Bees are beautiful creatures, but from a distance. The element of danger associated with bees is common knowledge right? As humans, we’ve mastered the skill to run away from this marvelous insect with the fear of one thing and one thing only—the ‘bee sting’. So imagine our surprise (read: shock) when that sting’s venom finds its way to our skincare routine.
Derived from the sting of bees, as opposed to its name, bee venom actually offers several medicinal properties and aids in treating several ailments and skin conditions. An ingredient sworn by royalty, bee venom in skincare came in the spotlight when Camilla Parker, Queen Consort of the United Kingdom, reportedly used a face mask that contained bee venom. Now, when you hear the word ‘venom’, you think poison and that doesn’t quite paint a pretty picture does it? But, contrary to popular belief (and in this case, fear), bee venom actually has a plethora of skin benefits from anti-ageing to anti-acne.
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Breaking the hive
First things first, bee venom is a liquid that bees usually discharge when their defence mechanisms kick in or they feel threatened. Studies have found that other than the toxins present in the venom (that cause the pain and inflammation), ironically it also contains a whole lot of medicinal properties that include anti-inflamatories, antiviral, and anti-bacterial content.
Here’s the thing—you don’t have to be actually stung by a bee to reap the benefits of bee venom. While the holistic practice of apitherapy (bee sting therapy, conducted by a professional) is one way to go with treating certain ailments, the use of topical cosmetic products that contain bee venom is a less controversial (and dangerous) way to treat your skin. Here, the venom is collected from honeybees and then added to skincare formulations with other active ingredients. When applied to the skin, bee venom actually tricks your brain into thinking you’ve been stung, which inadvertently stimulates collagen and elastin production and fresher nutrients that help with the process of healing.
The skincare benefits of bee venom
#1: Botox in a bottle
Bee venom rose to fame when people realised that it could be a natural alternative to botox. Thanks to the fact that it stimulates collagen and elastin production, your skin feels tighter, smoother, younger, and more lifted—it reduces and smoothens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Bee venom also encourages skin cell renewal, making skin appear healthier and youthful too. Plus, considering the venom acts like anaphylactic, it provides a temporary relaxing effect to your facial muscles, which leaves you with tighter skin.
#2: Acne fighter
Melittin, one of the active compounds found in bee venom, has several anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Although this very compound is what causes the inflammation and pain when you get stung by a bee, in small doses it tends to have an anti-inflammatory effect, thus helping treat mild to moderate acne.
#3: Treats eczema & psoraisis
Eczema and psoriasis are inflammatory skin conditions and thanks to the melittin present in bee venom, it can help reduce the severity of these conditions, and prevent itching and redness.
What about the bees?
It’s a known fact that when bees physically sting you, their stingers poke the skin and then excrete the venom. The stinger cannot be pulled out, and is therefore ripped from the bee resulting in the insect's death. But, when applied in skincare, the bee venom is sourced more responsibly, ensuring that the bees aren’t harmed in any form or manner.
Tread with caution
The concentration of bee venom in skincare products is usually quite less, and is therefore safe to use without worry. With that being said, bee venom can cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, and can be a little dangerous for those who are highly allergic to it. That is why it is important to do a patch test before using any product.
