Propolis

PROPOLIS - THE SKIN CARE INGREDIENT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT

Chances are you've seen the word "propolis" when perusing the shelves of skin care products. In terms of ingredients, it is undoubtedly an ingredient that has become incredibly popular in recent years. This amazing ingredient often found in K-Beauty products is a mixture that honeybees create and use inside their hives for protection. But why has this become a popular ingredient in skin care? Research into this magical ingredient led to the discovery that it has powerful antibacterial properties, is antiviral, full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, propolis has been a popular ingredient in medicine for centuries, but has now been rediscovered for its amazing properties in skin care.

When it comes to using propolis on your skin, studies have shown that propolis has effects just as impressive as when used medicinally. Its powerful properties have a variety of benefits for your skin, including the treatment of acne, increased production of collagen and also a soothing effect while reducing any inflammation in the skin. In other words, this is an ingredient with many benefits for all skin types.

WHAT REALLY IS PROPOLIS?
Propolis, which is sometimes also called "beekit", is a transparent mixture with a green-brown color and a soft but firm texture. This is something produced by honey bees when resin is combined with beeswax and used to build up their hives while also acting as a disinfectant to protect them from bacteria.

BENEFITS OF PROPOLIS
We have already mentioned some of the benefits propolis can offer when used as an ingredient in skin care products. Below you can read in more detail about what this amazing ingredient has to offer.

Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal: As an antioxidant, propolis can help protect the skin against free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Studies have also shown that it can protect against the breakdown of collagen due to UV rays and it is also known for its antibacterial properties. Some studies have also concluded that the reason why propolis is so effective against various microbes is that it is rich in flavonoids, which is the same type of antioxidant found in coffee.

Moisturizing and soothing:
Propolis has some incredible moisturizing properties without leaving a creamy and heavy feeling on the skin. Thanks to propolis' healing and repairing properties, it is also a great ingredient for sunburned and sun-damaged skin. It will have a soothing effect on the skin and speed up the healing process.

Fight against free radicals:
Propolis is also full of antioxidants, which help your skin protect itself from free radicals that can damage your skin at the cellular level. Free radicals occur due to external factors such as sun damage and pollution and are almost impossible to avoid even for those who use SPF daily. The ingredient also has many healing benefits and contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress. In other words, they play a major role in protection and repair against environmental factors.

WHO SHOULD USE PRODUCTS WITH PROPOLIS?
Skin care products that contain propolis as one of the ingredients are suitable for different skin types, but are especially good for certain skin problems or skin conditions.

Tanned skin: Research has shown that propolis accelerates the healing process of sunburned skin.

Skin with acne: Propolis can help prevent acne, redness and inflammation.

Sensitive skin: Thanks to its anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties, propolis is perfect for sensitive skin.

Damaged skin: Propolis increases the production of collagen in wounds, which leads to faster healing of skin damage.

CAN PROPOLIS CAUSE ALLERGIC REACTIONS OR IRRITATION? As mentioned, propolis is a protective compound naturally created by bees to protect their hive from microbes, bacteria and other unwanted harmful substances. It consists of different substances that together provide protection for the bees and also give us different benefits when used on the skin.

Of course, as with any other skin care ingredient or product, there is a possibility of having an allergic reaction to propolis. Although allergic reactions to propolis are rare, dermatologists always recommend that you test the product on a small area before introducing a product with propolis into your skin care routine if you suspect that you may react to the substance.