Honey, Fabulous For Skin And More! Bees And Cosmetics.

3Bee is the Nature Tech company that develops technologies for the protection of biodiversity. 3Bee Hive-Tech is 3Bee's first system for analysing the health and 'starvation' status of honeybees, environmental bees par excellence. Over time, we have developed other technologies to study and monitor all the pollinating insects and created more than 200 Oases of Biodiversity with thousands of nectariferous plants to provide them with nourishment. Thus, we want to create a virtuous circle: our beekeepers are transformed by necessity into Oasis growers and promoters of environmental biodiversity. We do not encourage massive production and intensive breeding, which have a negative impact on biodiversity and pollinators. We do, however, recognise the value of honey as a valuable symbol of the biodiversity of an environment and a tool for disseminating the commitment and protection of an area, to be consumed sparingly and with respect for the life cycle of these insects.

In cosmetics, the same products as in apitherapy are used: honey, pollen, propolis, royal jelly, wax, poison. Honey: emollient, moisturising, sebum-regulating. Propolis: dermopurifying action. Pollen: restorative action. Beeswax: protective and emollient action. Bee venom: "botox-like" and "lifting" action. According to Aideco (Italian Dermatology and Cosmetology Association), honey should also be used in cosmetics to help the skin cope with this stressful period. Here are the words of Dr Alessandra Vasselli, Aideco cosmetologist: "Products from the beehive have been among the first natural remedies used in human history, since the earliest times. In the field of cosmetology, beekeeping derivatives vary greatly in quantity and quality of use.

Honey has always been added to cosmetics to delay or combat the effects of skin ageing and for daily treatment of the skin of the face, hands and body. Honey, in fact, has so many properties. It is moisturising and emollient, which makes it an excellent ally for our skin and hair. As if that were not enough, it is also rich in antioxidants, which fight cellular ageing, and has numerous antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Dr Vasselli goes on to explain: 'The presence of small amounts of vitamins, proteins, lipids and the high concentration of water-soluble sugars account for its emollient, moisturising, humectant, soothing, anti-irritant and re-epithelialising properties. It is also useful against dehydration as it helps maintain the correct moisture content of the skin, creating optimal conditions of softness, flexibility and elasticity of the tissues'.

Certainly two of the most immediate uses of honey are applying it directly to the skin, as a beauty mask, and using it to prepare scrubs and scrub for the face and body. You can create your own homemade scrub by adding brown sugar to honey and rubbing it into the areas of interest. This way the scrub will be effective without being too aggressive on the skin. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of honey to your existing scrub to give it that extra touch of sweetness. Honey for dry skin, mature skin or impure or sensitive skin.

Your hair can also benefit from the constant use of honey. Its soothing, nourishing and antibacterial properties act directly on the hair and scalp. It helps eliminate dead cells that can clog hair follicles and acts to prevent the appearance of dandruff, as well as alleviating annoying itchiness. Honey is also a valuable source of nourishment and hydration. For maximum benefits, we can use it to create compresses and masks. For example, for dry hair you can make a pre-wash mask with honey and coconut oil, to be left on for at least 15 minutes, or mix olive oil and honey for a pack to be applied on all lengths. Another great combination is with sweet almond oil for a super moisturising treatment. Combined with lemon juice, an emulsion can be created and applied to the hair.

The pollen restores dermal hydration and has an anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle action, while pollen is mainly used in emulsions, soaps, syndets, pastes. "Bee venom is used in cosmetics as an ingredient with 'botoxlike' and 'lifting action'. It appears to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, as well as relaxing the muscles in the dermis. It also has astringent properties,' says the cosmetologist.