Skin Care with Honey: Benefits, Types, Masks, and Risks

Honey is not only a delicious and healthy sweetener, but also a powerful skincare ingredient that can benefit your skin in many ways. Whether you have acne, eczema, scars, or dryness, honey can help you achieve a smoother, clearer, and more radiant complexion. But how does honey work on your skin, and what are the best ways to use it? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more, so you can discover the amazing benefits of honey for your face.

What does honey do for your skin?

Honey is a natural substance that bees produce from the nectar of flowers. It contains various nutrients, enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial agents that make it beneficial for your skin. Here are some of the things that honey can do for your skin:

• Moisturize: Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture in your skin. This helps to prevent dryness and keep your skin hydrated and supple.
• Exfoliate: Honey contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as gluconic acid, that gently remove dead skin cells and reveal a smoother and brighter skin tone.
• Heal: Honey has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties that can help soothe and repair damaged skin, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, or burns. Honey also stimulates collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and firmness.
• Cleanse: Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent and treat skin infections, such as acne, fungal acne, or impetigo. Honey also unclogs pores and removes impurities from your skin, leaving it clean and fresh.
• Protect: Honey has antioxidant properties that can help protect your skin from free radical damage, such as sun exposure, pollution, or stress. Honey also boosts your skin’s natural defense system and helps prevent premature aging signs, such as wrinkles, sagging, or spots.

What types of honey are best for your skin?

Not all honey is created equal. Depending on the source of the nectar, the processing method, and the quality, honey can have different properties and effects on your skin. Here are some of the most common types of honey and their benefits for your skin:

• Raw honey: Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized, filtered, or heated. This means it retains all its natural nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants that make it beneficial for your skin. Raw honey is also more potent and effective than processed honey, as it has more antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. However, raw honey may also contain some impurities, such as pollen, wax, or bee parts, that may cause allergic reactions in some people. Therefore, it is important to do a patch test before using raw honey on your face, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
• Manuka honey: Manuka honey is a type of honey that comes from the manuka tree, which grows in New Zealand and Australia. Manuka honey is considered to be one of the most beneficial and powerful types of honey for your skin, as it contains a unique compound called methylglyoxal (MGO), which gives it a high level of antibacterial and antiviral activity. Manuka honey can help treat various skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, rosacea, or fungal infections, as well as heal wounds, scars, and burns. Manuka honey also has a high concentration of antioxidants, which can help prevent and reverse skin aging. However, manuka honey is also more expensive and rare than other types of honey, so you may want to use it sparingly or mix it with other ingredients to make it last longer.
• Clover honey: Clover honey is a type of honey that comes from the clover plant, which is widely grown in North America and Europe. Clover honey is one of the most common and popular types of honey, as it has a light color, mild flavor, and smooth texture. Clover honey is also a good choice for your skin, as it has moisturizing, exfoliating, and cleansing properties. Clover honey can help hydrate, brighten, and purify your skin, as well as reduce inflammation and redness. Clover honey is also more affordable and accessible than other types of honey, so you can use it more frequently and generously on your face.

How to use honey as a face mask?

One of the easiest and most effective ways to use honey on your face is to apply it as a face mask. You can use honey alone or mix it with other natural ingredients, such as yogurt, oatmeal, lemon, or turmeric, to enhance its benefits and suit your skin type and needs. Here are some of the steps to follow to make and use a honey face mask:

• Choose the type of honey that you want to use, and make sure it is pure and organic. Avoid honey that has added sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors, as they may harm your skin or cause irritation.
• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry with a soft towel. You can also steam your face for a few minutes to open up your pores and prepare your skin for the mask.
• Scoop out a tablespoon of honey and warm it slightly in a microwave or a double boiler. This will make it easier to spread and absorb into your skin. However, do not overheat the honey, as this may destroy its nutrients and enzymes.
• Apply the honey evenly over your face, avoiding the eye and mouth area. You can use your fingers, a brush, or a cotton pad to apply the honey. Massage the honey gently into your skin using circular motions, and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse off the honey with lukewarm water and gently pat your skin dry. You can also use a toner and a moisturizer to complete your skincare routine.
• Enjoy your soft, smooth, and glowing skin!

What are the risks of using honey on your face?

Using honey on your face is generally safe and beneficial, as long as you use the right type and amount of honey and follow the proper instructions. However, there are some risks and precautions that you should be aware of before using honey on your face, such as:

• Allergic reaction: Some people may be allergic to honey or its components, such as pollen, bee venom, or propolis. This may cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. If you have a known allergy to honey or bee products, you should avoid using honey on your face. If you are not sure, you should do a patch test before using honey on your face, by applying a small amount of honey on your inner elbow or wrist and waiting for 24 hours to see if you have any reaction. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, you should stop using honey immediately and seek medical attention.
• Skin irritation: Some people may have sensitive skin that may react to honey or its ingredients, especially if they use too much honey or leave it on for too long. This may cause symptoms such as burning, stinging, dryness, or peeling. If you have sensitive skin, you should use a small amount of honey and leave it on for a shorter time, or mix it with other soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera, cucumber, or chamomile. You should also avoid using honey that has a high concentration of acids, such as citrus honey, as they may be too harsh for your skin.
• Skin infection: Although honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties, it may also contain some contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, or spores, that may cause infection or botulism, especially if the honey is raw or unpasteurized. This may cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or paralysis. If you have a compromised immune system, an open wound, or a chronic skin condition, you should avoid using honey on your face. You should also use only high-quality and certified honey that has been tested and approved for safety and purity.

Summary

Using honey on your face can be a great way to improve your skin health and appearance, as honey has many benefits, such as moisturizing, exfoliating, healing, cleansing, and protecting your skin. However, you should also be careful of the risks and precautions, such as allergic reaction, skin irritation, or skin infection, and use honey properly and safely. By choosing the right type of honey, making your own honey face mask, and following the instructions, you can enjoy the amazing benefits of honey for your face.