Skin care ingredients fall in and out of fashion but the popularity of honey has been steady for centuries, going back as far as the Egyptians and Cleopatra (who was reportedly no slouch when it came to beauty). As the trend continues toward natural ingredients for the face and body, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this golden sweet ingredient increasingly featured in skin care products, and for good reason.
Besides tasting great, honey boasts some impressive properties that can benefit all skin types but it is especially beneficial for problematic skin, including:
1. Dry Skin – Honey is a natural humectant. Its ability to retain and attract moisture makes it an ideal ingredient for incorporation into moisturizers. Skin will feel hydrated and supple.
2. Sensitive Skin – With its anti-inflammatory properties, honey makes an ideal cleanser for sensitive skin. Yes, you heard me, a cleanser. A teaspoon of honey patted over the skin and left on for a few minutes will rinse easily away with warm water and leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
3. Aging Skin– Aging skin may not be problematic per se, but it’s a problem if you’re not happy about it. To be honest, not everyone embraces aging skin. Honey can help with its inherent antioxidants. Use it as a gentle face mask, shut your eyes and take a break from the world. That in itself should take off a few years.
4. Acneic Skin – Again, honey as a facial mask once a week will allow acneic skin to take advantage of its antibacterial powers. These same potent antibacterial properties have been effectively used to prevent infections and promote successful wound healing in hospitals across Asia and Europe.
5. Lacklustre, Dull Skin – Combine the moisturizing magic of honey and the grittiness of brown sugar to make a delicious DIY scrub. Used twice a week, this sweet mixture will help speed up the skin’s natural exfoliation process.
With all the good things going for it, I think it’s time to make a beeline for the honey. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
