Honey is a natural beauty ingredient that is universally championed by everyone—from beauty experts to your grandma (who perhaps treats it as a treasured life hack). It is one of the most nutritionally-rich products that serves as a miracle worker, regardless of whether you are ingesting it, or slathering it on your skin.
Additionally, honey has natural enzymes that keep your skin soft, hydrated, and plump; and are beneficial in treating many pregnancy skincare concerns such as acne, dullness, and eczema.
So if you haven’t made the most of this kitchen staple yet, here’s your all-in-one guide to using honey to create DIY skin remedies.
What Are The Benefits Of Honey For Skin
Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin. If your skin needs a hydrating boost, this is the perfect ingredient to use. Additionally, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Take a look at some of the other benefits you can extract from honey.
- It has a therapeutic effect and can heal wounds: Honey contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes that make it ideal for therapeutic use. It can fasten the healing process, especially of wounds and minor burns and is effective in soothing skin issues, such as skin psoriasis.
- It can help treat acne: Recent in-vitro studies have indicated that honey has antibacterial properties that can inhibit acne-causing bacteria. For a more potent effect, you can directly apply honey to your breakouts to help them heal faster.
- It keeps your skin moisturised: Honey is an excellent emollient that can bind moisture to your skin. Applying honey to your face can keep it moisturised, glowing, and supple at all times.
- It purifies your skin and cleanses pores: Honey is naturally antibacterial and makes for a great face wash. Use honey and a little bit of water to unclog pores and remove dirt and debris from your skin.
- It fades scars: Honey has mild lightening properties and contains trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide. This makes it particularly helpful to resolve hyperpigmentation and pesky post-acne marks.
DIY Skincare Remedies Using Honey
Honey can be used in the form of a DIY face mask in your pregnancy skincare routine. Here are some of the best at-home honey-based face masks to help you achieve the dewy fresh glow of your dreams.
Honey And Cinnamon Mask
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce acne lesions. When added with honey, cinnamon can help clear your acne.
You need:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil or a pinch of cinnamon powder
Process:
- Combine the ingredients well.
- Apply the mixture to your acne lesions as a spot treatment.
- Wash it off with water.
- Use it 1-2 times a week.
Note: Cinnamon can cause minor skin irritation, which is common. Therefore, ensure you do a patch test before using it on your face.
Honey And Lemon Mask
Lemon contains citric acid and Vitamin C. It also has an astringent effect on the skin, helps it keep oil-free, and minimises the appearance of pores. Together with honey, this face mask can nourish and soothe your skin, and help treat breakouts.
You need:
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- Juice from half a lemon
Process:
- Mix the lemon juice and honey to get a smooth mixture.
- Apply this mixture to your face. Avoid fragile areas such as the skin around your eyes.
- Leave the mixture for about 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with warm water. Then follow with cold water.
- Repeat this remedy once a week.
Honey And Tomato Mask
Tomato has lycopene, which is an effective antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage by inhibiting free radicals. Along with honey, tomatoes can keep your skin healthy, youthful, and plump.
You need:
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- ½ ripe tomato
Process:
- Puree the tomato in a blender and then add honey to it. Mix both the ingredients well.
- Apply the mixture to your face and leave the mask on for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and pat your face dry with a towel.
- Repeat this remedy 1-2 times a week.
Yogurt And Honey Mask
Yogurt contains L-cysteine, which helps in lightening the skin tone. It helps to exfoliate the skin and brighten it. Yogurt also has a skin-soothing and cooling effect. Together with honey, this face mask can be used to treat irritated and inflamed skin.
You need:
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- 2 tablespoons of yogurt
Process:
- Combine the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
- Apply the mixture to your face and avoid the skin around your eyes.
- Leave the mask for 20 minutes.
- Wash it off thoroughly to get plump skin.
- Repeat this remedy two times a week.
Honey And Gram Flour (Besan) Mask
Gram flour can help cleanse and exfoliate your skin. It can also help regulate sebum production and reduce tanning. When used with honey, this face mask can give you a clearer complexion.
You need:
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- 2 tablespoons of gram flour
- Water
Process:
- Combine both the ingredients and add some water to get a smooth consistency.
- Apply the mixture after cleansing your face.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse the mixture with water and pat dry with a towel to reveal nourished skin.
- Repeat this remedy three times a week.
Bonus: Honey and sugar scrub
The coarse texture of sugar can help clear away all the dead skin cells. This will keep your skin healthy and free of oil build-up. Adding honey to the mix will help you achieve a nourished and dewy glow.
You need:
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Process:
- Combine the ingredients until you get a coarse mixture.
- Apply it to your face and gently scrub in circular motions with your fingertips.
- Scrub for a couple of minutes and then wash your face with water.
- Repeat this remedy 2-3 times a week.
Honey is a nutrient-dense ingredient and is perfect for rejuvenating your skin. Its emollient and antimicrobial properties can nourish your skin and help treat pregnancy skin issues such as pigmentation, dullness, acne, and eczema. Use it in your skincare regularly to achieve a fresh and radiant complexion.