What Honey Can Do for Your Skin:
Honey, the sweet and sticky gift of bees, is not just a delicious addition to your tea or golden milk—it’s also a beloved skin care secret with benefits that have been praised for centuries. Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa, an NHS doctor, highlights honey’s long-standing reputation for improving skin, dating back to ancient times, including as early as 2000 BC. Whether you’re battling acne, dryness, imbalanced pH, or uneven skin tone, a little honey applied topically could be the secret to a glowing, healthy complexion.
A Skincare Powerhouse:
Honey isn’t just sweet—it’s a true skincare powerhouse. Packed with natural enzymes and functioning as a humectant, it draws moisture into your skin and locks it in for lasting hydration. Dr. Fabusiwa also points out that honey’s natural antibacterial properties make it a strong ally in tackling acne-causing bacteria, promoting clearer skin.
But that’s not all—honey is also a potent antioxidant, helping to protect your skin from damage caused by environmental pollutants and free radicals. Dermatologist Dr. Chris Tomassian adds that honey’s antioxidants can help reduce the visible signs of aging. Even more, honey contains flavonoids that help soothe inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory markers, leading to calmer, clearer, and more youthful-looking.
Real-Life Success: How Honey Transformed My Skin
“Sarah, a skincare lover from New York, had dealt with stubborn acne for years. After adding Cinnamon honey to her nightly routine as a spot treatment, she saw a noticeable improvement in her skin within just a week. Her breakouts were less frequent, and her skin felt softer and more moisturized. She believes the honey’s natural antibacterial properties helped reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process, resulting in clearer, healthier-looking skin.”
Uses of Honey:
- Cleanses Pores: Honey is naturally antibacterial, making it an effective face wash. It helps to remove dirt and impurities, leaving the skin clean and refreshed. Simply mix raw honey with a little water for a gentle cleanse.
- Treats Acne: Honey’s anti-fungal properties help prevent certain types of breakouts. For a more targeted treatment, you can apply honey directly to blemishes to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation.
- Fades Scars: Thanks to its mild hydrogen peroxide content, honey can help lighten dark spots and post-acne scars. This makes it a useful remedy for improving skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation.
- Hydrates Skin: Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin. Applying honey to your face helps keep skin hydrated, soft, and radiant, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.
- Soothes Skin Conditions: Honey has been shown to effectively treat various skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema. Its soothing and healing properties provide relief for irritated and inflamed skin.
What Kind of Honey is Good for Skin:
For skincare, raw, unprocessed honey is the top choice. It preserves its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and healing properties, which are typically destroyed during processing or pasteurization. Here are some honey varieties that are especially beneficial for the skin:
- Cinnamon Honey: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, it may hhelp reduce acne and soothe irritated skin
- British Honey: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, ideal for nourishing and hydrating the skin.
- Spanish Oak Honey: Dark and antioxidants-rich, it may help treat acne and skin conditions.
- Matcha Honey: Packed with antioxidants, it may protect and hydrates the skin.
- Black Currant Honey: Nourishing and anti-aging, it may boost skin elasticity and reduces fine lines.
Uses of Honey on The Face:
Honey is a versatile and natural remedy for various skin concerns. Here’s how you can use it on your face:
- For Acne, Psoriasis, and Eczema: Apply raw, unpasteurized honey like cinnamon honey directly to affected areas or use as a face mask. Its natural antibacterial properties help reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
- For Skin Brightening: While honey may not directly lighten dark spots, its exfoliating properties help remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin. Apply raw honey to your face for a few minutes, then rinse off.
- For Scar Fading: Honey promotes healing and can be used as a spot treatment on scars. Apply it daily or every other day to help fade blemishes, though results may vary.
DIY -A Raw Honey Face-mask:
To create a simple raw honey face mask, apply a tablespoon of honey in a thin layer to damp skin. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse off. Your skin will feel instantly nourished and refreshed.
“For dry skin, try mixing honey with avocado to create an ultra-moisturizing mask. For acne, combine honey with a dash of turmeric for added antibacterial power.”
Side Effects of Applying Honey on Skin:
Honey is generally safe for most people, but it’s important to be cautious if you’re allergic to substances like pollen, celery, or bee venom. Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of your skin before applying honey to your face.
Additionally, be sure to wash off honey before bedtime, as it can attract dust and debris, potentially worsening breakouts or skin irritation.
Conclusion:
Honey is a natural skincare powerhouse, offering benefits like acne treatment, hydration, and anti-aging. It cleanses, soothes, and promotes glowing skin. For best results, use raw, unpasteurized honey and do a patch test. Regular use can improve skin clarity and radiance.