In an effort to infuse skin care with more naturally derived ingredients, scientists have uncovered the beautifying benefits of bee products. Their potent age-defying, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant compounds will leave you beautiful in no time

Wrinkles? Opt for royal jelly.

As we age, skin-firming collagen production slows, causing fine lines and furrows to set in — but royal jelly can help. The milky substance made by bees to feed to their queen contains 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid. This fatty acid stimulates fibroblasts, the body’s collagen-producing cells, to smooth wrinkles and plump up skin for a more youthful-looking complexion. Find it in: Burt’s Bees Skin Nourishment Night Cream ($12.38, Amazon).

Loose neck? Try bee pollen.

Lax neck skin can add years to our look and create the illusion of a double chin. The fix to a tauter, slimmer neckline? Bee pollen! Its flavonoid kaempferol increases circulation while inhibiting the enzymes that break down skin-firming elastin, says New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D.

To do: Mix 2 Tbs. of pollen (like Hummingbee Bee Granules, $18.99, Amazon) and 1 Tbs. of Greek yogurt. Rub onto neck; rinse after 5 minutes. Use three times a week for results in 30 days.

Rashy skin? Pick manuka honey.

Whether red, irritated skin is due to bug bites, sunburn, rosacea flare-ups or acne, manuka honey (produced by bees that pollinate New Zealand–native manuka bushes) can soothe and repair it. It has all of the skin-nourishing and healing properties of regular honey, but it’s up to four times more effective, thanks to its methylgloxal content.

“This organic chemical compound has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that speed the healing of irritated skin, restoring its barrier to a healthier state,” says Dr. Zeichner. What’s more, the honey’s anti-inflammatory properties quickly ease pain and reduce redness for a more even skin tone. Simply massage a pea-sized amount of manuka honey (like Manuka Doctor Bio Active 15+ Manuka Honey, $17.43, Amazon) onto irritated skin. Let sit 15 minutes, then rinse. Use daily as needed until skin has fully healed.

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This article originally appeared in our print magazine.