The use of honey has been dated back to ancient times, but recently, it has secured its place in modern dermatology due to its medicinal and healing properties. Due to its therapeutic properties, honey is becoming a more crucial ingredient in many skincare products.
Honey is a sweet product that is not only good for your body but also for your skin. It reduces bacterial infection, exfoliates your skin, speeds up the healing of scars, acne, and evens the skin tone.
Whether it may be the antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties of honey, or moisturizing or healing properties, honey plays an important role in skincare routine. So, without further delay, let's delve into the article to know how honey benefits our skin health.
The Medicinal Properties Of Honey For Skin:
Honey has many therapeutic properties for your skin health.
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Antibacterial And Antimicrobial Properties:
Honey naturally fights against various skin infections. It controls the growth of harmful bacteria and microbes and hence, it is a good option for treating acne and any minor skin allergies.
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Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Apart from soothing the irritation of the skin, honey gives relief from skin inflammations including eczema. It soothes various skin infections like redness, irritation, swelling, and itching.
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Humectant And Moisturizing Properties:
Honey helps to preserve the skin’s moisture. Honey’s natural humectant property makes it the best moisturizer and keeps your skin well-hydrated, thereby providing shiny and glowing skin. Honey is a better option for people with dry skin.
Various Types Of Honey:
There are several types of honey, but few of them are really beneficial for your skin health. Let's explore these in brief.
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Raw Honey:
The most natural form of honey is raw honey which is not heated and not even processed. It holds back its natural enzymes and nutrients and hence make the perfect ingredient for skincare. Apart from its antibacterial properties, it keeps your skin well-hydrated. It contains various Vitamins and antioxidants. It can be used as an ultimate homemade mask as well as cleanser due to its texture.
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Manuka Honey:
Manuka honey is made from the nectar of the Manuka tree in New Zealand. Manuka honey has antibacterial properties and because of that it is used in treating acne, healing wounds, and overall skin health.
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Acacia Honey:
Acacia honey is famous for its light colour and mild taste. It is gentle on the skin and also better for sensitive skin. It moisturizes your skin without any irritation. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it gives a soothing effect for your skin.
The Benefits Of Honey For Your Skin:
Mentioned below are the benefits of honey for your skin:
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Reduces Acne and Blemishes:
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey will help in reducing acne. It unblocks the pores, minimizes inflammation and prevents bacterial growth. Regular use of honey will also remove blemishes and let your skin look healthier and clearer.
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Dry And Sensitive Skin:
The humectant properties of honey will be beneficial for your dry and sensitive skin. It is gentle on sensitive skin and moisturizes your skin.
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Wound Healing And Scar Reduction:
Honey is capable of healing your wounds. The antimicrobial properties of honey help in reducing infections. Its humectant anti-inflammatory properties boosts tissue regeneration. If you apply honey on your cuts or wounds, it allows faster healing and even clears the appearance of scars over a period of time.
How To Get Maximum Benefits Of Honey?
Now let us understand how to use honey to get maximum benefits.
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Homemade Honey Masks and Scrubs:
The most efficient way to use honey for your skin health will be the use of home-made masks and scrubs. You can combine honey with various ingredients easily available at home. You can add yoghurt, oats, or milk with honey to prepare these masks. You can choose the suitable ingredients based on your skin type and your unique skin concern. These homemade DIY treatments provide a natural and customizable approach to skincare.
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Honey Face Cleanser:
Honey can also be used as a gentle face wash. Add a few drops of honey to your regular cleanser or mix it with the equal amount of baking soda to prepare a natural face scrub.
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Face and Body Moisturiser:
You can even apply plain honey without mixing it with anything and then massage it gently. Just leave it for about 10 minutes and cleanse it with warm water. It helps your skin to have a smooth feel.
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Honey Makeup Remover:
You can use honey to remove your heavy makeup. It doesn't irritate your skin. You can mix it with olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. Massage it gently on your skin. This not only helps in loosening the makeup but also removes the dirt from deep inside. Wash your face with warm water.
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Honey Body Scrub:
Honey can be mixed with sea-salt or powdered sugar to form a skin-softening body scrub. You can even use it on rough areas such as feet, elbows, or knees. Combine both the ingredients in equal quantities to form a smooth paste-like texture. Then, massage it in circles and clean it with water.
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Honey Bath Soak:
You can add ¼ cup of raw honey to your bathing water. It helps in moisturizing and cleansing your skin. Just relax and enjoy your bath as long as you want.
If you don't have time or are not willing to make homemade solutions, then you can go for products with honey. But, it is always recommended to consult your dermatologist before using them.
Precautions Before Using Honey For Skin:
Are you allergic to any food products or skin care products, then be careful before using honey. Have a patch test before using such products. For extremely sensitive skin, be cautious about possible reactions.
Follow these expert tips before using honey for your skin:
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Always use raw and unprocessed honey as it provides maximum skin benefits.
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Before buying any skincare products with honey, check the label to ensure its purity and authority.
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Excess use of honey may create stickiness and irritate the skin. So, don't use too much honey.
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Gently massage your skin while using honey cleansers or scrubs.
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Use lukewarm water to remove the product.
Final Thoughts:
Honey is the best recipe for your skin health. It has been approved traditionally as well as scientifically. But, even though it is safe, you need to consult your dermatologist before using honey as excessive use may trigger skin problems.