Facial expressions and the natural aging process contribute to forming horizontal lines known as crow’s feet around the eyes. These lines deepen and become more pronounced as we age. Along with genetic, environmental, and biological factors, the loss of elasticity around the eyelids over time can lead to dark circles and bags under the eyes. These circles and bags necessitate effective eye care. Since the thinnest skin in our body is around the eyes, it requires special care. So, what should be considered in an effective eye care routine that targets issues like crow’s feet, dark circles, and under-eye bags? Eye care products must contain ingredients that provide moisture support to the eye area, reduce the formation of wrinkles, and improve sagging eyelids, under-eye bags, and discoloration. Cosmetics applied to the eye area help moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. However, due to the sensitive nature of the eye area, the ingredients in eye care products are crucial. Instead of chemical-based creams and serums, it is important to opt for natural creams and serums derived from 100% natural ingredients for effective eye care.
In an eye care routine, the first step is to cleanse the eye area using an eye cleanser and cotton pad to remove makeup and dirt. In this step, choose a cleanser specifically formulated for the eye area which is natural and dermatologically tested. Then rinse the cleanser gently for a well-hydrated eye area. Effective moisturization of the eye area is necessary to prevent and delay the formation of wrinkles and crow’s feet. Natural ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins B5 and E, shea butter, evening primrose oil, aloe vera, royal jelly, and raw honey help maintain the moisture balance of the delicate eye area and prevent the appearance of wrinkles. Apply a specially formulated eye care cream and serum to the eye area by gently massaging it. Achieve effective eye care with propolis, bee venom, royal jelly, and raw honey!
Bee products are natural and effective ingredients that can also be used in eye care. Propolis, which contains valuable phenolic and flavonoid compounds such as CAPE (Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester), quercetin, pinocembrin, galangin, and chrysin, contributes to the nourishment and protection of the skin through its potent antioxidant activity. It helps remove dead cells and toxins from the skin. Bee venom increases blood circulation, and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, providing fullness to the skin, thus reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles, resulting in a smoother and brighter eye area. The unique compound 10-HDA, royalactin, and proteins only found in royal jelly stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin, improving elasticity and firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area. It deeply moisturizes the eye area. Raw honey acts as a natural moisturizer, nourishing sensitive skin. It helps protect the skin barrier.
Anti-Aging Effect of Propolis
In a scientific study conducted at Yonsei University in Korea in 2020 under ex vivo conditions, the effect of propolis support on UV-induced skin aging was examined. In the study on human dermal cells, the skin cells treated with propolis (2.5, 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL) were exposed to UV rays once a day for 10 days. Propolis support appeared to have a direct effect on the enzyme that prevents skin aging and collagen degradation. In these mechanisms, it has been reported that compounds such as CAPE, quercetin, and apigenin found in propolis play a role. The researchers confirmed the anti-aging effect of propolis.
Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Effect of Bee Venom
A scientific study at Duzce University in 2022 aimed to develop a skin care product containing bee venom, propolis, honey, beeswax, and royal jelly. This study prepared a prototype cream formulation with 0.1% bee venom, 0.3% propolis extract, 0.45% honey, and 1.0% royal jelly and analyzed for stability, antioxidant activity, dermatological response, and cytotoxicity. In addition, a panel test evaluated its effects on skin smoothness, nourishment feeling, hydration, skin tone, luminous appearance, and skin wrinkles with healthy women volunteers aged between 33-70. According to the results, the formulation caused the skin to become silky smooth, contributed to hydration, brightened and nourished the skin, evened the skin tone, reduced the visibility of wrinkles, improved skin elasticity, and smoothed the wrinkles. In addition, the anti-aging effects of the product containing bee venom were successfully confirmed by over 90% of the subjects. In conclusion, the cream formulation containing bee venom and other bee products has a positive effect in removing the signs of skin aging.
Enhancing Collagen Synthesis in the Skin with Royal Jelly
In 2012, a scientific study investigated the effect of royal jelly on collagen synthesis. The study created a rat model of skin aging related to estrogen deficiency, and the anti-aging effects of royal jelly on the skin were evaluated. The protective effects of royal jelly against skin aging were studied by determining the expression of type 1 procollagen and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1). Additionally, the collagen content of the skin tissue and epidermal thickness was measured using staining techniques. The results showed increased type I procollagen protein in rats fed a food supplement containing 1% royal jelly. According to the results, royal jelly supplementation in rats increased collagen production and protected skin aging.
References:
1. Tanuğur Samancı AE, Kekeçoğlu M. Development of a cream formulation containing bee venom and other bee products [published online ahead of print, 2022 Mar 2]. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;10.1111/jocd.14891. doi:10.1111/jocd.14891
2. Park, H. M., Cho, M. H., Cho, Y., & Kim, S. Y. (2012). Royal jelly increases collagen production in rat skin after ovariectomy. Journal of medicinal food, 15(6), 568–575. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2011.1888
3. Kim, Da Hyun, et al. “Propolis Suppresses UV-Induced Photoaging in Human Skin through Directly Targeting Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase.” Nutrients 12.12 (2020): 3790. 4. http://meslek.eba.gov.tr/upload/dk10/Cilt_Bakim_Uygulamalari_Atolyesi_10_16.pdf
