A cherished ingredient in natural skincare for its versatile benefits, beeswax is commonly found in lip balms, salves and moisturizers.
What is Beeswax and How Is it Made?
Beeswax is a natural substance produced by young female worker bees that secrete tiny flakes of wax with their specialized glands on the underside of the abdomen. They then chew the wax flakes to soften and mold them, using the wax to construct the honeycomb within the hive. The honeycomb, with its ubiquitous series of hexagonal shapes, serves as a storage unit for honey, pollen, and the nursery where bee larvae are nurtured.
Beekeepers harvest the beeswax by removing the honeycomb frames from the hives. They then carefully extract the honey and separate the wax from the comb. The wax is melted and filtered to remove debris in a process that results in pure, clean beeswax ready for various uses.
So why is beeswax good for the skin?
Here are the properties that make beeswax a superstar in skincare:
1. Natural Moisturization
Beeswax acts as a natural humectant, attracting moisture to the skin and helping to retain it. This makes it an excellent choice for protecting dry and rough skin, providing long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.
By attracting and retaining moisture, beeswax ensures that skin remains moisturized for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent reapplication of moisturizers.
2. Skin Barrier Protection
One of the unique properties of beeswax is its ability to create a thin protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier helps shield the skin from environmental pollutants and harsh weather conditions, while sealing in moisture to keep the skin soft and supple. Unlike some synthetic barriers, beeswax also allows the skin to breathe.
3. Soothing and Healing
With anti-microbial and antibacterial properties, beeswax soothes irritated skin and helps reduce redness and itchiness, making it beneficial for sensitive and troubled skin conditions.
Interestingly, combining beeswax with other natural ingredients may amplify its powers. This study found that a mixture of beeswax, honey, and olive oil significantly improved symptoms in the majority of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis patients.
4. Rich in Nutrients
Beeswax is naturally rich in Vitamin A, the precursor to retinol, which may promote skin cell regeneration and support collagen production. This helps to maintain skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and contribute to a more youthful complexion.
5. Gentle and Safe
Beeswax is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It's a safe and natural alternative to synthetic ingredients.
Beeswax is the only ingredient in Nurtur Health products that comes from animals. It’s important to me that bees keep buzzing through the gardens and meadows of the generations to come, so I choose my suppliers carefully. Sourcing beeswax from a local Canadian supplier that has full respect to the natural lives of bees not only provides superior product quality for the skin, but also supports the environment and local economy.
Here’s why local beeswax is a responsible choice to formulate skincare:
1. Superior Quality and Freshness
Local beeswax is purer and fresher than imported varieties. It undergoes fewer processing stages and less transportation, retaining more of its natural properties. It also has better traceability: it’s easy to verify its origin and quality.
2. Environmental Benefits
Local sourcing minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transporting beeswax over long distances. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports a more sustainable supply chain.
By choosing products made with local beeswax, we support local beekeepers who play a crucial role in maintaining healthy bee populations and ecosystems. Bees are essential pollinators, and their health impacts the broader environment.
3. Supporting Local Economies
Purchasing local beeswax directly supports local beekeepers, helping to sustain their livelihoods and encouraging ethical beekeeping practices.
4. Enhanced Skincare Benefits
Fresh, local beeswax is rich in vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for the skin. These nutrients are better preserved in locally sourced wax which is less likely to be contaminated with chemicals or pollutants. This ensures a more natural and wholesome ingredient for skincare products.
Beeswax is a true gem in the world of natural skincare. Not only local beeswax enhances the efficacy of skincare products, but also makes a positive impact on the community and the planet!