Beauty and the Bees
What the Declining Bee Population Means for Skincare

It is not shocking news that the bee population is declining, globally, and that in some areas pollinators are nearing the extinction list. A world without honeybees would also mean a world without fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. This will greatly and negatively effect our food chain. Which will in turn have an impact on our skincare; one of the best ways to maintain a healthy complexion is to eat a lot of the right fruits and vegetables.

However, for those that enjoy natural beauty products made with coconut oil and avocado, these products will have to change their ingredient list. Cleansers powered with blueberries may now contain artificial colouring and corn syrup – not even natural corn syrup as corn requires pollination.

This has not been written to be a cautionary tale of so-called natural ingredients, rather as a(nother) notification to the public that it is of great importance to act now to protect pollinators.

Here is a summary of some simple ways to help pollinators:
1) Go Native – plant native plants
2) Keep it Blooming – make sure that flowers are blooming in the garden year round
3) Buy Local – buying local honey and produce help local apiaries stay in business and support bee populations
4) Plant Milkweed – milkweed is great food for Monarch butterflies
5) Keep it Clear – do not cover the surface of a garden with mulch, leave a little bare ground for pollinators that dig
6) Pollinator Paradise – real estate is hard to come by, help pollinators with a bug hotel
7) Provide water – bees get thirsty too, leave water pools for bees in your garden
8) Ease Up on Chemicals – use chemicals sparingly, if necessary – there are several non-chemical alternatives to weed control
9) Get Involved – join or support local organisations that help pollinators in your area
10) Seedbombing – planting native seeds around the community (check for safe areas to plant before undertaking this)
11) Colour Matters – bees have excellent eyesight and are drawn to bright colours – have bright colours popping out amongst green foliage
12) Spread the Word – share stories and actions on Social Media or join a Pollinator Registry in your area
13) Think Like a Bee – research what to plant by researching what native flowers in your area are bees’ favourites. Find the best place in your home or garden to hang a bee home

Don’t – a list of simple things not to do to help the bees and pollinators
1) Don’t buy plants that have been heavily sprayed with pesticides and chemicals before purchase
2) Don’t buy products that contain bee-made ingredients that cannot be taken without negative consequences
a. Royal Jelly – this cannot be acquired without killing the bee
b. Propolis – farming this is the equivalent of removing a human immune system – it may not kill the bee right away, but it will weaken it.
3) Avoid swatting pollinators