Scroll through this article to understand how they may help and learn ways to use milk and honey to practice eco-friendly skincare.
Milk And Honey For Face: What Are The Benefits?
Milk and honey can have anti-aging properties that produce age-defying effects on your skin. According to the legend, Cleopatra used to bathe in milk every day to keep her skin young, radiant, and clear. This combination can have certain benefits as stated below:
1. Help Moisturize Your Skin
Lactic acid is one of the natural AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) found in sour milk, that acts as an excellent moisturizer. It is a part of the natural moisturizing complex of your skin (1). Honey for dry skin is also ideal, given it is an emollient and one of the natural humectants that can bind moisture to your skin and keep it soft and moisturized (2). For these very reasons, some skin care products, except those in vegan skincare, use milk and honey in their formulas.
2. Milk Keeps The Skin Firm And Smooth
A study found that 12% of topical lactic acid can help improve skin appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes collagen production that keeps the skin firm and smooth (3). You can also use milk for gentle exfoliation and natural cleansing. Applying it to your face can have similar results.
3. Honey Helps Maintain Skin pH
Maintaining skin pH is crucial to prevent breakouts and rashes. An imbalance in skin pH disturbs the natural barrier of your skin. This can lead to skin irritation. Honey helps regulate skin pH levels (2), and hence soothes irritation.
4. Honey Can Heal Wounds
Honey’s antimicrobial properties and methylglyoxal (one of the active compounds) can help heal your wounds effectively. It is also an anti-inflammatory that reduces inflammation. It is also suitable for healing burn wounds and other skin issues such as psoriasis, dandruff, diaper rash, seborrheai Also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, it is a common skin condition that causes red, scaly rashes on the skin, mainly the scalp. , and tineai A group of diseases caused by a fungus. It includes fungal infections like ringworm, jock itch, and athlete’s foot. (2).
5. Honey Treats Acne
Honey for acne reduction has often been a common choice. A study found that applying honey to acne lesionsi Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil, creating common comedones like whiteheads and blackheads. can promote faster healing. Honey reduces acne by inhibiting the growth of both P. acnes and S. aureus bacteria (4).
6. Honey May Heal Sunburn
Honey and milk can be an effective home remedy for sunburn. Milk contains lactic acid, which acts as a mild exfoliant and can remove damaged skin while promoting new, healthy skin (3). Honey, on the other hand, helps lock moisture in the skin. Sunburned skin can become very dry and begin to peel, and honey is a good remedy for it as it is a natural humectant. It reduces peeling while hydrating the skin (5). In addition, honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can ward off germs and reduce redness and swelling. It is a simple, at-home solution that offers comfort and relief for sun-exposed skin and allows it to heal more quickly (6).
How To Use Milk And Honey On Face
1. Milk And Honey As A Face Wash
Both honey and milk can moisturize the skin and inhibit acne-causing bacteria. This way, they can help keep your facial skin healthy and clear.
1 tablespoon of raw honey (you may use Manuka honey) 2 tablespoons of milk 1 bowl 1 cotton pad
2. Milk And Honey As A Face Mask
This face mask helps soothe your skin. Both the ingredients have moisturizing properties, making this face mask especially beneficial for dry skin. However, the mask is suitable for all skin types.
1 tablespoon of raw Honey 1 tablespoon of milk 1 microwave-safe bowl
3. Milk And Honey As A Scrub
Oats, Fuller’s earth and ground almonds have a coarse texture. These work excellently well in exfoliating your skin without causing damage and hence improves skin texture. The milk and honey in the scrub keep your skin hydrated.
1 teaspoon of raw honey 1 teaspoon of milk 1 tablespoon of ground oats/Fuller’s earth/ground almonds 1 bowl
Note: If you have sensitive skin, use oats. If you have oily skin, use Fuller’s earth. If you have normal skin, you may use any of the three options. Along the same lines, Nazish Khan shared her experience of using a DIY face mask made of honey, milk, and rice flour on his face. She said, “I used to follow my mother’s secret home remedies of skin brightening by mixing rice flour with honey and milk which actually gave me brightening effects for a short period of time (i).” Is it good to drink milk with honey? Drinking milk with honey may potentially have some benefits, though there is no scientific evidence that proves this. The best way to use it is to let the milk cool down and then add honey to it. Ayurveda doesn’t recommend consuming warm honey (mixed in any warm beverage or food) as it is considered to harm health. However, studies in this regard are inconclusive. How long should I leave milk on my face? You may leave milk on your face for 5-10 minutes. Can milk and honey be applied to the whole body? Yes, you can apply the combination to your whole body. You may prepare a bathtub-soak with honey and milk. Soak in it for 15-20 minutes. Can I apply milk and honey to my face daily? Yes, applying milk and honey to your face daily can treat dry and flaky skin and even help fade acne scars. Do honey and milk whiten skin? Possibly. Honey and milk can help in skin brightening by removing dead skin cells and giving you a natural glow. Can honey and milk remove dark spots? Yes, honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. It promotes cell renewal and potentially helps lighten dark spots and fade scars. Are milk and honey good for oily skin? Yes, milk contains lactic acid, which acts as a natural exfoliant, and combined with honey, it acts as a nourishing cleanser for oily skin, stimulates blood flow, and helps unclog pores. Milk and honey face masks are a great way to give your skin an instant moisture boost. Check out this video for one of the best recipes you can try at home.
