Honey has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties (1). If you have a bottle of honey at your home, you can easily use it for your skin. We will tell you how. Scroll down to learn the benefits of honey for skin and check out 15 easy DIY remedies you may try.
Honey For Face: Is It Good? What Are The Benefits?
Honey, especially unpasteurized raw honey and Manuka honey, is considered excellent not only for your health but also for topical application. This is because:
1. Honey Can Heal Acne
Applying honey for acne is an effective natural remedy to soothe and reduce breakouts. In-vitro studies have found that honey has antibacterial properties and can inhibit the growth of many dermatologically important microbes. They include P. acnes and S. aureus that cause acne. S. aureus can also cause atopic dermatitisi Also known as eczema, a chronic disease that causes inflammation, dryness, redness, and itchy patches on the skin. and other skin infections (2).
2. It Heals Wound And Has Therapeutic Effects
Honey contains enzymes, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that make it perfect for therapeutic uses. It can heal minor burns and wounds and is effective for soothing skin issues, such as skin psoriasisi An autoimmune condition that causes skin inflammation, leading to red, itchy, scaly patches commonly on knees, elbows, and scalp. , dandruff, and diaper dermatitis (3).
3. It Keeps Your Skin Moisturized
Honey is an excellent emollient and humectant and can bind moisture to your skin (3). Hence, it is widely used in moisturizing creams and lotions. You can use honey for dry skin as it keeps it hydrated, soft, and supple and reduces any irritation, itching, and flaking.
4. Honey Helps Maintain Skin pH
Honey helps to regulate the pH of your skin and prevent any kind of infection (3). The low pH of honey inhibits the growth of a lot of pathogens and helps wounds heal faster. Now that you know how honey can help your skin, scroll down below to learn more about how to apply honey on your face (raw or Manuka honey) to keep your skin glowing and healthy.
How To Use Honey For Face: DIY Remedies
1. Honey And Lemon For Skin
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid. Anecdotal evidence states that lemon juice has an astringenti A substance that helps reduce bleeding from minor cuts and skin oiliness when applied as a cosmetic. effect on the skin, can help keep your skin oil-free, and minimize pores. This face mask can help control acne breakouts.
The juice from half a lemon 1 tablespoon raw honey Towel
Once a week.
2. Honey And Apple Cider Vinegar For Skin
Milk contains lactic acid. Topical lactic acid has a gentle exfoliating and cleansing effect on your skin and improves skin texture (4). Apple cider vinegar is widely used for its skin-soothing effects. It is said to alter the skin’s pH that helps to kill bacteria. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this effect.
1 tablespoon milk powder (or ½ teaspoon raw milk) 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar ½ teaspoon raw honey Towel
Once a week.
3. Honey And Cinnamon For Skin
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. A study involving 20 patients evaluated the efficacy of cinnamon gel on mild to moderate acne. It found that cinnamon gel helped reduce acne lesionsi Abnormal tissue changes inside or outside the body, which can be benign or malignant, caused by disease or trauma. (5). Together with honey, cinnamon may help clear acne.
A pinch of cinnamon powder or 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil 1 tablespoon honey
1-2 times a week. Precaution: Cinnamon may cause minor skin irritation, which is common. However, ensure you do a patch test before using it on your skin.
4. Honey And Tomato For Skin
Tomatoes contain lycopene (a carotenoid responsible for its red color) (6). A study states that topical lycopene is an effective antioxidant and can prevent cell damage by inhibiting free radicals (7). Together with honey, tomato can keep your skin healthy.
½ ripe tomato 1 tablespoon raw honey Towel
2 times a week.
5. Honey And Banana For Skin
Banana is a common ingredient used in face masks and is said to have a moisturizing effect on the skin (8). It is also an excellent base for any DIY face mask. Together with honey and lemon, this face mask can help keep your skin clear and prevent breakouts.
1 ripe banana 1 teaspoon raw honey 1 teaspoon lemon juice Towel
Once a week.
6. Honey And Gram Flour (Besan) For Skin
Gram flour helps to cleanse the skin and exfoliate it. It also helps to reduce excessive oil and tanning (9). This face mask can give you a clear complexion with regular use.
2 tablespoons gram flour (besan) 1 tablespoon raw honey Water Towel
3 times a week.
7. Honey And Yogurt For Skin
Yogurt contains L-cysteine that can help in lightening the skin tone (10). It helps to exfoliate the skin and brighten it and also has a cooling and skin-soothing effect. This face pack is excellent for soothing irritated skin and brightening it.
2 tablespoons curd or yogurt 1 tablespoon raw honey Towel
2 times a week.
8. Honey And Olive Oil For Skin
Olive oil is popularly used for oil cleansing. When massaged on the skin, it helps to clear skin pores and remove traces of dirt and impurities from your skin. In combination with honey, it can help keep your skin clear and prevent breakouts.
2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon olive oil Towel
2 times a week. Michelle, a beauty enthusiast and blogger, shared about her experience of discovering the skin benefits of raw honey masks, saying, “ I apply the honey alone as a mask before a shower, or put it on in the shower for the duration. Honey on the face alone can be drying from personal experience. It dries out easy after application. You can mix it with a touch of olive oil to add moisture. Honey also has natural sugars in it, which is moisturizing for the skin (i).”
9. Honey And Turmeric For Skin
Turmeric has therapeutic benefits and can help in improving a lot of skin conditions, including acne (11). It has been used since ancient times for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This combination can keep your skin clear, soothe acne breakouts, and brighten your skin. Honey for skin brightening has been used for centuries.
1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon raw honey 1 teaspoon yogurt Towel
1-2 times a week.
10. Honey And Rosewater For Skin
Rosewater exhibits antimicrobial activity and inhibits the growth of S. aureus bacteria that cause acne and other skin issues (12).
2 teaspoons rose water 1 tablespoon honey Towel
1- 2 times a week.
11. Honey And Sugar Scrub For Skin
The coarse texture of the sugar and honey scrub helps buff away all the dead cells on your skin’s surface. This helps keep your skin healthy and free of build-up. The scrub also readies your face for absorbing moisture and nutrients, so it would be a good idea to follow this up with a moisturizing and nourishing face mask.
2 tablespoons honey 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon juice Towel
2-3 times a week.
12. Honey And Coconut Oil For Skin
Extra virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (13). Using honey for oily skin may help balance excess oil but is not always advisable as it may aggravate acne.
1 teaspoon extra virgin coconut oil 1 teaspoon honey
2 times a week.
13. Honey And Avocado For Skin
Avocado oil is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, along with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Rat studies showed that it had excellent wound-healing abilities and could increase collagen density (14). Use this mask containing honey for skin repair.
A teaspoon of avocado oil A teaspoon of raw honey
2-3 times a week.
14. Honey And Oatmeal For Skin
You can use this mix of oatmeal and honey for skin radiance and skin cleansing. Colloidal oatmeal (boiled oats) is an excellent cleansing agent for the skin. It is rich in saponins that help to remove traces of dirt and impurities from the skin. It also helps to calm your skin by reducing inflammation (15).
2 tablespoons of boiled oats 1 tablespoon raw honey
2 times a week.
15. Honey And Shea Butter For Skin
The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter help to calm your skin, soothe skin irritation. It also contains oleic, linoleic, stearic, and palmitic fatty acids that keep your skin healthy (13). Use this mix of shea butter and honey for skin hydration.
1 tablespoon of shea butter 1 tablespoon of raw honey
3 times a week.
16. Honey, Turmeric, And Sandalwood Face Pack For Skin
Sandalwood has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help with various skin issues. Research has shown that using sandalwood and honey can reduce thick and raised scars called hypertrophic scars (16). Sandalwood oil can also calm irritated skin, fight acne, and promote healthy skin (17). You Will Need
1 tablespoon of honey 1 teaspoon of raw milk or rose water A pinch of sandalwood powder A pinch of turmeric
Method How Often? 1-2 times a week.
Side Effects Of Using Honey For Face And Skin
Raw and unadulterated honey may cause allergic reactions. Raw honey may contain traces of pollen. Hence, if you are allergic to pollen and bee venom, avoid using raw honey on your face. It may cause symptoms, such as:
Rashes Watery eyes Wheezing Hives Sneezing Bumps on the skin Itchy throat
Before using honey on your face, do a patch test to make sure it suits you. Also, never use honey for overnight application. It is sticky, and you will not feel comfortable. It may also attract dust and other impurities and aggravate your skin condition (if any). When using honey for sensitive skin, don’t keep it on for too long. It can stick to the skin causing redness and irritation. If you want to buy organic honey online, here are a few suggestions.
Best Honey For Face
Honey benefits our skin in many ways. It can help with moisturizing, healing, and providing a natural glow when used regularly. When looking for raw honey, check the appearance of the product. It will have a cloudy appearance. Also, raw honey crystallizes faster compared to regular honey. Hence, you need to put the bottle in warm water before using it. This is one way to identify raw and unfiltered honey. You can buy raw honey from the local farmers or online. Is it safe to apply honey on the face every day? Yes, unless you are allergic to it. Can you leave honey on the face overnight? No, it may attract dust and cause breakouts. How can I avoid bacterial contamination when using honey on my skin? Honey inhibits bacterial growth since it is an antibacterial agent. Bacterial contamination is unlikely with the topical application of honey on the skin. However, it may be of concern if contaminated honey is ingested. Should I be concerned about the sugar content in honey when using it on my skin? No. While the sugar content in honey can be a dietary concern, topical application is nothing to worry about. Can I mix honey with other ingredients to reduce stickiness? You can mix honey with some water to reduce its stickiness. You can also mix it with rosewater, oils, and yogurt, as mentioned in the article. Can I use honey on open wounds or cuts? Yes. Honey has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties that are perfect for wound healing. They can be used in dressings for open wounds and cuts and can even help speed up the healing process (18). How can I use honey for skin whitening? You can mix honey with raw milk or fresh lemon juice and apply it to your face and neck for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it off. Face packs with honey help achieve a glowing, nourished complexion.
Illustration: Honey For Face And Skin: Benefits And How To Use It
Watch this video to find out how including honey in your skin care routine might be a game changer. Get a better understanding of the plethora of benefits that honey brings to the skin.
