While many of us, myself included, may be sad to say goodbye to summer, at least the cooler temperatures should mean fewer biting and stinging insects. And while that’s good news for people, myself included, who seem to attract and be bitten by every venomous bug out there, there are some people, it seems, who just can’t get enough.
At least when it comes to bees. Thanks, in part, to HRH the Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton, everyone’s buzzing about bee venom. It’s being touted as the latest magic ingredient and can be found in an increasing number of skin creams, lip-plumping potions and face masks.
People are calling bee venom a “natural Botox” thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen production and elastin to smooth, lift and tighten skin. Venom also contains a compound called melittin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Which led SRxA’s Word on Health to wonder if it works. Turns out that much of the clinical research into bee venom has focused on its effect s in patients with cancer and arthritis. Studies of its use in skin-care have been limited.
When applied to the skin bee venom causes tingling but has no lasting effect.
“I couldn’t find any legitimate scientific studies of the benefit of bee venom either topical or injected,” says David Leffell MD, a professor of Dermatology and Surgery at Yale School of Medicine.
He is skeptical of the extent that bee venom could smooth or tighten skin. There is evidence, however, that the honey also in many of the products could be beneficial as a moisturizer, he says.
But given that one gram of venom costs about $304 – more than eight times the current value of gold, that’s a lot of money for a moisturizer!
And good news for beekeepers, many of whom are able to add this lucrative sideline to their established honey businesses. Salons and spas are also boarding the bee bandwagon and charging over $100 for 30 minute bee-venom facials.
Have you, or would you try bee venom over botox? Buzz us with your comments.
SRxA's Word on Health 