I am a beauty product junkie. I admit it.
Recently, I’ve tried to combine my love of cooking and interest in herbal medicine to create my own beauty products. Sometimes with more success than others. (The coffee body scrub that made me break out in a rash was a less-than-successful experiment).
When I stumbled across this common kitchen ingredient that can improve your skin, I couldn’t believe it. Then I tried it, and I was hooked. Smooth, soft, moisturised skin, fewer spots/breakouts, and really inexpensive! What is this wonder ingredient?
Honey!
Why is honey effective? Honey is traditionally known as a natural antibacterial. It is used (even in some allopathic medicine) as a skin healer (for example, helping to heal ulcers). Because of this skin healing action, it may be helpful for people with acne. It is also softening and moisturizing. And smells and tastes delicious!
How to use honey for skincare?
You can use honey as a facial cleanser or as a face mask. I suggest using pure, organic honey. Also, if you have very sensitive skin, you should try a test first on your inner arm, or a small part of your jawline, before attempting your entire face!
Face Cleanser: To use honey to cleanse your face, first, tie back your hair. (Getting honey in your hair is sticky and unpleasant!). I prefer to spread some honey on my dry face, as it spreads easier. Put a spoonful of honey on your fingers, and spread over your entire face. I put some on my lips as well, for mild ex foliation and moisturizing. Let sit for 2 minutes. Either rinse off with warm water, or use a washcloth in warm water to slightly exfoliate. If you wear makeup, you may want to remove your makeup first, as the honey doesn’t remove makeup.
Face Mask: Tie back hair. Apply to dry, cleansed skin. Apply layer of honey all over face. Let sit 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water or a warm washcloth. (If you want to make a mini-spa experience out of it, try an herbal face steam first, then a honey mask.)
Have you ever tried using honey as a face mask? How did it work for you? Give it a try for a few days, and let me know how it works for you!
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i used a homemade coffee scrub, and while it was nice on my skin, it wreaked havoc on my tub and shower curtains. the huge mess to clean was not worth the minute of pampering.
honey sounds less risky:)
[...] for other homemade beauty treatments? Have you tried the honey face mask [...]
I tried the honey mask tonight. On the downside, my eyelids were sticking when I wanted to blink… On the plus side, it came off really easily, was easy to clean off hands / sink, and tasty! But most of all, it was really good to know exactly what I was putting on my face and being confident in the very high quality of it. Oh and also, very cheap!