1. Busy as Bees Making Beeswax
Bees are truly busy and efficient workers. Beeswax is just one of the fruits of their labor from which humans benefit. Worker bees are responsible for the production of beeswax to create or repair the honeycomb. Bees feed on nectar then convert it into honey. Worker bees consume honey, and the wax-producing glands they possess turn the sugar into wax. Bees then chew the wax, and the secretion from this process makes it soft and changes its color. Beeswax also changes color due to age or use raising a brood. The colors include white, yellow, orange, red and brown.
2. A Multitude of Beeswax Uses
Beeswax uses are too many to list, but include candles, crayons, furniture polish and waterproofing. And beeswax is a mainstay in many cosmetic products and procedures, as well. Lip balm, cosmetics, creams, beard and mustache wax, dental procedures and reconstructive surgery all make use of it. Processing beeswax depends on the product. Beeswax melts at about 145 degrees F, but is soft and pliable at high temperatures below that. If it gets too cold, it becomes brittle.
3. Why Choose Beeswax for Your Skin?
Many creams and lotions for hands, feet and face contain beeswax. These moisturizers contain other oils, such as mineral or olive, and the result is an emollient that does an excellent job of soothing and softening the skin. It also protects the skin because it's water resistant. However, it's a myth that beeswax causes or worsens acne and pimples. Beeswax is so safe and mild that baby products contain the ingredient. Lanolin and paraffin are cheaper than beeswax, but they are reportedly not as beneficial to the skin as beeswax.
4. Great for Dreads
Haircare products, such as balms, pomades, emulsifiers and products for hold, volume and shine contain beeswax, as do shampoos, conditioners and hair-repair products. Beeswax naturally has a sweet fragrance, and it is a thickening agent, so it can add volume to your hair. For the same reason, beeswax makes hair more manageable when you're styling it. Your hair will be shinier, and beeswax will help protect your hair from environmental damage. Your hair will benefit from its softening properties, too.
5. Making Your Own Beeswax Products
The Internet has many sites that contain recipes for making products that contain beeswax, including beeswax soap and beauty creams. You can buy beeswax without anything else added to it for your recipes. Many sites sell beeswax products, and most prefer to keep it all natural without any further processing of the wax. However, most products contain oils or other softening agents for the skin.
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