Why Beeswax Is So Good For Your Skin? 3 Main Benefits

Beeswax has become a popular ingredient in skincare and cosmetics for its natural hydrating, protecting, and healing properties. As someone interested in natural skincare, I wanted to learn more about how beeswax can benefit my skin. In this guide, I’ll provide an overview of beeswax, its properties, and the top ways it improves skin health and appearance.

What Is Beeswax?

Honeybees produce beeswax in their hives as a natural wax. Worker bees secrete wax from glands on their abdomen and use it to build the familiar honeycomb structure. Beeswax has been used historically for a variety of purposes, like candle-making, as a preservative coating, and in cosmetics.

In skin care, beeswax acts as an occlusive – meaning it forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture. This helps hydrate and soften the skin. Beeswax also has natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits that make it effective for healing and caring for skin.

Properties Of Beeswax

What makes beeswax so beneficial for the skin? Here are some of its key properties:

• Natural emulsifier – beeswax contains fatty acids that allow it to mix oil and water together in creams and lotions. This makes it an effective ingredient in skincare products.
• Stability – beeswax maintains its integrity when combined with other ingredients, giving it good stability.
• Biological properties – beeswax contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids. These provide therapeutic value when applied.
• Pharmacological activities – research shows beeswax has antibiotic, anti-allergenic, and anti-aging effects. The wax has been used in folk medicine for these reasons.

Thanks to these natural properties, beeswax has remained popular in cosmetics and skincare for centuries!

Benefits Of Beeswax For The Skin

Using beeswax can have a number of great benefits for your skin. Here are some of the top ways it can improve skin health:

1. Anti-Bacterial

One of the top benefits of beeswax is its natural antibacterial activity. Beeswax forms a protective film over the skin that acts as a barrier against dust, particles, and other impurities that can clog pores and cause infection.

The wax also has antiseptic properties, attributed to the flavonoids and esters present in it. This makes it effective against common bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Using beeswax can help prevent infections and acne breakouts.

2. Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory effects of beeswax also make it beneficial for skin issues like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. The wax contains a compound called myricetin that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Applying beeswax can calm redness, irritation, itching and inflammation. It helps soothe and protect skin from environmental stressors. The wax can also reduce pain and swelling from minor burns, wounds or skin allergies.

3. Anti-Aging

As we age, skin loses elasticity and moisture, showing fine lines, wrinkles and dullness. Beeswax can help slow premature aging thanks to its antioxidant content.

It protects skin cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals. The vitamin A present in beeswax also aids skin regeneration and rejuvenation. Using beeswax may help reduce signs of aging like wrinkles, spots and sagging.

With regular application, beeswax can help you maintain a more youthful glow!

Potential Side Effects Of Beeswax

While beeswax is suitable for most skin types, some people may experience adverse reactions like:

• Irritation, redness, itching
• Allergic reactions, especially when combined with other ingredients
• Clogged pores leading to breakouts (comedogenic rating 2 out of 5)

Those with sensitive skin or allergies should do a patch test before applying beeswax, to check for any negative effects. Avoid if any irritation develops.

When buying beeswax, look for high-quality, unrefined beeswax which retains more nutrients. Refined beeswax may be more likely to clog pores.

Is Beeswax Comedogenic?

One common concern with beeswax is whether it clogs pores. The comedogenic rating indicates the likelihood of an ingredient blocking pores and causing acne.

Beeswax has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5, meaning it has a moderately low chance of being pore-clogging. In comparison, highly comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil are rated 4-5.

Still, those with acne-prone skin may want to do a patch test first before applying beeswax. Using non-comedogenic products with beeswax allows your skin to breathe while benefiting from its healing properties.

Where To Buy Beeswax

Beeswax can be purchased from:

• Online stores like Amazon
• Health food stores
• Craft stores like Michael’s
• Directly from local beekeepers

Look for pure, unprocessed yellow or white beeswax. Avoid types with added scents, dyes or chemicals. Buying local beeswax supports small businesses.

Cosmetic-grade beeswax meets quality standards for skincare use. Pharmaceutical grade offers the highest purity.

How To Use Beeswax On Skin

There are many ways to use beeswax to improve your skincare routine:

1. Barrier Cream

Mix beeswax with skin-friendly oils like coconut oil and shea butter to make an ultra-hydrating barrier cream. Apply it after cleansing to lock in moisture at night.

2. Lip Balm

Combine beeswax, coconut oil and honey to create a nourishing lip balm to treat chapped lips. Add peppermint or vanilla extract for flavor.

3. Exfoliating Scrub

Mix beeswax with fine sugar or salt to make a gentle face and body scrub. The wax will help moisturize as you exfoliate.

4. Skin Salve

Use beeswax as a base for skin healing salves or ointments. Melt with olive oil and add antibacterial essential oils like lavender.

The Takeaway

In summary, beeswax is a versatile natural wax that offers antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits for skin. It hydrates, protects and may help treat various skin issues. Be sure to source high-quality beeswax and do a patch test before wider use.

With regular use, beeswax can help nourish your skin and maintain a healthy, youthful glow! Its healing properties make it suitable for even sensitive skin types.

Consider adding beeswax to your skincare routine to see improvements in moisture, smoothness, and radiance. Your skin will thank you!