Beeswax for Skin Care
Beeswax is a natural wax that is made by honey bees and is used in many ways – including skincare. Beeswax is good for skin due to it’s unique properties – including being anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Suitable for most skin types, let’s explore the reasons why beeswax may be a perfect partner for your skin care regime.
I am always looking for natural ways to make life better. By embracing the uses of beeswax and other hive products – you too can get in on the fun of making your own health and beauty products. More natural products=fewer synthetic chemicals = better lives.
Skincare Benefits of Beeswax
You might be appalled at the ingredient list on some of your favorite beauty products or cosmetics. We use so many chemicals on our skin. If the opportunity to use a natural product is there, why not give it a try? So, what’s the big deal about beeswax?
- Natural humectant – moisturizing
- Soothing – Calming : antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
- Contains Vitamin A – known to promote healthy skin
- Creates a protective barrier
Moisturizing
Beeswax is a humectant – this means that beeswax absorbs moisture from the air and lock in existing moisture. This helps prevent exposure to dry air from dying out your skin. A serious issue – especially in Winter. Naturally moisturizing, beeswax requires no added ingredients.
Soothing & Calming
Beeswax soothes skin irritation in several ways. One important property is the antibacterial benefits of beeswax. This helps keep the surface of your skin clean – protecting the skin from bacteria and promoting healing.
What about inflammation? We often hear that too much inflammation is a bad thing. When using beeswax for skin care – it’s anti-inflammatory benefits helps some sufferers of topical allergies such as – rosacea.
Vitamin A Rich
Raw beeswax contains Vitamin A – well known for improving skin condition. Vitamin A boosts skin cell production and helps the overall appearance of the skin surface.
Protective Skin Barrier
Skin care products that contain beeswax help to create a light protective barrier against environmental pollutants, irritants and harsh weather conditions.
We are exposed to pollution, smoke, etc every day and some of these particles must end up on our skin. These can contribute to dry skin and itching. A layer of beeswax aids in protecting our skin from free radicals too.
How to Use Beeswax for Skin Care
Beeswax is used in so many health and beauty recipes that you are likely already using some on your skin – at least in a small amount. You will find it in gels, makeup, creams, salves, hair care items, ointments and more.
And, one of the most wonderful benefits of beeswax for skin care is that you can make many of these products at home – for a fraction of the cost.
Let’s be real – of course you can’t just rub a block of beeswax across your skin. It is a solid at room temperature – that just won’t work! But, it is incredibly easy to mix some skin nourishing oils and butters with your raw beeswax and make something special!
Beeswax Lip Balm
Of course everyone has heard about lip balms with beeswax. Did you know you can make your own beeswax lip balm? It is super easy to do and almost impossible to mess up!
You can also customize the basic recipe and use the flavors that you prefer. Try some – your lips will thank you for the increased hydration. Try to avoid adding a sweetener though – it makes you lick your lips.
Paws & Heels Need Beeswax Too
Humans aren’t the only ones to enjoy the pleasure of beeswax as a skin conditioner. My dog-nephew Harley, enjoys the homemade dog paw balm I gave him. It protects and soothes his pads during the cold Winter months – and won’t hurt him if he happens to lick them.
And don’t even get me started on the cracked heel beeswax balm – that I use all Winter. The jar sits right beside the bed!
Rub some on those cracked heels at bed time – put on a pair of socks. Just a few applications can make a difference. This is a rather heavy formula – it has a big job to do.
Lotions Please
It is quite difficult to find the perfect lotion. Everyone has different ideas for what the best consistency and fragrance should be. Luckily, when you make your own – you can experiment until you get the recipe perfect.
For a easy to use and portable moisturizer, try these adorable beeswax lotion bars. They are sure to soften your skin and bring a smile to any bee-loving face. Almost too cute to use – but please do.
If you prefer a beeswax moisturizer in more liquid consistency homemade beeswax lotion in a jar or bottle may be a better fit.
Pros and Cons of Beeswax for Skin
There are many natural benefits of using a little beeswax in your skin care. It helps skin retain moisture and helps skin protect itself. Also, it is less likely to clog skin pores than some other products. You will even find it in DIY face moisturizer recipes.
But, no product is perfect. A small number of people will have sensitivity issues to this natural product. Use it sparing at first until you are sure it is compatible with your body chemistry.
Contact your dermatologist and have a frank conversation. There are many different skin types and sometimes you have to experiment a bit to find the perfect one for you.
More Ideas
Now, you know so much more about this special wax made by honey bees.
In addition to soothing that dry, itchy skin, you can also eat beeswax if you want to. Though let me warn you that is just passes through the digestive system. You can’t live off of it.
Though, you are missing one of life’s simple pleasures if you have never eaten a piece of honeycomb.
The value of beeswax goes way beyond making beeswax candles – though you can do that to! If you don’t currently have any on hand, I suggest you search out a bar and begin to explore the possibilities.
Enjoy the relief of these provided by these homemade bug bite relief sticks– they really can help itchy skin.
And, if you are tired of those little yellow flowers in the front yard… don’t spray them. Pick a few and make a soothing dandelion salve from the flowers. I was surprised at how easy this was and how beautiful the salve is when finished.
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FAQs
Yes, beeswax can cause skin irritation. Every individual is different and anyone can be sensitive to one of the hundred of compounds that it contains.
However, this is rare – just a precaution when using it for the first time. Always, test a new product on a small area first and watch for any reaction. In fact, many people with sensitive skin find that a natural product is less irritating than many of the commercial brands.
No, I do not think that taking beeswax from honey bees hurts the hive. No reputable beekeeper ever takes all the wax in a hive.
Most of us only sell the extra wax that is left over after the excess honey harvest. Buy your wax from beekeepers who practice sustainable or natural beekeeping if you are concerned.
If you are allergic to bees – are you allergic to honey or beeswax? No, in most cases this is not the case. The proteins in bee venom are not in beeswax or raw honey. However, if you are in doubt – always ask your doctor.
Commercial white beeswax has been bleached. The color of beeswax harvested from a hive is some shade of yellow. While light colored beeswax is often used in cosmetics – either are good for skin care.
A Final Word
Consider adding beeswax to your skin care regime and enjoy the benefits it has to offer. Some studies report that it may help control eczema and psoriasis. These homemade products also make great inexpensive beeswax gifts. Don’t be afraid – give it a try.