Bee venom as a cosmetic ingredient is rapidly growing in popularity. I wanted to find out more about this beauty trend for myself. Here’s what I found.
Honey bees have been hibernating over the winter but now, with the arrival of warmer weather and flowering plants, are awakening to collect pollen and nectar.
Did you know a single bee colony can pollinate 300 million flowers each day?
There’s been much media coverage about the decline in bee numbers from a variety of factors; pesticides, drought, habitat destruction, nutrition deficit, air pollution, global warming and more.
So, with our bees in crisis, is now really the time to consider skincare products containing their venom?
My research tells me that the bee venom is collected by placing a pane of glass alongside a hive and running a weak electrical current through it, which encourages the insects to sting the surface. Because the bee’s lance remains in its body, it does not die and, apparently, they are not hurt in the process.
Ok, that’s assurance enough for me but some people may still feel uncomfortable about this. It’s a personal thing, I guess.
But whilst this trend is currently sweeping the UK beauty industry, it isn’t actually a new concept. Cosmetic maker, Rodial, launched a skincare line called Bee Venom back in 2013, which kicked off a new wave of ‘must have’ products. Your pocket will feel the real sting thought, as Rodial’s products start from £65, with their best-selling moisturiser coming in at a whopping £150!
Is beetox the new botox?
Bee venom has been dubbed the ‘natural botox’. It’s great that more and more women are moving away from invasive beauty treatments like plastic surgery and towards more natural products with the same impact. But bee stings hurt, so why would I want to rub venom on my skin?
Well, I’ve been informed that using skincare products containing bee venom feels nothing like a bee sting at all and is pain free. Phew.
Those allergic to bee stings, stay away, this trend isn’t for you
Honey bee venom, or apitoxin, is a bitter colourless liquid. It’s active portion a mixture of proteins, which causes local inflammation and acts as an anticoagulant.
So, in essence it ‘fools’ the skin into going into repair mode, causing a rush of blood to the area. This stimulates production of naturally-occurring chemicals collagen and elastin, which we know is the key elements of a plump, smooth and fresh appearance. The result is a glowing complexion.
Because of this ability to improve skin tone, texture and elasticity, bee venom is most commonly found in anti-aging products. My mother has always taught me that prevention is better than cure so at 28 I have been using anti-wrinkle moisturiser for several years already. I would say this trend is therefore suitable for anyone looking to target the multiple signs of advanced aging.
Pucker up!
You may have unknowingly come across bee venom in beauty products before. Remember lip plumping glosses? They were all the rage a few years back and many contain apitoxin, making your lips burn in the best way for ‘poutier’ appearance.
I’m not sure whether I think this is a passing phase for the beauty world or a trend that’s here to stay, but if it’s good enough for Kate Middleton and Gwyneth Paltrow then it’s good enough for me.
Are you a fan of bee vemon cosmetics? If you have something to add why not scroll down and leave a comment or tweet us via @totmorganic.
Written by Daisy, Comms Manager at TOTM
