Bethany Bee Apiary, Inc.Bethany Bee Apiary, Inc.Do you get stung often?
Not really. When we wear our protective clothing which includes long pants and boots, a jacket with attached hood and face screen, and long gloves, we rarely get stung. When we get hot or feel like we need more dexterity with our hands and start taking off the clothing, then we get stung! I usually get stung a couple times per year, my husband much more! But honey bees generally leave you alone unless they are threatened. If you accidently squish one, or aggravate them by having the hive open for too long, they will let you know they are upset!
Are swarms dangerous?
Not at all. Swarming is not an aggressive act on the bees’ part. It is their natural way of reproducing by splitting the hive and taking half the population to find another home. They are so intent on this purpose that they will likely pay no attention to you. Honey bees in the wild, and kept by local beekeepers are not the same species as the Africanized Bees you hear so much about, that chase you in swarms and are very aggressive.
What is Borax and why do you use it in some products?
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen and water. When combined with beeswax it works as an emulsifier in cream preparations. Without it, the mixture would stay in more of a gel or salve state, rather than a cream.
How much SPF is enough to protect me?
SPF 15 blocks about 93 % of UVB rays- the ones that cause you to burn. Higher SPF protects you a bit more (30 would be 97%, 50 is 98%) and allows more time before you must reapply. A person who turns red after 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is theoretically protected 15 times longer if they adequately apply SPF 15. Because a lot of sunscreens rub off or don't stay put, dermatologists advise reapplication every two hours or after swimming or sweating, regardless of the SPF number. Using a thick cream that has staying power will cover you better and last longer, thus giving more protection.
Sources:
http://blog.pharmacymix.com/how-high-does-the-spf-rating-on-your-sunscreen-need-to
http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/051509_SPFs.pdf
What is Titanium Dioxide, and is it safe?
Titanium dioxide is a white, opaque and naturally-occurring mineral. It is listed as a safe pigment, with no known adverse effects. Chemical-free and natural sunscreens use titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. They are physical barrier-type sunscreens and generally less irritating. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect against both UVA (cancer causing) and UVB (sunburn causing) rays and are shown to be as affective, if not more, than chemical sunscreens.
Sources:
http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/HBI/21/
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/biology/b103/f02/web1/vculler.html
Are your products organic?
Good question. Probably. We are not certified organic, because we cannot prove that every ingredient we use is organic. Furthermore, we have no control over pesticides and fertilizers that our neighbors may be using on their lawns and gardens that our bees forage on. But we try to stay as natural as possible.
Is local honey really good for you?
Yes, it has many benefits. Check out our honey page for more details.
Why do you use mineral oil in some of your products?
We find that mineral oil produces a rich, smooth and effective cream. While some people have a sensitivity to it, it is fine for most. Others say that it isn’t absorbed well in the skin, but our own experience, and that of many others who’ve used our products, shows otherwise. We do offer most of our products in formulas that we call “un-petroleum” for those who prefer not to use mineral oil
My Honey Facial Scrub gets hard in the cold weather. What can I do?
You can microwave the jar for a few seconds- 5-10 only, to soften the honey. But usually, if you take a scoop of it into your warm wet palm, and apply it a little at a time to your warm, wet face, it will spread out and be easy to use.
Do you use honey and beeswax from your own hives in your products?
We try to, but we are a small operation and often run out. When that happens, we use honey and beeswax from another nearby beekeeper.
