Honey is no doubt one of the things which finds regular place in the grandma’s home remedies. For generations these remedies are passed on benefiting the users in a number of ways. In truth, honey, produced by the honey bees, is an incredible gift of nature which not only has culinary uses but also used to treat several ailments effectively. Thus, it acquires the reputation of a magic potion covering both internal and external health of our body. In fact, being rich in several essential nutrients it’s also a favorite of dietitians as a food additive and beauty experts due to awesome beauty benefits of honey in skin care.
Before we switch over to beauty benefits of honey, let’s take a look at some of the interesting facts about honey:
- The usage of honey has been for at least over 4000 years.
- Upon mixing with different herbs, it elevates the effectiveness of different herbal medicines
- Honey is known to last long. If its stored properly it can survive without spoiling for long periods of time even after the expiry date.
- It can be used as a healthier and natural substitute to common sugar.
- Honey is helpful in burning fat, thus promoting weight loss
- Honey, due to its rich sugars, provides instant energy. It’s a great energy booster for fitness freaks and athletes to improve their endurance.
- Honey is also rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, both beneficial to health.
- Honey also has antibiotic properties, thus helpful in prevention against bacterial and fungal infections.
Beauty benefits of honey for skin and face
Honey is the nature’s gift for our skin. It can be mixed with several other natural ingredients at home, commonly found in your kitchen itself, to prepare various beauty solutions. Regular use of honey in skin care can yield so many boundless mesmerizing results giving you a healthier, young-looking and radiant skin. Let’s take a look at some of the beauty benefits of honey:
1. Natural moisturizer
Honey is known to deeply moisturize the skin, a natural humectant, the chief reason why it is used as a base ingredient for a lot of beauty products. Because of many enzymes present in the honey, it is able to soak in through the skin, softening and conditioning it in the process.
How to use: Clean the dry skin areas and apply a spoonful of honey on clean skin with an applicator (or your fingers). Let it remain on the skin for up to 20 minutes. Wash with cool water. This method will immediately moisturize your skin.
2. Natural cleanser for open skin pores
Honey can be used as a natural cleanser while also helping in getting rid of blackheads. Honey is rich in antioxidants and also has antibacterial and antiseptic nature. These properties not only clear dirt from your skin pores and rid it of blackheads but also had mild bactericidal action. Honey rehydrates your skin and tightens the skin pores giving you a clear, glowing skin.
How to use: Mix a spoonful of raw honey in two spoons of coconut or jojoba oil. Wash and dry your face. Apply the solution on clean face and massage the skin softly in a circular motion, avoiding your eyes. Wash with cold water afterwards.
3. Mild exfoliator:
Often you may notice that artificial exfoliator would leave your skin red and irritated. If that’s the case, you can also use honey as a natural exfoliator. Honey is useful in exfoliating your face and skin by softly removing the skin debris i.e. dead cells. As a end result you’ll have a brighter, softer skin.
How to use: Add one spoon baking soda in two spoons of honey. Splash some water over your face and other desired skin areas. Softly massage the skin with the mixture of honey and baking soda in a circular motion. Wash afterwards for a clear, radiant skin.
4. Scar lightening
We’ve already learnt that honey is a natural moisturizer and antiseptic. These properties not only make your skin supple and radiant, but also lightens the scars on the skin. Honey does this by minimizing inflammation and promoting healing of the skin. Moreover, antioxidants in honey also aids in repairing damaged skin cells.
How to use: Mix a spoonful of honey in equal quantities of olive oil or coconut oil. Apply the mixture over the affected areas and massage gently with your finger tips in a circular motion for about two minutes. Place a warm towel over your skin and let it remain there till its cold. Repeat daily for best results.
5. Sunburn treatment
Honey is likely the best of the home remedies available for sunburns. Honey assists in healing by diminishing inflammation and nourishing the damaged tissues. This helps in reverting the damage caused from sunburns.
How to use: Mix a tbsp of raw honey in 2 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel. Apply this concoction to the affected skin areas.
6. Natural remedy for acne and pimples
We’ve already discussed how honey is useful in removing dirt and oil and unclogging skin pores. Also, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is these properties that makes it useful against acne and pimples which are chiefly the end result of clogged pores and growth of bacteria Propionibacterium acnes.
How to use: Apply raw honey on the affected skin areas. Let it remain for up to 20 minutes. Wash it off with tap water.
7. Anti-aging remedy
Honey contains antioxidants which are helpful in controlling fine lines and wrinkles on your face. You can easily prepare a Honey based face mask at home which will help you improve skin elasticity, thereby making the skin appear young and vibrant.
How to use: Add honey in milk or curd to make a thick paste. Apply this past on your face for 15-20 minutes. Wash the face with lukewarm water. Repeat daily for best results.
8. Natural Skin complexion lightener
You can also use honey to brighten your skin complexion making you look fairer.
How to use: Mix 1 tbsp honey in juice of one tomato. Massage your face with this mixture for 5 minutes, then leave it on skin for about 15 more minutes. Wash with tap-water. This remedy will de-tan your skin, lighten dark spots or blemishes, and brighten skin complexion. Repeat this remedy twice a week for best results.
You can also use another remedy skin tone lightening. Chop a lemon into half. Add 1 tbsp honey to one of the halves and rub it on your face. Leave the juice on skin for 5 minutes. Wash with lukewarm water.
Conclusion
Honey can be used in skin care in a number of ways and you can even make your own remedies by mixing honey with other ingredients having benefits to the skin. This will not only make your skin healthy, glowing and better but also cuts down the cost of visiting beauty parlors and expensive and chemical based cosmetics.
Besides beauty benefits of honey, it is also helpful in a number of health issues. Everyone knows the importance of honey in weight loss. Honey can be used in cough and cold by consuming mixture of ginger and honey. Daily intake of honey keeps you healthy and boosts your immunity.
