Propolis from the hive
We are familiar with the benefits of honey within our diets and our skincare, but propolis hasn’t had the same exposure. So what exactly is it?
Propolis is a resin compound made by bees and used within the fabric of a beehive. The bees collect tree sap, and combine it with their own secretions and beeswax to produce a sticky coating to seal walls and strengthen combs. It also sterilises the hive to control the potential spread of any bacteria entering it.
Along with honey, propolis has been used for thousands of years, with ancient civilisations having discovered its medicinal properties and used it to treat abscesses and wounds. Egyptians learned from bees and used propolis to embalm mummies. Bees use it to embalm dead invaders of the hives where they are too large to remove. This stops them from decaying.
What is its Origin & how is it used?
Bees have used propolis for millions of years, and humans have used it for thousands. Propolis is a vegetable mastic, gathered by the oldest bees and brought back to the hive. It is then mixed with wax and salivary secretions before using to sterilise the hive against infection. Also known as “bee glue”, propolis is used by the bees to varnish the hive interior, seal cracks and cement things together, reinforcing and protecting the hive. After the summer honey harvest, a specialised screen is placed on the hive. The bees do not like draughts and quickly fill the holes with propolis. The screens are then removed to harvest the propolis. It is believed that Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed the use of propolis to help heal sores and ulcers, internally and externally. Unlike penicillin and other drugs, propolis is always effective.
Antioxidants in propolis
The majority of compounds found within propolis are forms of polyphenols. These are antioxidants and so useful in fighting damage and disease within the body. Propolis contains the polyphenols called flavonoids, these are also found in food, including a range of fruit and vegetables but also green tea and red wine.
Propolis in skincare
Propolis is used in some of the Sensitive Skin Line products which are ultra-gentle, and provides the solution to sensitivity by combining the most soothing and healing ingredients. Sensitive skin requires products that restore the skin’s epidermal defences and eliminate hypersensitivity. Skin is left soft, smooth, calmed and sedated with an overall feeling of well-being.
Pevonia’s Propolis comes from the Jura Mountains in France. Rich in flavonoids, minerals, and vitamins it lavishes skin with the best healing, preserving, and decongesting ingredients. In the ecosystem, Propolis is naturally collected by worker bees from Poplar trees that produce it continually. This is a never-ending cycle. Then the Propolis is extracted from the beehives at the same time along with honey, wax, and royal jelly. Then it is separated from the pollen and purified for its use.
Bees are never hurt in the process, nor is the queen bee. One of the purposes of bees in nature is to create all these wonderful substances for the survival of other species.
Every time the hive is cleaned after careful extraction of all these organic materials, bees repeat the cycle of collection from trees, rebuilding of new hives, and spawning new larvae which become bees again and so on.
Propolis has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It will help in healing, soothing and balancing problematic skin. It can also speed up the rate of cell renewal and decongests pores.
This wonderful, healing, ingredient is effective in alleviating the symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, skin inflammation and burns. It is also excellent for skin suffering from break-outs or acne, including hormonal skin.
HOME-USE PRODUCTS
Propolis from Pevonia
Due to its soothing, calming and healing properties, you will find propolis extract within 2 products in our Sensitive Skin Line:
This micro-emulsified gel has a light texture, desensitising and decongesting skin with its antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties. It will strengthen fragile skin and is excellent for micro-circulation problems. A natural healer, the Soothing Propolis Concentrate will ensure sensitive and problematic skin is well cared for. Recommended for all skin types, especially sensitive.
An all-year round hero product rich in natural Propolis, this soothing cream is drenched in antibiotic flavanoids to relieve and boost the skin’s healing process by accelerating tissue regeneration. Decongesting and desensitising, it effectively promotes vaso-constriction of capillaries and protects against environmental damage. Recommended for sensitive skin, with added UV protection.
If you also like the power of honey within your skincare routine, you will find honey extract within our Rejuvenating Dry Skin Cream.
IN-SPA TREATMENTS
Sensitive Skin Facial
Sensitive skin requires special care, specialised ingredients and subtle techniques. This gentle treatment mildly cleanses and exfoliates, while decongesting, diffusing redness and calming irritation. A nourishing and cooling cream mask is then applied, followed by a sensitive skin care cream designed to leave the skin feeling fresh, cool and pacified.
Benefits:
- A gentle treatment
- Mildly cleanses and exfoliates
- Decongests
- Diffuses redness
- Calms irritation
- Nourishing and cooling
- Leaves your skin fresh and calm
Plantomer Hydrating Facial
Visibly enhancing the skin’s texture, this facial will maximise hydration. A refreshing, soft lift-off mask combines the hydrating benefits of Seaweed, the ocean’s finest resource, with revitalising Propolis, a natural healing and desensitising substance rich in natural antibiotics and Vitamin A. Soothing, nourishing and calming, the Plantomer Facial renders the skin undeniably radiant with highly visible results.
Benefits:
- A cool refreshing evidence mask
- Tailored to promote healing and desensitise
- Ideal for those with sensitivity, Eczema, Psoriasis, hormonal breakouts
- Great for Men's skin
- Excellent for micro-circulation problems
To find your local Pevonia salon/spa, please go to our Spa Finder section - HERE.
