Health and Beauty Benefits of Beeswax

When you think of beekeeping you may think about harvesting honey, but there are other resources that can be collected from beehives too.  Beeswax is a wax made by bees which is then formed into cells. Bees use the cells to store honey and pollen, but did you know there are also beeswax uses for skin and hair? 

Beeswax has long been used by people for it’s natural health and beauty benefits. This article will discuss beeswax uses for skin, beeswax benefits for lips, how to use beeswax for hair, and the benefits of eating beeswax.  

What is Beeswax?

Worker bees produce beeswax from special glands on their bodies.  Brand new wax is clear, but turns opaque after being chewed and molded by bees.  They add tiny bits of pollen and nectar to the wax as they handle it. The color of beeswax can vary from nearly white to even black, but most beeswax is a shade of yellow.  

Beeswax contains 284 different compounds, including fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and esters.  It is hard when cold, and soft and pliable when warmed. An interesting thing about beeswax is that it does not spoil.  

Young bees, between the ages of 12 and 20 days old are the main producers of beeswax. As bees get older and fly more their wax glands gradually begin to atrophy.  In a beehive the wax is made into honeycomb, which is a mass of hexagon shaped wax cells. These cells have two purposes. They store honey and pollen, and they are also where brood is raised. 

Beekeepers collect beeswax after harvesting honey.  The honey cells are each sealed with a wax cap to prevent too much moisture loss. To harvest honey, beekeepers use a hot knife to cut the wax cappings off.  The wax gets melted down and refined for further use. 

Beeswax Uses for Skin

There are many different beeswax uses for skin.  Beeswax is antibacterial. Not only does it soften skin, it is also used for healing skin.  Beeswax helps with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and stretchmarks.  

Because beeswax is also anti-inflammatory, beeswax is often used to encourage the healing of wounds.  If you have a cut, beeswax is a great way to create a protective barrier over the wound. The vitamin A in beeswax also supports cell reconstruction.  

How to Use Beeswax for Skin

Dry Skin/Wrinkles

There are a few different ways to use beeswax for skin.  It is a great remedy for dry skin, especially for the face.  You can either make your own beeswax salve, or buy a beeswax cream.  These leave skin soft, moisturized, and have even been reported to lessen the appearance of wrinkles.  

To make your own overnight beeswax face mask, combine beeswax, almond or coconut oil, jojoba oil, and some vitamin E drops. The beeswax will lock the moisture in and you will wake up with hydrated skin.  

Acne/Eczema

You can also use beeswax on your face for acne.  It’s antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties, combined with high vitamin A make it ideal for treating acne and even eczema.  If treating eczema you can even add some honey to the beeswax cream for added benefit. 

Stretch Marks

People also like to use beeswax to prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks.  The high vitamin A content is thought to increase the production of collagen, which in turn reconstructs the skin. Make your own beeswax stretch mark cream by mixing beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E drops.  

Beeswax Benefits for Lips

If you suffer from chapped lips, beeswax is the answer. It’s easy to make your own beeswax balm, or brands like Burt’s Bees have been sold in stores everywhere.  

To make your own beeswax balm, combine coconut oil, vitamin E oil, beeswax, and essential oil of your choice.  Handy lip balm containers are available online so you can take your beeswax lip balm on the go.  

Beeswax Uses for Hair

Beeswax is a great way to soften and control unruly hair.  While people with all hair textures can benefit for beeswax on their hair, it is exceptionally beneficial for those with thick, curly hair.  The esters and fatty acids in beeswax that is good for your skin is also good for your hair.  

Beeswax is also great for the scalp.  If you have dry, itchy scalp caused by dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis, beeswax is great for healing those conditions. Beeswax softens and moisturises the hair, hair follicle, and scalp and encourages hair growth.  

How to Use Beeswax for Hair 

Beeswax for hair is sold in stores and online.  When applying to hair, use it sparingly. Once your hair is washed and dried, rub some beeswax balm into the palms of your hands.  Apply to hair as you would with normal styling product.  

Beeswax is a great natural substitute for styling pomade for men.  The wax is light, easy to use, and their hair will keep it’s style all day.  

Benefits of Eating Beeswax

There are many benefits of eating beeswax. Ingesting beeswax benefits your cholesterol. The long chain fats and alcohols in beeswax has been known to significantly lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol.  One study even showed that eating beeswax reduced low density lipoprotein was by over 20%.  

Beeswax is also good for your liver. The alcohols in beeswax normalizes liver function, and more importantly, improved symptoms of fatty liver. Researchers have also found that those same alcohols are capable of reducing insulin levels. 

The best way to eat beeswax is to eat the honeycomb.  Honeycomb is the beeswax cells with honey in them.  It is delicious, sweet, and has a pleasant texture. If you don’t have access to your own beehive with honeycomb, it can be purchased in stores and online.  

Summary

There are many beeswax uses and benefits for skin, lips, and hair.  Furthermore, eating beeswax benefits the body by lowering cholesterol and improving liver function.  Beeswax balms and creams are easily made at home. Honeycomb to eat can be harvested from your own beehives, or purchased online or in select stores.