Article contributed by Lloyd Jones, bee keeper and founder of apia honey.
Did you know that the use of honey has been traced back 8000 years as depicted by Stone Age paintings? Additionally the ancient Chinese, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans and Assyrians have used the ingredient for 4000 years for medicinal purposes including for wound healing and for gut health. Honey is a rich source of antioxidants and flavonoids which are beneficial for a host of reasons when it comes to human health. It also has potent antibacterial properties that help keep bacterial and fungal infections at bay.
Aside from the internal benefits of ingesting honey, here are 4 reasons why it could be amazing topically as a skincare solution as well.
Medicinal benefits
For centuries honey has been the holy grail when it comes to healing various human ailments due to its rich antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. According to a report published by the Mayo Clinic, medical grade honey when used topically can be great for healing wounds and burns. Research also suggests that it can be a natural solution for those who suffer with eczema due to its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties.
The healing properties come from the health of the bee colony and the floral source in which the honey is produced. While Manuka honey has widely been thought to be the key honey for its many benefits, a honey source that is native to Western Australia has proven to have higher levels of hydrogen peroxide which is one of the powerful healing properties that is found in honey. apia honey comes from the Jarrah and Marri trees that are native to national parks, state forests and private farm land in Western Australia. The levels of enzymes measured in the honey from these trees by independent scientists have shown higher antibacterial qualities.
I spent a number of year researching this this style of honey and I was so impressed with the research and the immense benefits this medicinal honey produced that I decided to train as a beekeeper. From there I started crafting up some products for my daughters to help them with their skin issues. The product worked so well on the girls and on my friends that I put together a range of skincare products that utilise apia honey from the Jarrah and Marri trees in WA.
Antioxidants
Aside from the medicinal benefits that honey provides, the ingredient is great for everyday use as it is a powerful antioxidant. Honey contains a host of polyphenols including gallic acid, caffeic acids, epicatechins, catechins and quercetin. Polyphenols are great for DNA repair activities and for providing some protection for your skin from sun damage.
Improve the health of your skin
The hygroscopic properties can help your dermal tissue detox which may improve the elasticity of your skin. As a result you may find a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as well as improved tone and texture in your skin due to the skin cell turn over and elastin production that is produced from the detox.
Moisturises the skin
Raw honey may help to balance the bacteria on the skin which makes it good in terms of controlling breakouts and acne. Honey also happens to be a natural humectant which means that it has the ability to absorb moisture from its surroundings which means it acts as a great moisturiser. The hydroxy acid found in honey also helps toe gently exfoliate and brighten your skin.
As you can see honey is an amazing all round ingredient regardless of whether you ingest it or use it topically. It can be great for medicinal purposes as well as everyday use.
About Lloyd Jones
WA based father of two, Lloyd Jones has created the ultimate skincare solution while researching a natural alternative to treating his two young daughters skin conditions.
As a new father, Lloyd was unsettled by all of the steroid creams and prescription ointments that his girls were prescribed so he set out for a more natural and sustainable solution.
Growing up in the pristine natural environment of WA, Lloyd was familiar with the medicinal benefits of the local honey produced by the Jarrah and Marri trees and started to explore this avenue as a possible topical source. He even trained to become a beekeeper.
From there he began creating his own balms and wellness products using Jarrah and Mairi honey as the main ingredient to try and sooth their skin in a natural and more sustainable way. After seeing successful results on his daughters and close friends, his brand apia honey was born in 2020.
