Used in many skin care products as it provides a protection against irritants while still allowing the skin to breathe, it forms a protective wall by sealing in moisture in our skin without smothering it and clogging up the pores

The anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties make it helpful in treating irritated skin and essential to fighting dry, chapped skin and bacterial infections

The vitamin A content reduces wrinkles and age spots while re-hydrating and reconstructing damaged skin cells

Beeswax is not just for lip balms anymore, it has major skin benefits when blended into other skin care products. Beeswax acts to soften and smooth skin whilst drawing moisture to the skin and sealing it in leaving the skin firm and plump

In its natural state, beeswax is firm but pliable. Once it is melted and combined with other ingredients beeswax adds body to skin care products making creams thicker

The mild anti-bacterial properties in beeswax make it beneficial in the treatment of bacterial skin conditions. A paste made of honey, olive oil and beeswax is an excellent combination for bacterial skin conditions. Its no-allergenic properties make it a useful skin protector from various airborne allergies

Beeswax has no benefit when consumed directly but has many other applications beneficial to the body

Beeswax has been used in the processing, packaging and preservation of some foods. It can guard against the effects of acids in foods, helping to keep foods safe for consumption

The antibiotic and enzyme properties of honey mixed together with olive oil and lemon juice make an effective and inexpensive facial cleanser, which is easy to make

• Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of honey in a small bowl
• Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice to the mixture
• Stir for 30 seconds until well blended
• Apply immediately to the face and neck and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes
• Wash off with warm water and a wash cloth

The mixture can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks. Allow to stand to room temperature and re-mix before each use

The same mixture can be applied to hands, elbows and heels

Leave on for 15 minutes before washing off

Other uses for beeswax besides cosmetics:

Batik work – fabric dyeing

Ukrainian egg decorating

Cheese waxing

Lubricant for wood

Seal envelopes

Waterproof shoes and boots

DIY shoe polish

Grease cookie trays

Candles

Furniture polish

Granite countertop polish

Corrosion control

DIY modelling clay