When you think of a bee sting, pain, redness, and swelling often come to mind. While the sensation of the stinger piercing the skin certainly contributes to the discomfort, the true cause of the pain is the bee venom.

What Is Bee Venom?

Bee venom, also known as apitoxin, is an odorless, clear acidic liquid produced by the special glands of worker bees. Its primary purpose is to defend the colony against potential threats. A single bee sting can deliver up to 150 micrograms of venom. Depending on the individual’s weight, between 200 to 1500 bee stings can be lethal.

This venom contains a complex mix of molecules, including proteins, amino acids, phospholipase A2, and melittin, the main component. The use of honeybee products like propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom for health and medical purposes is known as apitherapy. Within this practice, bee venom has been utilized for various treatments, ranging from desensitizing individuals to bee allergies to managing chronic pain.

Benefits and Uses

As scientific research advances our understanding of bee venom, its clinical use appears promising for treating skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne vulgaris, and even for reducing the signs of aging. Utilizing high-quality topical products containing bee venom for skin health may offer significant benefits.

Bee Venom and Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by itchy, painful, dry, cracked skin, rashes or small bumps, and thickened skin. This condition typically occurs in skin creases, like the inside of elbows and behind the knees, but it can manifest anywhere on the body.

A recent Global Burden of Disease Study reported that up to 20% of children and 10% of adults worldwide suffer from atopic dermatitis. While the exact cause isn’t well understood, zinc deficiency might play a role. Studies have suggested that the topical application of bee venom could be beneficial for those suffering from this condition.

In one study, 136 participants with atopic dermatitis were divided into two groups. One group received an emollient containing bee venom and silk protein, while the other group received a control treatment for four weeks. The results indicated that the group using the bee venom cream reported less severe symptoms and reduced itching compared to the control group.

The study suggested that bee venom’s efficacy might be due to its ability to prevent mast cell degranulation. Mast cells are immune cells containing granules of cytokines, heparin, and histamine, which play a significant role in allergic reactions and itching. Mast cell degranulation is the process where these cells release their histamine into the bloodstream. By preventing this, bee venom could potentially be useful for other conditions involving mast cells, such as psoriasis.

Bee Venom and Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, leading to scaly, itchy, inflamed patches of skin. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, knees, and elbows.

An estimated 4.8% of the population is affected by psoriasis. Research indicates that bee venom may help improve this condition. A double-blind randomized clinical trial involving 50 patients with recalcitrant localized plaque psoriasis explored the effects of bee venom. Recalcitrant psoriasis is defined as having at least a two-year history of the condition with no success from at least two anti-psoriasis treatments. The study divided participants into two groups: one received bee venom therapy, and the other received a placebo. The treatments were injected into psoriatic lesions over 12 weeks.

The study found that 92% of the treatment group experienced complete disappearance of their psoriasis lesions and a decrease in the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine associated with increased inflammation and cell death. This suggests that bee venom may be as effective an anti-inflammatory agent as curcumin.

Bee Venom and Acne

Acne, known clinically as acne vulgaris, commonly affects teens and young adults. It involves raised tender bumps, pus-filled pimples, and blackheads, often accompanied by inflammation and pain.

While certain vitamins like high doses of B12 and B6 have been linked to acne, it is primarily caused by bacteria, particularly Cutibacterium acnes. Studies indicate that bee venom may possess antibacterial properties beneficial for acne treatment. One double-blind randomized controlled study examined the effects of bee venom-infused cosmetics on acne.

In the study, twelve participants were divided into two groups. Over two weeks, one group used cosmetics containing bee venom, while the other group used cosmetics without it. The results showed that the group using bee venom products experienced a reduction in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions compared to the control group.

Research also suggests that tea tree gel, known for its antimicrobial properties, may help reduce acne. Thus, combining bee venom with tea tree in skincare products could be a formidable solution against acne outbreaks.

Bee Venom and Anti-Aging

Maintaining youthful, glowing skin as one ages can be challenging. Aging leads to collagen loss, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

A test-tube study investigating the effects of bee venom on human skin cells damaged by ultraviolet radiation found that bee venom helped repair cell damage and increase collagen formation. Another clinical voluntary trial involved 22 women aged 30-49 years old who used a bee venom cream twice daily for 12 weeks. The study found that the bee venom cosmetic reduced the total number and depth of the women’s wrinkles.

Interestingly, snail mucin, the mucus secreted by snails, has a similar effect on reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Products combining bee venom and snail mucin may offer a powerful synergistic effect for improving skin texture.

Claims About Bee Venom Benefits

Despite promising studies, some claims about bee venom’s benefits remain unsupported. For example, some believe that bee venom can help with lymphatic drainage or even weight loss.

The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help move lymph fluid from tissues back into the bloodstream. While drinking plenty of water, deep breathing, exercise, and massage can support lymphatic drainage, there is no scientific evidence that bee venom products promote this process. Similarly, claims that bee venom patches can aid in weight loss are not supported by clinical studies.

How to Use Bee Venom for Skin

The application of bee venom has evolved from injecting stingers into the skin to using creams, serums, and gels. The best bee venom skincare products combine high-quality ingredients with synergistic components like snail mucin, tea tree, and collagen to support healthy skin.

While injecting bee venom for therapeutic purposes has been reported to have side effects, topical application is generally considered safe. The main side effects include mild itching, pain, and swelling. Individuals allergic to bees should consult a healthcare professional before using bee venom products.

Bee venom is a potent natural toxin that not only protects bees but also offers potential health benefits. With ongoing research, its use in skincare for conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and anti-aging appears promising. Incorporating high-quality bee venom products into a well-rounded skincare routine, alongside a healthy lifestyle, may help maintain supple, glowing skin for years to come.