Dr Isaac Flitta

Treating Hyperkeratosis with High-Grade Bee Propolis:

How to Stop the Eczema Itch Loop Naturally.

This article explores the dermatology behind our formula, using real customer stories as case studies to explain how Mānuka Honey MGO 823+, Bee Propolis, and Organic Botanical Oils function at a microscopic level.

Tōtika  Health Day Cream with Bio-Active Ingredients

Case Study 1: Mānuka Honey vs. Hyperkeratosis and Sun Damage (Skin Barrier Repair)

The Customer Experience:

We received a moving testimonial from a customer with fair skin who has spent a lifetime exposed to the harsh New Zealand sun. She described suffering from "atopic keratosis," a condition characterised by dry, scaly patches and an overproduction of keratin (the protein that makes up the outer layer of skin).

"I have tried numerous treatments and lotions to try to alleviate the constant itch but to no avail until I tried your Nourishing Hand Cream. Within a couple of days the itch is gone and the buildups have stopped. I am thrilled."

The Science: Why Did Totika Succeed Where Medical Lotions Failed?

To understand this result, we must consider the grade of the honey used. We utilise Mānuka Honey MGO 823+. Most commercial products use MGO100 or 200, and some use no manuka honey, just Manuka Pollen, or use the word manuka honey purely for marketing purposes.

Our high concentration of MGO levels creates a potent therapeutic effect based on two biological mechanisms:

1. Osmolarity and Keratolytic Action

Keratosis involves the hardening of skin cells. Mānuka honey is a "humectant," meaning it draws moisture from the air and the deeper layers of the dermis. However, because of its high sugar content and low pH (acidity), it also exerts a mild keratolytic effect. This means it gently breaks the bonds that hold dead, hard skin cells together. Unlike synthetic acids that can burn, Mānuka honey softens these "keratin buildups" naturally, allowing them to shed without irritation. This explains why the customer saw the buildups "stop" within days.

2. Downregulating the "Itch Loop" :

The "constant itch" described by the customer is caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines, signalling molecules that tell the body to be irritated. Research published in Frontiers in Microbiology has demonstrated that high-grade Mānuka honey modulates the immune system. It inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α) [1]. By applying MGO 823+, the customer effectively turned off the chemical switch that causes itching, providing relief that standard moisturisers (which only treat the surface) could not achieve. [1. 2]

Hand Cream MGO823+ Manuka Honey and Bee propolis with Bio-Active Ingredients

The Customer Experience:

Kay M, a loyal Totika customer, shared her struggle with sensitive skin and eczema. For those with reactive skin, trying a new product is usually a risk.

"I have very sensitive skin... I suffer from eczema and when I have a flare up I dab some [Totika] eye cream on the area and it clears up in no time!" (Note: While Kay mentions the eye cream, the active mechanism—Propolis—is a hero ingredient in our Hand Cream as well)."

The Science: The "Bee Glue" Barrier

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is essentially a defect in the skin barrier. Imagine a brick wall where the mortar is crumbling; irritants get in, and moisture gets out. This triggers the immune system to panic, causing redness and stinging.

Our Hand Cream relies on Bee Propolis to fix this "mortar." Propolis is a resinous mixture that bees create to sterilise and seal their hives. [3]

Tōtika  Health Raw Bee Propolis Harvested and dried.

1. Immunomodulation

When Kay applies the cream to a flare-up, the Propolis goes to work on the histamine response. Scientific studies have shown that Propolis possesses significant anti-allergic properties by inhibiting histamine release from mast cells [2]. This stops the swelling and redness almost immediately.

2. Micronutrient Repair

Our Propolis is rich in zinc, magnesium, and calcium. Zinc, in particular, is vital for DNA synthesis and cell division. By supplying these minerals directly to the compromised skin barrier, the cream accelerates the regeneration of healthy skin cells, closing the "gaps" in the barrier that allow eczema to thrive. [3]

Case Study 3: The Environmental Shield (Winter & Air Conditioning)

The Customer Experience: Katherin L. wrote to us from Lohne, Germany, providing the ultimate stress test for any skincare product: the combination of central heating and cold winter wind.

"Trotz einer Mischung aus 'Heizungsluft im Büro' und Abends 'bei Wind und Wetter draußen' muss ich mir die Hände nur noch 1x täglich eincremen." (Despite a mix of heating air in the office and wind and weather outside, I only have to put cream on my hands once a day.)"

The Science: Occlusion without Suffocation

Standard lotions are mostly water. When you apply them in a dry office, the water evaporates within an hour, leaving your hands dry again. This is known as high TEWL (Trans-Epidermal Water Loss).

Katherin’s "once a day" result is achieved through the synergy of Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Camellia Oil.

1. The Lipid Bilayer Reinforcement (Coconut Oil)

Coconut oil is rich in Lauric Acid. Unlike other fats, Lauric Acid has a high affinity for skin proteins. It sinks into the stratum corneum and mimics the skin’s natural lipids [3]. It creates a semi-permeable seal. This seal keeps the aggressive "heating air" from sucking moisture out of Katherin’s hands, drastically reducing TEWL.

2. The Delivery System (Camellia Oil)

Sibille G from Austria noted in her review: "The cream is quickly absorbed and smells lovely." This is the magic of Camellia Oil. Rich in Omega-9 (Oleic Acid), it is structurally almost identical to human sebum [4]. Because the skin recognises it as "self," it absorbs the cream instantly. It acts as a "Trojan Horse," pulling the sticky Honey and resinous Propolis deep into the dermis so they don't sit on the surface, making things greasy. This is why Sibille finds the consistency perfect, not heavy.

The Totika Difference: Ingredients in Harmony

Many brands sprinkle a tiny amount of "hero ingredients" into a base of water and petroleum. At Totika, the active ingredients are the base.

When you use the Nourishing Hand Cream, you are engaging a three-step biological process:

1. Repair: Mānuka Honey MGO 823+ eliminates bacteria and reduces inflammation caused by sun damage or dermatitis.

2. Restore: Bee Propolis accelerates cell growth and provides critical minerals to help repair the skin barrier.

3. Protect: Organic Coconut and Camellia oils lock in the moisture, creating an invisible glove that withstands wind, office heating, and daily wear.

As our customer reviews from Germany, Austria, and New Zealand demonstrate, this isn't just a hand cream; it is a therapeutic tool for skin health. Whether you are battling the summer sun or the winter wind, science suggests that the best solution has been hiding in the hive all along.

Ready to experience the science of Mānuka and Propolis?

Quick Facts

 The Science of the Hive: Hand Cream Breakdown

Ingredient	Microscopic Action	Skin Benefit
Mānuka Honey MGO 823+	Keratolytic & Humectant	Softens hard skin patches & hydrates
Bee Propolis	Histamine Inhibition	Rapidly stops itching & redness
Organic Coconut Oil	Lipid Bilayer Reinforcement	Creates a moisture seal (Lowers TEWL)
Camellia Oil	Omega-9 "Trojan Horse"	Deep absorption without greasiness
Trace Minerals	Zinc, Magnesium, Calcium	Accelerates cell DNA repair & regeneration

FAQ: Why Science Matters for Your Hands

What is the "Itch Loop", and how do you stop it? Itching is caused by signalling molecules called cytokines. Standard lotions only mask the surface, but MGO 823+ Manuka honey has been proven to inhibit cytokines (like TNF-α), effectively turning off the "itch" at a chemical level.

Why does this cream last through wind and office heating? Most lotions are water-based and evaporate. Our cream uses Organic Coconut Oil rich in Lauric Acid, which creates an "invisible glove." This reduces Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), keeping moisture locked in even in harsh German winters or dry NZ summers.

Is it greasy? No. We use Camellia Oil, which is structurally similar to human sebum. Your skin recognises it as its own and immediately pulls the medicinal honey and propolis deep into the dermis.

Scientific References:

1. Propolis inhibits IgE-mediated mast cell activation by suppressing SYK/MAPK signalling pathwa.

Thi Van Nguyen ,Yuna Jiang , Zhen Nan Yu , Juan Jin , Eui Hyeog Han , Hyoung Tae Kim Chang Ho Song , Yong Kap Hur , Ok Hee Chai

The Journal of Immunology, Volume 210, Issue Supplement_1, May 2023, Page 160.15,

2. Honey, Propolis, and Royal Jelly: A Comprehensive Review of Their Biological Actions and Health Benefits

   Visweswara Rao Pasupuleti, Lakhsmi Sammugam, Nagesvari Ramesh, Siew Hua Gan

   
   

The Journal of Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity: 2017 July 26: 1259510.

3. Single cell analysis reveals multiple requirements for zinc in the mammalian cell cycle

   Maria N Lo Leah J Damon, Jian Wei Tay, Shang Jia Amy E Palmer

Journal of Cell Biology: University of Colorado, Boulder, United States;

& Further Reading

For those interested in the clinical data supporting our formulation, we have compiled the relevant research below:

4. McLoone, P., Oluwadun, A., Warnock, M., & Fyfe, L. (2016). Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Central Asian Journal of Global Health.

   
   

   • Significance: This paper validates the use of medical-grade honey for the treatment of dermatological disorders through immune modulation.

     
     

5. Martinotti, S., & Ranzato, E. (2015). Propolis: a new frontier for wound healing? Burns & Trauma.

   
   

   • Significance: Details the cellular mechanisms by which Propolis accelerates wound closure and reduces inflammation.

     
     

6. Varma, S. R., et al. (2019). In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

   
   

   • Significance: Confirms the ability of coconut oil to improve skin barrier function and reduce water loss.

     
     

7. Jung, E., et al. (2007). Effect of Camellia japonica oil on human type I procollagen production and skin barrier function. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

   
   

   • Significance: Highlights the anti-ageing properties of Camellia oil and its ability to boost collagen production.