Why Use Honey For Dry Skin: What Are The Benefits?
There are several reasons your skin would love honey::
1. Honey Is An Excellent Humectant
Humectants are substances that help in preserving the natural moisture levels of your skin. Dry skin lacks moisture, and honey is an excellent humectant that seals moisture in your skin, helps in skin conditioning, and makes it soft and supple (1). R. Munford, a freelance writer, shared how using honey for her skin proved to be beneficial. She wrote, “My skin feels softer, less dried out and looks less red. I have washed my face with honey every morning and afterwards felt that the need for moisturizer was minimal (i).” A study states that dry skin might be related to underlying skin conditions. Of the 48,630 survey participants, 14,300, which is 29% of them, reported having dry skin issues. As per the study, dry skin can be linked to old age or be a significant predictor for common skin issues like psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, and plantar warts.
2. Honey Can Help Treat Many Skin Conditions
Some conditions, like eczemai A non-contagious skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. and psoriasis, cause your skin to become dry. Honey is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating these skin issues, along with other issues like burns, cuts and wounds, and inflammation (3).. It helps in skin repair and skin healing (3).
3. Honey Has Antibacterial Properties
Natural untreated honey has antibacterial properties and shows an inhibitory effect on about 60 species of bacteria. Honey has a high viscosityi The internal friction of a moving fluid or a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. , which helps it form a protective layer on the wounds, preventing further infection, thereby working as skin protecting and skin regenerating agent(4).
4. Honey Helps In Preventing Wrinkles
Honey has age-fighting properties. It slows down wrinkle formation and keeps your skin youthful. It also helps in maintaining the pH balance of your skin (1). For maximum benefits, it is best to use unadulterated and raw honey. This is because raw honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is rich in antioxidants (4). Look for naturally darker honey as it has greater antioxidant properties. You may also use Manuka honey that is rich in antioxidants and helps to heal skin infections(4).
How To Use Honey For Dry Skin
A. As A Face Pack
1. Honey, Turmeric, And Glycerin Face Pack
Turmeric offers therapeutic benefits for the skin (5). Glycerin is a humectant that keeps your skin moisturized (6). Honey exerts emollient and humectant effects and helps your skin retain its youthful glow and helps in skin brightening and skin revitalizing (1).
1 tablespoon organic honey ½ teaspoon turmeric (use powder or raw turmeric paste) ½ teaspoon glycerin
2. Honey And Banana Face Pack
Face packs with honey are excellent for maintaining skin softness. On the other hand, banana is widely used in DIY face masks as it helps keep the skin moisturized (7). Combining these two ingredients makes for an extremely nourishing remedy to manage dry skin.
1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon mashed banana (ripe)
3. Gram Flour (Besan), Milk, And Honey Face Pack
Besan is a great skin exfoliating agent. Milk contains lactic acidi An organic acid that improves cell turnover and helps remove dead skin cells when used topically. that works as a mild exfoliant. Together with honey, these ingredients can keep the skin clean and nourished.
1 tablespoon besan or gram flour 2 tablespoon milk 1 tablespoon honey
B. As A Face Mask
4. Honey And Avocado Face Mask
Avocado is often used as a base for DIY face masks. When mixed with honey, the fruit can keep the skin soft.
1 tablespoon mashed avocado 1 teaspoon yogurt 1 teaspoon raw honey
5. Honey And Aloe Vera Face Mask
Aloe vera has skin moisturizing and nourishing properties (9). When combined with honey, aloe vera can keep your skin moisturized.
2 teaspoons raw honey 1 teaspoon fresh aloe vera gel (scoop some from the plant)
6. Honey And Papaya Mask
Papaya contains antioxidants that may help manage skin conditions caused by oxidative stress, including skin aging and inflammation (9). Some anecdotal evidence suggests that milk, which contains lactic acid, may help with skin exfoliation. These ingredients, when combined with honey, can make skin softer and offer nourishment.
1 tablespoon of honey ½ cup of ripe papaya 2 teaspoons of whole milk
Note: Refrain from incorporating milk into the facial pack if you have dairy allergy. You can instead use an additional tablespoon of honey.
C. As A Daily Face Wash
7. Honey Face Wash
This face wash contains moisturizing ingredients, such as honey and oil.
⅓ cup honey ⅓ cup liquid castile soap 3 tablespoons of oil (use almond or jojoba or apricot or olive or argan oils) 3 tablespoons of distilled water 1 face wash dispensing bottle
D. As Your Daily Face Moisturizer
8. Manuka Honey Face Cream
Shea butter is a popular ingredient in moisturizers and has emollienti A substance used to moisturize and soften the skin and reduce skin flaking and itching. and sun-screening properties (10). This face moisturizer can keep your skin hydrated and soft. It can also provide a skin calming effect.
½ cup shea butter 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel 5 drops tea tree essential oil 3 tablespoons rose water 1 teaspoon Manuka honey (or raw organic honey)
9. Honey And Lavender Cream
This cream contains beeswax, another popular base for moisturizing products. The combination of skin-nourishing oils and honey is extremely hydrating. The essential oils give the cream a pleasant fragrance. and help in skin soothing.
¼ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon argan oil 1 ½ teaspoon of raw organic honey 1 teaspoon beeswax ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- Note
- Use the creams within 3-4 months.
E. As Body Butter
10. Honey And Essential Oil Body Butter
Coconut oil is often used for moisturizing the skin (11). Honey helps keep the skin hydrated, while the citrus essential oil offers therapeutic benefits for the skin (12).
1 ½ cups coconut oil 3 tablespoons raw honey 2 tablespoons citrus essential oil (you can use orange, lime, lemon, or bergamot oils)
11. Honey And Shea Butter Body Butter
Dry skin will love the combination of shea butter, honey, and coconut oil. This body butter is extremely hydrating and can keep the skin healthy.
1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 ½ tablespoon raw honey 1 tablespoon shea butter 1 ½ tablespoons beeswax 1 tablespoon almond oil
F. As A Facial Toner
12. Honey And Chamomile Face Toner
Chamomile extracts are popular in DIY remedies and are said to have a calming effect on the skin.
1 cup distilled water 1 tablespoon chamomile flower (or use chamomile tea) 1 teaspoon raw honey 3-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
13. Honey And Lavender Facial Toner
Lavender essential oil has a pleasant fragrance that can make you feel instantly refreshed, while apple cider vinegar can soothe the skin and balance its pH.
½ cup of water ½ tablespoon raw honey 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 3-4 drops lavender essential oil
G. As A Facial Scrub
14. Honey And Lemon Detoxifying Scrub
Granulated sugar has a coarse texture that can help exfoliate the top layer of the skin, while honey and olive oil can keep it moisturized. The essential oils make this scrub smell refreshing. It can provide a skin detoxifying effect.
1 cup of organic sugar 2 tablespoons raw honey ¼ cup olive oil 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 15 drops lemon essential oil 15 drops lavender essential oil
15. Honey And Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal is often used for scrubbing the skin due to its coarse texture. Along with honey, coconut oil, and sugar, this scrub is excellent for keeping your skin soft without irritating it.
½ cup oats 1 ¼ cups sugar ¼ cup of coconut oil ¼ cup honey 3-4 drops tea tree oil 3-4 drops lavender oil
16. Honey And Blueberry Exotic Face Scrub
Brown sugar can help exfoliate the dead skin cells, while honey and blueberry can make your skin soft.
½ cup fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons honey (prefer locally sourced organic honey) 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Note
- Prepare the face scrubs in small batches and try to use them within a week.
H. As A Lip Balm
17. Beeswax, Honey, And Sweet Almond Oil Lip Balm
Beeswax is a common ingredient used in lip balms. This combination of honey, sweet almond oil, and beeswax can keep your lips soft and plump.
½ cup beeswax 2 tablespoons of honey 1 cup sweet almond oil
Though honey is a natural ingredient, it doesn’t mean it is absolutely safe for your skin. You may experience certain side effects.
Side Effects Of Using Honey On Face
Honey is considered safe for the skin. However, you may develop an allergic reaction to honey. Also, if you are allergic to pollen, bee venom, and celery, you may develop allergic reactions after using honey on your skin. The common symptoms that you may develop include:
Itching Rashes Hives Swelling Wheezing
Hence, it is best to do a patch test before using any ingredient. Also, avoid leaving honey on your face for the entire night. It might attract dust and other impurities and cause breakouts. How often should I put raw honey on my face if I have dry skin? You may use it once daily. Can I leave raw honey on my skin overnight? No. It might attract dust particles and cause breakouts. Is honey good for dry and sensitive skin? Yes, honey has humectant and emollient properties that may aid in reducing dryness and flakiness experienced by individuals with eczema (1), (13).
Illustration: Best Ways To Use Honey For Dry Skin
Discover the wonders of washing your face with honey! Click on this video to find out how this natural remedy can give you a crystal-clear glow and help you combat dry skin.
