Is honey really good for the skin? Tips on using

Honey is one of our most nutritious natural products that we have used for hundreds of years. Honey is made by bees, who collect flower-nectar from flowers and then add enzymes to make it. Honey is a beauty ingredient that contains anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties.

Honey is very beneficial for the skin and face. Honey has antimicrobial, wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can be helpful in treating skin conditions such as uneven skin tone, dry and dull skin, and acne.

Honey for Face: Does it Work? What are the Benefits?

Honey, particularly unpasteurized raw honey or Manuka honey, is excellent for your health and can be used for topical applications. Why?

1. Honey can heal acne

In-vitro research has shown that honey can have antibacterial properties. It can also inhibit the growth of important dermatologically relevant microbes. These include P. acnes as well as S. aureus, which can cause acne. S. aureus can also lead to atopic dermatitis or other skin infections.

2. It heals wounds and has therapeutic effects

Honey is rich in vitamins, enzymes, amino acid, minerals, and vitamins, making it ideal for therapeutic purposes. It is safe for minor cuts and wounds, as well as soothing skin conditions like dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis.

3. It keeps your skin moisturized

Honey is a great emollient, humectant, and can help to bind moisture to your skin. It is used extensively in moisturizing lotions and creams. Honey can be used to moisturize extremely dry skin.

4. Honey helps keep skin pH

Honey can regulate your skin’s pH and help prevent infection. Honey’s low pH helps to prevent the growth of many pathogens, and wounds heal quicker.

Now that you are aware of the benefits honey has on your skin, let’s see how to use it (raw honey or Manuka honey). Keep your skin healthy and glowing.

How to Use Honey for Face: DIY Remedies

1. Honey and Lemon

Citric acid and vitamin C are both abundant in lemon juice. According to some reports, lemon juice can have an astringent effect on your skin. It can also help reduce oil production and improve skin texture. This mask can reduce acne breakouts.

What You Will Need

• Half a lemon’s juice
• 1 tablespoon raw honey

Method

1. Combine the honey and lemon juice until you have a smooth mixture.
2. Use a mild cleanser to wash your face and then dry it.
3. This mixture should be applied to your face. Avoid the delicate skin around your eyes.
4. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 20 minutes.
5. It can be washed with warm water and then rinsed off with cool water.
6. Use a towel to dry your face.

How Many Times?

Every other week.

2. Milk, Apple Cider Vinegar, And Honey

Lactic acid is found in milk. Topical lactic acids has a mild exfoliating and cleansing effect for your skin. It also improves skin texture. It is widely used to soothe the skin. It is believed to alter the pH of the skin, which helps to kill bacteria. This effect is not supported by scientific evidence.

What You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of milk powder or 1/2 teaspoon raw milk
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Method

1. Mix all ingredients together until you have a smooth mixture.
2. Use a mild cleanser to wash your face and then dry it.
3. This mixture should be applied to your face. Avoid the delicate skin around your eyes.
4. Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, rinse your face with water and rub the dry mask gently onto your skin.
6. Use cool water to rinse your face.
7. Use a towel to dry your face.
8. Moisturize.

How Many Times?

Every other week.

3. Honey and Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The effectiveness of cinnamon gel for mild to moderate acne was evaluated in a study that involved 20 patients. The study found that cinnamon gel reduced the appearance of acne lesions. Combining cinnamon with honey may be able to clear your acne.

What You Will Need

• Use a pinch of cinnamon powder, or 2-3 drops cinnamon essential oil.
• 1 tablespoon honey

Method

1. Combine both ingredients.
2. Use the mixture as a spot treatment for acne lesions.
3. It should be left on for at least 10-15 minutes.
4. It can be washed off.

How Many Times?

Every other day/ 1-2 times per week.

Be aware: Cinnamon can cause minor skin irritations, which is quite common. Before applying cinnamon to your skin, make sure you test it first.

Side effects of Using Honey

Allergies can occur when honey is raw and unadulterated. Raw honey could contain pollen. Avoid raw honey on your face if you have an allergy to bee venom and pollen. You may experience symptoms such as Rashes/ Watery eyes/ Hives/ Sneezing/ Skin bumps/ Itchy throat

Do a patch test before you use honey to ensure it fits your needs. Honey should not be used for overnight applications on the face. You will feel uncomfortable because honey is sticky. It can also attract dust, dirt and other impurities. This could cause skin irritations.