Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment. 

While the skin-loving benefits of honey are well-known nowadays, many people have never even heard of propolis - another bee-based product that has incredible therapeutic potential. Though the wound-healing properties of propolis have been used in traditional medicines for thousands of years, propolis benefits for skin and hair have just started gaining popularity in recent years. If you’re someone who is curious to know the beauty benefits of propolis, keep reading to learn whether it lives up to all the buzz.

In this article, we’ll be exploring the benefits of propolis for skin and hair along with how to use it and necessary precautions. But before we get into the discussion on why propolis is gaining interest in skincare products, it’s important to know exactly what propolis is. So, let’s get started. 

Table of contents 

• What is propolis? 
• Healing compounds and properties found in propolis 
• Propolis benefits for skin and hair 
• How to use propolis 
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What is propolis? 

Propolis, also known as bee propolis, is a resin-like waxy material that bees prepare with a combination of beeswax and tree sap and use to build their nests called beehives. This complex mixture has been found to have a number of bioactive compounds that seem to possess qualities to fight against environmental elements including bacteria, fungi, viruses, toxins as well as others in order to protect the hives or bees’ nests. Let’s take a look at what healing compounds and properties it contains. 

Healing compounds and properties found in propolis 

According to studies, there are more than 300 compounds that have been identified so far in the propolis. The end product of bee propolis, balsam, has been found to have a range of polyphenols and antioxidants. 

The majority of these polyphenols are flavonoids. Polyphenols and other antioxidants exert tremendous antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and have the potential to protect from damage and fight diseases, which is why these compounds are suggested as part of the active components of bee propolis.  

Besides, propolis has been shown to have naturally occurring anti-infective and antifungal actions so that it can protect the hives from elements of nature. These therapeutic properties of propolis have been identified and used by humans for thousands of years, particularly in the areas of wound healing, dental infections, and treatment of skin. 

A recent 2020 study published in the Molecules showed that bee products have numerous properties including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and disinfectant, and may play important roles in various biological activities and therefore, can be considered vital ingredients in cosmetics and medicines. 

Propolis benefits for skin and hair

Propolis and its extracts can benefit skin and hair in many different ways due to its noticeable antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions. Here are some of the common ways it’s thought to favor the skin and hair:   

Reduces inflammation on the skin and scalp   

Propolis has an excellent ability to reduce inflammation and thus can help treat and prevent various inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and eczema in the skin. Inflammation is also linked to several scalp conditions such as scalp dermatitis and dandruff which are found often associated with hair follicle damage and hair loss. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory actions of propolis also help promote scalp and hair health and prevent developing weakened hair roots and hair loss. 

Treats aftermath of acne 

People with acne can get benefits from using propolis. It has bio properties that can help with several acne aftermath conditions including textural issues, pigmentation, and scarring, and improve the appearance of the skin.  

Heals wound 

The wound-healing properties of propolis have been extensively reviewed and substantiated by studies. It not only helps heal superficial skin infections but also helps treat burns, scrapes, and mild wounds which necessarily do not need any medical attention. Propolis and the components it contains increase collagen production and speed up the process of repairing. 

Protects skin and hair  (anti-aging)

Since propolis possesses significant antioxidant properties, it has the capacity to protect both the skin and hair from oxidative damage especially those that are caused by UV rays and environmental toxins. This way propolis can prevent damage of free radicals to developing signs of premature aging in both the skin as well as hair.  

How to use propolis 

Propolis can be used in both ways, applied to the affected part topically, or can be taken orally in the form of liquid extracts, capsules, or pills. Though cream-based propolis or propolis ointments are popular for cuts, burns, scraps, and fungal infections, most clinicians recommend oral use along with external use to promote healing from the inside out. 

Doses of propolis supplements are individual depending on the goal of use and active ingredients present in the products. In general, for capsules,  500 mg to 1000 mg per day are often recommended. For liquid extracts, 15 drops are recommended for placing under the tongue once or twice a day. However, it’s necessary to consult with a certified dermatologist to determine your exact dose to reap the most of its benefits for skin and hair.   

Precautions and side effects 

Propolis is possibly safe and well-tolerated unless or until a person has a sensitivity to propolis. Allergies are the only reported concern to consider when it comes to using propolis for benefiting the skin and hair. Common symptoms of allergic reactions include skin rashes and breathing difficulties, but these are not common.  

Final words 

Propolis possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-infective properties that can benefit your skin and hair in many ways. Wound-healing, reducing inflammatory conditions, anti-aging, and improving the texture are some of what propolis benefits skin and hair. Propolis is generally safe but may cause allergic reactions in some people. It’s important to consult with a certified dermatologist to determine the safe and best method of use for your specific health conditions.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Bee Propolis Excract 500 mg Capsules 

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Bee Propolis Alcohol Free Liquid Extract 

Important resources: 

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7036894/
2. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-390/propolis
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/propolis-an-ancient-healer#healing-compounds
4. https://www.byrdie.com/propolis-for-skin-4843081
5. https://beessential.com/blogs/news/7-skin-benefits-of-propolis-extract
6. https://www.natures-glory.com/blogs/news/4-benefits-of-propolis-for-your-hair-and-skin#:~:text=It%20may%20even%20help%20stimulate%20hair%20re%2Dgrowth%20in%20some%20areas.&text=Likewise%2C%20propolis%20has%20numerous%20benefits,acne%2C%20ageing%20and%20skin%20healing.&text=Propolis%20has%20antibacterial%20and%20anti,fight%20off%20acne%20and%20pimples.
7. https://wishtrend.com/blogs/glam/4-reasons-why-propolis-skincare-has-become-a-thing
8. https://www.bebeautiful.in/all-things-skin/skin-concerns/the-role-of-propolis-in-skincare