Bee Proactive!

September 1, 2023

The image above is a hive frame showing capped honey cells top margin and new brood cells glistening with dark royal jelly.
Golden yellow capped brood cells which will hatch in 21 days.

Bees are so crucial to our ecosystem and food supply, not to mention how valuable their wax, honey and propolis are to skincare!
With spring approaching, bees are using every day light minute to gather pollen and nectar for their new brood. Can you help? YES.
If you have any space to grow (pesticide free) flowering herbs or plants, bees will forage within a 5km radius of their hive. Perhaps the flat verge outside your home could spare a strip to plant bee-friendly flowers or herbs? Think of the potential long-term benefits.
(Tip: if the soil is poor or hard, plant potatoes to break up and enrich the soil, it works a treat!)

Skyezone Hives
In November 2022 Skyezone started with one hive, and now have 6 in January 2025, all registered (code: YKS) with PIRSA. They are located behind our house, but still in the middle of our herb beds and street verges. That’s exciting because the medicinal benefits of these plants will enhance the honey quality. More on this in the months to come.
Bee..ing a natural skincare producer I’ve had access to high quality beeswax for years from renown beekeeper Ben Hooper. This summer our hive's beeswax from the cell capping’s will be processed on site!

What makes raw honey and beeswax so special?

Raw honey has antibacterial properties which aid in fighting acne and promoting wound healing. (Grandpa always put honey on my scrapped knees!) It contains natural enzymes and antioxidants which help moisturize, soothe, and brighten the skin.
Beeswax, on the other hand, acts as a natural emollient, creating a protective, yet breathable barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. In our lip balms and creams it provides deep hydration and promotes soft, supple skin. This duo of raw honey and beeswax are powerful actives in nurturing and enhancing skin health.

Enhancing Skin & Hair Care

Beeswax in skin creams provides a natural breathable barrier, helping to retain moisture, soothe dryness, and protect the skin from environmental factors. Its emollient properties contribute to the skin's softness and suppleness.
For example : Honey Dew & Lip Balms & Hand Repair & Nail Guard
The beeswax we use in hair care provides hold, texture, and conditioning without the stiffness of traditional hair products. It helps style and shape while maintaining a natural look. Beeswax will also lock in moisture, reducing frizz, and promotes healthier-looking hair.
For example : Define 24/7 and Hair Style

Did You Know:

The survival of the entire planet is intricately linked to the well-being of these vital pollinators.
Raw honey has no expiration date.
The live enzymes in honey are damaged by metal, so use a wooden or plastic utensil when eating honey!
A female bee lives less than 40 days, phasing thru 7 job descriptions, visits at least 1000 flowers and produces less than a teaspoon of honey, but for her it’s a lifetime!
Sorry fellas, the male drone has one solitary task, to mate a queen, then die, end of. Sad :-(

There are 6 great reasons why eating honey is better for you than sugar:

Glycemic Index: Honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) for a slower, steadier rise in blood sugar levels, reducing spikes and crashes in energy levels.
Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees from nectar. It contains a mix of fructose and glucose, which are processed by the body differently than the sucrose found in sugar.
Antioxidants: Honey contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which have potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Potential Immune Benefits: If bees access plants with greater medicinal properties their honey has been associated with potential antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. Consuming local raw honey may also help reduce allergies.
Flavor and Aroma: Honey offers a unique and complex flavor profile that can enhance the taste of foods and drinks, reducing the need for added sugars.

Where to from here?
Our 5-year plan at Skyezone is to extend our garden beds with a wider variety of flowering herbs and native plants. Oh and yes, in summer, provide raw honey for sale.

Special thanks to:
- Dr. Peter Devitt, my wonderful mentor and support in developing beekeeping skills.

- The Beekeepers Society of South Australia, for their wonder sessions and skills training - The Herb Society of South Australia, for their gift of my first Beekeepers Book. Helping me to start beekeeping.

Apis mellifera