Carly Stein had been getting sick ever since she could remember. The former investment banker grew up plagued by bouts of tonsillitis, sore throat, and constant visits to nose and throat doctors. “I missed a lot of school as a kid,” she says over Zoom. When Stein studied abroad in Italy during college, she came down with tonsillitis. She spoke to the pharmacist in Florence, explaining her sensitivity to medications. They recommended propolis, a sticky mixture created by bees, composed of wax and resin with healing properties. “She gave me this little tincture. I have to put five drops in water and take it a few times a day, and I started using it. In five days, I made a full recovery.” Years later, in 2016, she created her company, Beekeeper’s Natural, specializing in propolis, which comes in forms such as throat sprays and powders.
For centuries, since 300 B.C to be specific, honey-related ingredients like propolis have been touted as a magical cure-all, especially in Eastern Europe, where it has remained a form of alternative medicine. Go to any food bazaar in Eastern Europe and you’re bound to stumble upon one booth that exclusively sells a cornucopia of honey variations. There is most likely a tiny section dedicated to propolis, too, in liquid, powder, or granular form. While honey and propolis are related and have their respective health benefits, the two bee-produced products are different. Propolis is considered “bee glue,” a sticky mix that bees collect from plants and buds. Bees use propolis to repair the hive, seal cracks, and create a protective barrier against predators.
When it comes to the human body, propolis is considered an aid in gut health, which can affect everything from the skin to the immune system. “Flavonoids, contained in the propolis, can help stimulate the growth and activity of digestive microflora,” says nutritionist Mikaela Rueben, “as well as help the body’s natural detoxification process.”
Whitney Bowe, M.D., agrees that those centuries-old rumors of propolis benefits have truth to them, specifically when it comes to our microbiomes, communities of bacteria that help support our metabolism and immune systems. “Propolis seems to enhance our systemic immune system. So it seems to rebalance our microbiome and have a positive effect on our immune health,” Bowe, a dermatologist, tells Vogue. “About 70–80% of our immune system resides in the gut, so it’s no surprise that our diet can impact our overall immune health and the health of distant organs including our skin.”
Over the past few years, the benefits of propolis have slowly become more well known, perhaps linked to the recent boom in designer honey. Manuka honey, which is thought to have antibacterial properties, can sell for up to $1,780. Propolis has admittedly experienced a much tamer ascent. When Stein searched for propolis products upon her return from Italy, the results were grim. “We were a little late to the party in North America,” says Stein. “I went back to finish up college in Canada where I’m from, and I couldn’t find these products. I found honey and manuka honey everywhere, but I couldn’t find propolis.” Stein started going to local beekeeping meetups and began making her own propolis mash-ups, using them herself or giving them to friends.
While it has often been ingested, propolis has also become popular in the skin-care realm. “This incredible natural substance has also been found to be beneficial in helping heal wounds or skin issues such as acne or eczema,” says Rueben. There are propolis washes, extracts, and oils that are meant to heal acne and reduce inflammation. In Brooklyn, Organic Skincare offers a propolis facial, highlighting its hydrating and anti-bacterial qualities. “I like to use propolis oil during my facial massage because it moisturizes the skin while being an antibacterial treatment,” says company owner Alita Terry. “You can use propolis all year round because it's light enough for the warmer weather yet humectant enough to keep the skin's barrier hydrated.” Terry also sells an organic propolis face oil. Stein notes that she has used liquid propolis on her sunburns.
As bees continue to face serious population decline amid the climate crisis, realizing the benefits of their output has never been more urgent. And as the pandemic continues, the importance of caring for our immune systems is obvious. Stein hopes her company can play a part in preventive health care as well as in environmental championship. “We’re able to actually ensure that our bees are in a pesticide-free environment. Pesticides—neonicotinoids specifically—are one of the major factors in the bee decline,” says Stein. “To the extent we can, we create clean sustainable environments for the bees, get them away from pesticides, and provide them with a clean food source.”
Thank you Vogue for the inclusion!
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-Alita T.
Intense sun exposure can lead to a variety of skin issues that shouldn't be taken lightly. Here are the top three problems that can arise from too much time in the sun
Imagine your skin is like a wall made of tiny bricks, which are actually skin cells. When you get a sunburn, it's like throwing water balloons (the sun's rays) at the wall. Some of the bricks get soggy and weak. Your body doesn't want weak bricks, so it decides to remove them.
The redness and warmth you feel when you're sunburned is your body sending helpers to fix the wall. After that, your body starts to push off the weak, soggy bricks, making room for new, strong bricks. This pushing-off part is what you see as peeling skin.
So, peeling is like your body's way of cleaning up and making sure only the strong, good bricks (or skin cells) stay on your wall.
Don't Pick: allow the body to push off the damaged skin cells naturally. Picking can lead to scarring and infection.
Moisturize: apply fragrance free, natural facial lotions and creams, it will keep uncomfortable itching at bay and help new skin cells coming up to the top.
Hydrate: Drink lots of water. When your skin is upset, it can get dry. Water helps keep everything working right.
Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, selenium, and certain plant compounds can help neutralize "free radicals," which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation and aging.
In the context of sunburn and post-summer skin care, using skincare products rich in antioxidants or consuming foods high in antioxidants can offer an extra layer of protection. They can help mitigate the damage caused by UV exposure and assist in the skin's natural repair processes.
Hyperpigmentation and sunspots are basically fancy words for areas of your skin getting darker than the rest. When your skin is exposed to sun for a long period of time your body responds with a natural sun protective: melanin.
Areas of the skin that get more sun exposure, like the face, hands, and arms, are more likely to develop sunspots simply because they're out in the sun more often.
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Some parts of your skin might be more sensitive to the sun due to various factors like age, genetics, or even previous sun damage. These areas can darken more quickly.
Nano Needling: This involves using cone shaped needles to create small injuries on the skin, prompting it to regenerate and even out the skin tone.
Chemical Peels: These treatments use acids to remove the top layer of your skin, which can lighten hyperpigmentation. This should be done by a qualified skincare professional.
Laser Therapy: IPL Lasers can target dark spots and break up the melanin. Multiple sessions are often required.
The most severe long-term effect of sun exposure is an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to abnormal growth and eventually, in some cases, cancer.
Sunscreen: Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
Shade: Seek shade during peak sun hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Artificial UV radiation from tanning beds is harmful and can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Regular Check-ups: Have your skin checked annually by a dermatologist, and perform self-exams monthly to look for any new or changing moles, spots, or lumps.
Post-summer skin repair is essential to maintain a radiant and youthful complexion. With these 3 solutions, you can effectively undo some of the summer's harsh effects on your skin. So go ahead and give your skin the pampering it deserves!
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