If you’re under the age of twenty-six, make the most of it – time flies. Those of us who aren’t, myself included, will begin seeing the first signs of ageing around this time – albeit slight at first. Whilst we’re on the subject of ageing – who’s bright idea was it that we should enjoy a youthful lustre for around one-quarter of our lives, and spend the other three-quarters trying to claw it back?
Of course, there are lotions and potions available claiming to turn back time for our skin, but alas, most won’t perform as desired. If we’re to keep our skin looking at its best for as long as possible, we need some pretty targeted anti-ageing skincare to do the job. I’m no expert, however, I am wrinkle-phobic by nature and have been since I hit twenty-six so the subject of anti-aging is one of great interest. Skincare with active ingredients, natural or man-made will always be the way forward, and despite what’s said, you really can tell who’s looked after their skin and who hasn’t.
More often than not, we use a product and expect to see great results, but we don’t look into how the active ingredients can actually make a difference? So, today I’m delving into the world of bee venom skincare to find out just how its effects can improve the appearance of our skin.
Is Bee Venom Be The Answer?
When we think of bee venom skincare, one brand in particular springs to mind – Heaven Skincare. After all, celebrity Facialist and founder Deborah Mitchell pioneered her very own patented Abeetoxin® Formula, which proudly remains at the forefront.
In December last year, I travelled to London to meet Deborah and her PR team at a press event held in Morgan House – Deborah’s Covent Garden Retreat. During my visit, I was gifted a rather large goodie bag full of luxury skincare treats, including celebrity favourites Bee Peel and Black Bee Venom facial masks. Both of which I’m featuring today.
Admittedly, I find the use of bee venom, or Apitoxin – as it’s officially known, intriguing and was keen to learn more. What I found is that interestingly, bee venom, with its anti-inflammatory compound – Melittin, is also used to treat conditions such as arthritis and fibromyositis helping to ease symptoms. No surprise then, it can work wonders for our skin too.
How The Heck Does It Work?
If you’re unfortunate enough to be stung, a complex reaction begins. The hyaluronidase (enzymes in bee venom) cause the breakdown of hyaluronic acid polymers (our skin’s intercellular cement). This enables the venom to spread through the skin tissues causing a mild, short-lived local paralysation. When Venom is added to a skincare product the same physiological reaction is triggered which, in turn, softens lines and wrinkles. Hello “nature’s Botox”.
Award-Winning Bee Peel…
Launched in April 2016, Bee Peel Is a luxurious product containing Deborah’s patented Abeetoxin® (a complex formulation of bee venom, honey and natural botulism harvested from the beehive. Along with organic coconut and raw cane sugar to resurface and even out skin tone, minimise the visibility of lines, scars, dark spots, blemishes and enlarged pores.
A solution for enhanced exfoliation and hydration. Reduces inflammation and pore-clogging debris leaving smooth, plump skin. It’s no surprise that Bee Peel, touted as a “facelift in a jar” delivers visible results and has acquired its very own celebrity following, featuring in many a glossy, and loved by Kate Middleton herself.
I’d heard so much about this product, and have to admit, I was a little nervous the first time I used Bee Peel. I knew I was to expect tingling, but I didn’t know how it would feel exactly. I twisted off the top of the luxe, spherical pot and tentatively applied a thin layer, then waited with anticipation. After around 15-30 seconds, sure enough, the tingling began – I waited again whilst my brain figured out whether I should panic and wash it off, or just go with it…
I decided to go with it but kept the product moving on my skin with my finger-tips (I found this a little more bearable for the first use). The sensation isn’t painful as such, more an all-over prickling. I’ve since used Bee Peel regularly – building up the usage time as recommended.
After rinsing, I found some reddening of my skin, particularly across my forehead, this is to be expected and my skin returned to normal shortly after.
I found leaving the mask on for around five-seven minutes gave the most visible result for me. There’s definitely some degree of skin tightening and smoothing caused by a gentle relaxation of the facial muscles. The result was fairly short-lived, in that I could see my skin returning to normal after an hour or so, (this may vary, as each of us will find a different result). However, with regular use I’ve noticed a difference in my fine lines, using both Bee Peel and Black Bee masks -I’ve been getting a double whammy of venom.
Black Bee Venom Mask
Deborah claims, her signature product is a step up from the Silver Bee Venom mask. A revolutionary organic cream that works to control the facial muscles, for tightening, firming and lifting; whilst penetrating fine lines, frown lines and wrinkles. Giving that immediate anti-ageing effect. Abeetoxin® is a natural alternative to Botox and has healing properties making it great for those with blemished skin, rosacea, eczema, dry and mature skin. Contains a quarter rare bee venom.
Black Bee Venom Mask can be used a little less tentatively – I’ve been using it under my usual makeup as a day cream and also as an overnight treatment. With a consistency and appearance of semi-softened butter and all-natural scent, there’s really nothing not to like. The packaging is smart and I love the chunky “encased” look, which gives it a luxury feel.
I have to say, I’ve been impressed with both masks and in Deborah’s own words – “Bee Peel is great for that party look” use it before heading out for the evening and be confident in your own skin.
No Bees are harmed. With beekeeping in her family, Deborah donates a portion of her profits to bee charities, and is officially a “guardian of UK bees”. To find out more about how bee venom is collected read my review of Heaven Skincare Bee Calm Kit.
For more information Visit heavenskincare.com
What are your thoughts on Bee Venom Skincare? Is it something you would try?
Features PR samples. Read full disclosure.
Disclaimer: Always patch test. Not recommended for those with a known allergy to bee stings.
