Propolis has unsuspected protective and repairing virtues. These benefits are particularly welcome when the skin and scalp are attacked by the sun, sea water or pool chlorine.
Propolis is one of the products of the hive. But where does it come from? It is a resin that is collected by bees from the buds of trees such as fir, birch or poplar. These use it to seal the small holes in the hive and ensure its waterproofing throughout the winter. Propolis is also used to sanitize dead insects (bees and others), present in the hive and which could be carriers of bacteria. After the harvest of honey, it is extracted manually.
How do you harvest propolis?
“Using a scraper that looks like a small iron shovel, the small pieces of propolis, explains Nathalie Mary, specialist in bee products. It is then dissolved in alcohol to recover the active parts and eliminate the remains of insects. In cosmetics, we like to mix it with essential oils, honey, Royal jelly or pollen to complete its action. “Because it is concentrated in substances with anti-inflammatory properties and antiseptics (flavonoids and artepillin C, a unique phenolic acid). It can be black, white, yellow or even green (from plants of the Brazilian rainforest). With its unparalleled disinfectant and repairing properties, propolis is a valuable ally for health, which naturally finds its place in products against cold, the cough, and to strengthen the body’s natural defenses. But also in hygiene care and natural cosmetics.
Propolis very popular in skin care
With its content of anti-inflammatory and healing active ingredients, propolis is a prized ingredient in skin care. It indeed facilitates the regeneration of sensitized skin and improves pathologies such asacne, l’eczema and even the psoriasis.
It soothes irritated areas and relieves discomfort of the epidermis. It is also found in some formulas anti-aging, where it facilitates cell repair and preserves the youthfulness of the skin. Propolis is also used in hygiene products: “By its antimicrobial action, it cleanses and rids the stratum corneum of impurities”, continues our expert.
Propolis purifies the scalp
Antiseptic and bactericidal, propolis helps limit the excessive production of fat (hyper-seborrhea) in the scalp. It also has a regulatory action on dandruff conditions. “It purifies oily scalps, facilitates the disappearance of the microorganisms responsible for dandruff, and quickly calms inflammation “, specifies Nathalie Mary. According to some studies, it would even be very effective against hair loss and would facilitate regrowth.
Its sanitizing efficiency also makes it an excellent ingredient in deodorants, where it neutralizes the microbes responsible for the unpleasant odors of the sweat. Finally, after a hair removal, it facilitates healing, and repairs the weakened stratum corneum following the passage of the razor or wax on the affected areas.