers are some of the people most likely to have a propolis allergy because they’re around the compound often ,as  the typical allergic reaction is an eczema-like skin breakout. Talk to your doctor before adding propolis to the regiment that you have chosen, especially if you have a history of  allergies or asthma.