Hello, lovely readers! Today, we want to take you on a sweet journey into the heart of our skincare philosophy, where we celebrate the remarkable ingredients that nature provides. And what better way to start than by delving into the world of honey and beeswax – two ingredients we can't stop raving about. We are passionate about our products, and we believe that understanding the essence of our ingredients is the first step to appreciating the magic they bring to your skincare routine.
The Honey Story:
Let's begin with honey, a golden elixir that has been cherished for centuries. Nature has bestowed upon us an extraordinary resource, and honey is the star of our very first blog post. Historical records reveal that the likes of Cleopatra indulged in luxurious milk and honey baths, while ancient Greeks and Egyptians harnessed honey's healing properties to soothe dry skin and treat wounds. Thanks to its potent antibacterial powers, honey is a formidable ally in managing acne and combating other skin infections. Moreover, honey is packed with natural enzymes and antioxidants, working together to nourish and protect your skin. The tradition of incorporating honey into skincare routines is timeless and deeply rooted in history.
The Bee's Gift:
Now, let's explore the fascinating world of bees and how they create this precious nectar. Did you know that bees make honey primarily as a source of energy for their long flights and to keep their hives cosy during the winter months?
Fun Fact:
When bees collect nectar from flowers, it's stored in a separate stomach known as their "Honey Stomach" to prevent digestion. This special stomach's sole purpose is to transport and break down the nectar into simple sugars like glucose and fructose. Bees are multitaskers, though; they also gather pollen, which they carry on their hind legs in a little structure known as the "pollen basket" or "Pollen Pants." After collecting nectar and pollen from various flowers, bees return to the hive carrying more than half their weight in these precious resources.
The Honey-Making Process:
Once back in the hive, bees pass the nectar solution from the honey stomach to worker bees for further refinement. Worker bees consume and regurgitate the sugar-rich nectar repeatedly until it reaches the perfect consistency. The honey is then stored inside honeycombs, where it's fanned by the bees' wings to evaporate any remaining moisture, giving honey its unique taste and texture. Finally, the bees seal the honeycombs with a wax cap.
A Remarkable Journey:
Producing just one pound (approximately 450g) of honey requires bees to fly an astonishing 55,000 miles. Considering this incredible journey and the healing benefits honey offers, it's no wonder why this natural resource is so highly valued and cherished in our lives.
The Sweet Yield:
In the UK, the amount of honey produced by bees varies based on factors like weather conditions, flower availability, and the strength of the bee colony. On average, a healthy bee colony can produce between 20-30 pounds (9-14 kilograms) of honey each year. However, not all of this honey is harvested by beekeepers, as some is reserved to sustain the hive through the winter.
Our Beekeeping Journey:
As responsible beekeepers in the UK, we typically harvest honey once or twice a year, depending on local weather conditions. In the spring, bees gather nectar from early-flowering plants, producing a light, delicate honey. In late summer, they collect nectar from heather plants, resulting in a darker, richer honey.
The Beauty of Beeswax:
Now that we've sung the praises of honey, let's shift our focus to beeswax, another cherished ingredient in our skincare products. Beeswax holds a special place in our hearts for various reasons, and here's why:
Moisture Magnet: Beeswax is a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Antibacterial Power: With its antibacterial properties, beeswax helps prevent skin irritation, infections, and inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Hero: Beeswax's anti-inflammatory properties protect the skin from damage and irritation.
Non-Comedogenic Wonder: Being non-comedogenic, beeswax won't clog pores or cause breakouts, making it gentle even for sensitive skin.
Vitamin A Booster: Rich in Vitamin A, beeswax aids in exfoliating and hydrating the skin, leaving it soft and nourished.
We believe that using honey and beeswax in skincare is not just a choice; it's a celebration of our natural heritage. Our ancestors recognised the power of these ingredients, and we continue to embrace them for good reason. Moreover, honey bees produce more honey than they need, making honey harvesting a sustainable practice that doesn't harm these essential pollinators. As conscientious beekeepers, we ensure that our honey extraction methods respect the bees' natural cycle, allowing us to enjoy the benefits of honey while being eco-friendly.
Getting to Know Our Ingredients:
We're proud of the honey and beeswax we use, and we want to share more about them with you. Our honey is raw and unpasteurized, straight from the hive. As a small producer, we prioritize our bees' well-being and only take what we need, ensuring they always have enough honey to sustain them through the winter.
Our beeswax is unrefined, used in its natural form to deliver the purest and most natural benefits to our products. (For our deodorant, we use a solar bleaching process, lightening the beeswax's colour naturally by exposing it to sunlight without any chemicals or artificial agents. This process is carefully monitored to preserve the beeswax's natural properties while achieving the desired light colour.)
Our Commitment:
Our products feature a combination of plant-based and animal-based ingredients, all carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend that nurtures your skin and the environment.
Thank you for joining us on this delightful exploration of our marvellous ingredients. Whether you're a long time advocate or a curious newcomer, we hope you've found this information both informative and inspiring. If you'd like to learn more about any particular ingredient or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
With bee-autiful regards,
Kayleigh
xx
