The bee story begins in Asia, with SangMi Han, MD, a research biologist, at the National Academy of Agricultural Science in South Korea. Following the observation that Korean beekeepers had flawless hands, Han began to investigate the beneficial effects of bee venom on the skin. She found that the venom was a potent combination of enzymes, peptides, and amino acids that worked on all levels of the skin to encourage cell regeneration and collagen formation and reverse sun damage by increasing epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF repairs the skin, fades freckles, and wrecks wrinkles. A beauty triple threat. 

The research also showed the venom to decrease matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are destructive proteins created by ultraviolet light. Abundant MMPs equal a one-way ticket to sagsville. But the purification process is the pièce de résistance of this whole tale. Han created a purification process that removed any unwanted particles from the venom after it had been collected from the hive, guaranteeing its purity and potency. Best of all, the process was safe, ensuring the bee's life-span, well-being, and performance were not affected.

But let's not forget beautifying manuka honey, created by bees who feed on the manuka bush, which is native to New Zealand. Honey, an amazing humectant, keeps the skin hydrated, soft, and vibrant. It helps in the fight against MMPs as well, helping to preserve a youthful look. Oh, and did we mention that in addition to reversing wrinkles, both the honey and the venom have antibacterial properties that can zap zits ?  Pretty damn cool.  

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Hellin Kay

So what happens when you mix purified bee venom and manuka honey? You get the closest thing to Botox in a bottle. Manuka Doctor, which harnesses the power of natural ingredients from the hive into scientifically enhanced skin-care formulations that are refined, concentrated and 100 percent bee friendly. Manuka Doctor is the only skin-care range to combine the potency of patented purified bee venom with the healing benefits of certified manuka honey for authentic solutions that work to combat everything from blemishes to signs of aging. The brand is made up of serums, oils, creams, face masks, targeted wrinkle fillers, lip plumpers, and primers so you can easily pick your, er, poison?