Honey has many uses, but few are as unique as its many beauty benefits. Whether you want to treat acne, reduce wrinkles, or just keep your skin looking youthful and soft, honey can help you with all of these things and more. Here are ten of the most common ways people use honey in their beauty routines, including a couple of benefits that may surprise you!
1) Moisturizes Dry, Itchy Skin
Honey can help dry and itchy skin by moisturizing it, leaving your skin soft and smooth. When applied topically, honey is thought to tighten pores and reduce acne. Some people also say that honey clears up eczema as well. A 2004 study found that a mixture of honey, lemon juice, and olive oil cleared up atopic dermatitis in children within two weeks. Of course, these results are anecdotal rather than scientific—but they are promising!
2) Improves Skin Texture
Mix 1 tsp. honey with a tablespoon each of milk and lemon juice. Apply to your face for 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. For best results, use once a week. This treatment will leave your skin looking softer and younger.
3) Fights Acne
To make a mask, mix raw honey with some lemon juice and rosewater. Apply it to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off. This mixture fights acne, exfoliates dead skin cells, boosts collagen production, and brightens skin tone. You can even keep it on overnight as a sleeping mask—you’ll wake up with softer skin in the morning!
4) Prevents Wrinkles And Lines
The healing properties in honey help with wound-healing and can also keep your skin moist and hydrated, which aids against wrinkles and premature aging. In addition, honey has mild anti-inflammatory properties that can aid with existing lines or reduce inflammation if you’re prone to breakouts. The antioxidants in honey may also help fade dark spots from sun damage.
5) Gets Rid Of Scars Faster
Not only does honey help remove dead skin cells and reduce scarring, but it also has antibacterial properties that can treat infections and prevent future scars from forming. And because honey is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin, it’s especially useful for treating dryness, which is common during acne flare-ups. Mix some honey with an equal amount of lemon juice and apply it to the scars every day to see results within two weeks.
6) Heals Cuts And Burns Faster
You can put honey on a cut or scrape to clean it, kill any bacteria and prevent infection. You can also use honey for open wounds because it dries up wounds faster and stops them from getting infected. All you have to do is smear some on your wound, cover it with a bandage, and keep reapplying as needed. Your skin will heal much quicker than usual. The same applies to sunburns—cover your burns with honey to soothe them, but be careful not to get any in your eyes!
7) Improves Sunburn Symptoms
Applying honey to a freshly-sunburned area can help alleviate symptoms. It will also protect your skin from further UV damage.
8) Alleviates Muscle Aches And Pains Due To Flu Or Other Illness
Honey can fight inflammation, which means it’s an excellent way to calm those aches and pains. According to The Kitchn, applying raw honey to your skin will soothe muscle soreness and joint pain. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, honey is also a great way to relieve pain from burns or insect bites.
9) Acts As An Antibacterial Agent Against Dangerous Bacteria Like MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus).
Raw honey has anti-bacterial properties which can help to fight off dangerous bacteria like MRSA. If a wound is infected with MRSA, honey should be applied directly to it. It can also be applied topically as part of a daily skincare regimen.
10) Treats Cold Sores, Which Are Caused By Herpes Simplex Virus. It Also Accelerates The Healing Process.
Apply some honey to cold sores and cover with a piece of gauze. Leave it on for three hours and wash it off with cool water. Do not use soap, as it will be harmful to your sores. Wait an hour before applying another layer. Repeat three times a day until you notice improvement.
Final Thoughts
There are many benefits of honey for the skin and face. The antiseptic and antibacterial properties in honey are ideal for cleansing, toning, exfoliating, moisturizing, and softening your skin. Do give it a try!
