A dollop of honey can do more than sweeten a mug of tea - it can also reduce inflammation, soothe redness, and exfoliate skin. Let's explore the vast benefits and unique uses of honey for the skin. Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Honey isn't just a treat for your taste buds - it's beneficial for your skin, too.
- Honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties that can help your skin in a number of ways.
- Honey is a natural humectant, which means it supports long-lasting hydration and deep moisturization.
- Additionally, honey promotes the healing process, acts as a natural exfoliator, and can lighten scars and hyperpigmentation.
See Related: How to Choose the Best Anti-Aging Serum for Your Skin
Is Honey Good for Your Skin?
Short answer? Yes!
Honey is good for your skin for a number of reasons. But it's not just your skin health that can benefit from this sticky sweetener. Even your digestive system and immune system enjoy the advantages of honey.
Honey can be used to boost immunity, reduce swelling, and heal wounds. It has antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory effects that can benefit your entire body, from your skin to your gut.
Plus, it's a natural sweetener that won't lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, making it the perfect addition to your afternoon cup of tea. And if you're not a tea girlie, you can use it in your wellness drinks or daily smoothies.
Why Is Honey Good for Your Skin?
Let's dive into the benefits of honey for your skin. Why is it so good for your skin?
Here is a quick overview of the therapeutic properties and beauty benefits of honey.
Anti-inflammatory properties: The anti-inflammatory effects of honey can be used to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, or atopic dermatitis. It can also be used on sensitive skin and for allergic reactions.
Promotes wound healing: Honey contains natural enzymes that promote wound healing, reduce acne scarring, and treat skin infections.
Improves skin moisture: Honey acts as a natural humectant that attracts water and moisture to the skin.
Rich in essential nutrients and natural antioxidants: Honey is full of nutrients and vitamins that keep your skin healthy. Amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals are abundant in honey.
4 Evidence-Backed Benefits of Honey for Skin
#1. Honey Acts as a Natural Moisturizer
As a natural humectant, honey draws moisture to the skin. This moisture is what keeps the skin hydrated, plump, and smooth. This increased moisture can even be helpful when dealing with dry skin, flaky skin, or sagging skin.
But if you have oily or acne-prone skin, it's better to use an oil-free moisturizer. An oil-free moisturizer for your face will prevent clogged pores and sticky skin, which can often come with using honey on the face.
#2. Honey Promotes Wound Healing and Cell Regeneration
Plenty of research can attest to the wound-healing properties of honey. In fact, it's been used as a wound-healing agent and medicinal remedy since ancient times.
It does this by creating a protective barrier on the skin, triggering the release of cytokines, and reducing the risk of wound infections.
Additionally, it can help fight acne-causing bacteria to keep breakouts under control.
Bonus: Can Hand Cream and Body Lotion Be Used Interchangeably?
#3. Honey Works as a Pore Cleanser and a Gentle Exfoliator
Despite the sticky consistency of honey, it actually functions as a natural exfoliator. Honey contains enzymes that remove dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria that hide deep in the pores of your skin, revealing a smooth and radiant complexion.
In fact, enzymes are one of the best ways to exfoliate your skin. That's why we use it in our Radiance Enzyme Scrub, an enzyme-rich facial scrub that exfoliates, polishes, and purifies the skin.
#4. Honey Can Subtly Lighten Scars and Hyperpigmentation
Honey contains a variety of nutrients and compounds that work to heal and nourish the skin.
One of these compounds includes hydrogen peroxide.
This minuscule amount of hydrogen peroxide has mild lightening properties that can be used for dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
What Is the Best Honey to Use for Skin?
Not all honey is created equally. When you browse the shelves at your local supermarket or grocery store, you may notice a variety of types of honey.
So which is the best for the skin?
The best types of honey for skin include manuka honey, kanuka honey, acacia honey, and raw honey, all of which have therapeutic effects and skincare benefits.
How to Use Honey for Skin
Whether you use cosmetics infused with natural ingredients or sip Tolak Angin with honey and mint, there are many ways to indulge in the benefits of honey.
Here's an easy and enjoyable at-home recipe for a face mask with honey. It's refreshing, soothing, and tasty, too!
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Cleanse: Cleanse your face with warm water and a cleanser of your choice.
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Mix: Mix together 1/2 cup oats, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon hot water. You can add other ingredients too, like yogurt, milk, olive oil, coffee, or lemon.
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Apply: Apply the mixture to your face in a thin layer. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes.
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Rinse: Rinse your face with warm water to remove the mixture. Now, you can enjoy healthy, radiant skin!
If you're not in the mood to go the DIY route, you can instead use a face serum with turmeric to promote a youthful complexion and ward off premature aging.
Keep Reading: How to Plump Skin Naturally (& How to Maintain It)
People Also Ask
Is Honey Good to Apply to the Face?
Yes, honey can be beneficial to apply to your face.
Honey acts as a natural humectant, attracting moisture to the skin barrier to keep it hydrated and soft. Additionally, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can assist with acne, redness, and irritation.
Does Honey Lighten Skin?
While honey can brighten the skin through natural exfoliation, it doesn't necessarily lighten the skin.
Honey can be used to subtly lighten dark spots and treat hyperpigmentation, but it doesn't lead to a permanent change in skin tone.
How to Use Honey for a Skin Rash?
For a skin rash, instead of turning to an over-the-counter treatment, try using a home remedy with honey.
Honey has certain properties and benefits that can help with relief and treatment.
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
