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This “royal” product of the bee is a strong ally for the good health of the body and can also benefit your skin.
Several of my girlfriends take royal jelly every morning. They see it as a natural way to boost their immune system, regulate their hormones, regain their energy and improve their memory. Now that I think about it, should I be ordering royal jelly too since I’ve been feeling tired lately and have been running around with viruses?
Royal jelly is the exclusive food of the queen bee . Basically, it is secreted by the worker bee to nourish her. Thanks to this superfood, she lives up to fifty times longer than the workers. For humans, royal jelly is a natural tonic with high nutritional and biological value . It has proteins, sugars, water and lipids, which provide the body with all the necessary amino acids, minerals and trace elements it needs for its proper functioning. Also, due to the high concentration of antioxidants and vitamins (A, D, E, K and mainly B) it is considered a natural elixir of longevity. It is available in a natural form with an off-white color and a creamy texture, which you can consume as is or mix with a little honey, syrup or dietary supplement in a capsule.
The benefits of royal jelly are not limited to the health of the body, but also of the skin . That is why it has found its way into the cosmetic compositions of well-known beauty brands, from our own Apivita, which is identified with the life of the bee, to the reliable Orlane, which has been using it since the 60s.
However, there is still skepticism about the benefits of royal jelly for the skin. The main argument is that most of the experiments – which are not many – have been done on animals, while its benefits have not yet been tested more widely in humans. Nevertheless, existing research suggests that royal jelly may be a promising superfood for good skin health.
Royal jelly has a regenerative and anti-aging effect
Indeed, some research (in animals) has shown that royal jelly can help increase collagen production and protect the skin from UV radiation and environmental pollution. It achieves this with the fatty acid 10-HDA, also called “queen bee acid”. So, pending human research, royal jelly in whatever form you use it appears to have the ability to reduce the appearance of common signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging, and make skin smooth, soft and supple.
Lightens blemishes
Now that we’ve learned about “queen bee acid,” let’s see what else it can do. When melanocytes are damaged by the sun, they start producing too much pigment. Royal jelly can, thanks to 10-HDA, treat hyperpigmentation and lighten dark spots caused not only by the sun but also by acne. It even seems that it can work preventively too!
It offers hydration and elasticity
Its lipid-rich composition retains moisture in the outer layer of the skin, making it more elastic, firm and hydrated. Research showed that a cream with royal jelly at a concentration of 1% provided more hydration to the stratum corneum compared to a regular cream.
Heals wounds quickly
By taking it by mouth or using it topically on a sore, wound or acne mark, royal jelly can speed healing. In addition, its antibacterial action keeps the wounds clean and protects them from infection, while bringing balance to the skin’s microbiome . And here, anyway, we are waiting to see what further research will show about its ability to repair tissues.
It fights inflammation
If you have swelling, itching, redness or sunburn, royal jelly with its antimicrobial properties can provide relief and relief. Its use is also being tested to treat flare-ups of skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis , eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
Regulates and balances hormones
Hormonal imbalance, especially in menopause, causes dryness, dullness and fragility in the skin. Taking a nutritional supplement for at least three months can help regulate and balance hormones, reducing their negative effects on the skin.
A quick Q&A about royal jelly
– To take royal jelly in the morning or not?
Yes, except for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding and people who are allergic to bee and its by-products. If you start taking royal jelly and experience itching, nausea, a rash in your mouth, or diarrhea, you should stop using it immediately and consult an allergist.
– How often can you apply a royal jelly cream?
Up to twice a day.
– Can it be combined with other ingredients?
Royal jelly is a non-irritating ingredient, so you can combine it in your skincare routine with more potent active ingredients, such as retinol and AHAs.
