Bees are complex creatures with a dynamic relationship with their hives. Worker bees typically have a lifespan of 5-6 weeks in the summer and 18-22 weeks in winter. While a queen can have a lifespan of 2 to 3 years, what's the difference? Royal jelly.
Queen Bee's Royal Jelly
Hives feed their new developing queen a diet of royal jelly for her development into the queen, and is fed this specific diet with purpose and that differs from the workers and the drones feed for larvae development. It is the equivalent to a bees breast milk. And according to Science.org.au-
"In a colony of honeybees, a fertilised egg can develop into a queen or a worker—depending on the diet provided to the developing bee. Early on, all bee larvae are fed a substance called royal jelly, which is a gelatinous substance produced in the head glands of ‘nurse’ bees. Royal jelly is composed of approximately two-thirds water, one-eighth proteins, 11 per cent simple sugars, small quantities of Vitamin C and various trace minerals and enzymes."
"After three days, those larvae destined to become workers receive no more royal jelly; instead, their diet switches to bee bread (a mixture of pollen, nectar and honey). In contrast, those larvae chosen to become queens are fed only royal jelly for the remainder of their lives."
"This exclusive diet of royal jelly is essential for the development of queen bees and it involves what is known as an epigenetic process. Epigenetics is the study of the way in which the environment affects gene expression. The larvae that develop into queen bees or worker bees are genetically identical, yet as adults they are so different they appear like completely different organisms. Worker bees are smaller, have different anatomy and behaviour, die after stinging and are relatively short lived (typically, active workers live between five and seven weeks, while queen bees can live for four to five years)."
What are Royal Jelly Skin Benefits?
There always is the next buzz in skin care just like the latest exercise trend, however this trend may have something to it that is worth the buzz.
The makeup of royal jelly has enzymes as well as vitamins.. "It can fight signs of aging with the powerful vitamins B, C, and E, amino and fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants which soothe and nourish skin," says Francesca Fusco, M.D., dermatologist in New York City. She recommends royal jelly for its protective, hydrating, and healing properties.
Further, there have been scientific studies to show the additional benefits of royal jelly. These studies have identified royal jelly under animal trials to help heal small wounds in rats. Raw honey is also know to have great wound healing benefits on small to medium wounds and act as a antibacterial agent and is know to heal wounds more effectively and quicker than other topical treatments and has been used for decades by physicians.
According to Dr. Whitney Bowe-
"Royal jelly is believed to be a multi-tasking ingredient with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its antioxidants help to soothe the skin and to fight free radical damage (which contributes to premature aging). I find that it can be very hydrating and healing when used topically. Of course, if you have an allergy to bees, honey, or pollen, speak to your doctor before incorporating any products including royal jelly into your skincare regimen."
What to Expect
Some of the products on the market have different potency of royal jelly and it appears the purer sources offer better results. Product manufacturers also indicates that most products will deliver a immediate result as well as some longer term benefits.
OVERNIGHT- MINIMIZES PORES, BRIGHTENS COMPLEXION, BALANCES OILS, and is ANTIMICROBIAL (Fights Acne).
OVERTIME- SKIN REGENERATION, REDUCES FINE LINES & WRINKLES, FIRMS & LIFTS, and EVENS SKIN TONE
It must also be noted that if you suffer from any bee allergies, you should consult your doctor before using any bee products.