Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, and its use in skincare is no exception.
The sweet, sticky substance is created through a unique process of enzyme activity, plant matter, and live bacteria, making it a potent ingredient with various practical uses.
Throughout history, people have used honey for its medicinal properties, and it has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of skin conditions. From ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, honey has been recognized for its ability to heal and protect the skin.
And even today, honey is still as relevant as ever in self-care and skincare. Its natural moisturizing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties make it a valuable ingredient in many skincare products. The unique composition, which includes antioxidants and enzymes, makes it a versatile ingredient that can benefit the skin in multiple ways when introduced in skincare.
It is particularly beneficial for cosmetic purposes, such as treating acne, healing scars, and evening out skin tone. The most effective form for topical application on the skin is raw, unpasteurized honey.
Let’s dive in and understand what benefits honey holds for your skin, and about different types of honey and their usage.
Difference Between Raw & Manuka Honey
Raw honey and manuka honey are both popular types of honey that are known for their unique properties and benefits for the skin and overall health. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Raw Honey
Raw honey is extracted from beehives using a process called honey extraction. It’s not pasteurized or filtered, which means it retains all of its natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals making it a great source of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
This also means that it may contain bits of wax, pollen, or other particles that are present in the hive. This is considered a natural characteristic of raw honey and does not affect its quality or safety.
Raw honey is also a natural humectant, which means it can help retain moisture in the skin, making it a great option for dry or dehydrated skin.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey, on the other hand, is a specific type of honey that comes from the Manuka bush in New Zealand. The extracted honey is tested for its methylglyoxal (MGO) levels.
MGO is the key compound that gives Manuka honey its unique antibacterial properties, and the higher the MGO levels, the more potent the honey is considered to be. Manuka honey is often used to help clear up acne and other skin infections, as well as promote wound healing.
While both types of honey are beneficial for the skin, Manuka honey is considered to be more potent due to its high levels of MGO.
However, it is also often more expensive compared to raw honey. But it is also important to note that not all Manuka honeys are created equal, and it's important to check the MGO rating of the Manuka honey you purchase.
If you have sensitive skin, it is actually better to start with smooth raw honey, since Manuka honey can be quite potent.
Benefits of Using Honey for Skin
Here are a few key benefits of honey for skin:
- Excellent Moisturizing properties
Keeping the skin moisturized is crucial for maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance. When your skin is properly moisturized, it can improve the overall texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping up the skin.
Honey acts as a natural humectant, which means it helps to retain moisture in the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. It helps to improve the skin barrier function by strengthening it, making the skin more resistant to damage from environmental factors. With these many benefits of honey on skin, it's a no-brainer to incorporate raw honey into your skincare routine.
- Lightens Pigmentation, Blemishes & Scar
Honey face masks are an effective option for fading acne scars. Research has shown that honey is rich in trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide and AHAs, which can aid in the healing of acne. Honey can also be incorporated in other different ways to treat acne scars naturally at home too.
Honey has also been found to be effective in reducing pigmentation on the face caused by prolonged sun exposure. For those who spend a lot of time in the sun, using honey face masks can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine.
- Great for treating chronic skin conditions
Honey can be used as a treatment for chronic skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. One way to use honey for the face is by mixing it with other moisturizing ingredients to create a soothing face mask treatment.
- Brightens The Face
Research has shown that honey contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently removes dead skin cells on the surface, resulting in brighter, clearer skin.
The natural exfoliating properties can help remove dead skin cells that make the skin appear dull, leaving it looking brighter.
How to Use Honey for Skin
Honey, whether it is raw or Manuka, both have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make them effective for treating a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and rosacea.
The only key difference between the two types of honey is that Manuka honey is known for its particularly high antibacterial properties, which makes it more effective in treating certain skin conditions such as acne.
However, it is important to note that the benefits of honey can only be fully realized when it is organic and naturally procured. This is because conventionally processed and treated honey may have lost some of its beneficial properties.
It is important to be mindful of the source of the honey and make sure it is organic and naturally procured, and it's important to patch test before using it on your face in case of any allergies as there are many red flags to watch out for in your skincare already. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your skincare routine:
As a Cleanser
Honey can be used as a natural cleanser because of its antibacterial and humectant properties. When used as a cleanser, honey is applied to the skin in a thin layer and massaged in circular motions for a minute or two, then rinse with warm water. You can also just leave it on dry skin for a minute or two, then rinse. The honey works to dissolve grime and oil on your skin, while also killing bacteria, unclogging pores and moisturizing the skin.
As a Spot treatment
The antibacterial properties of raw honey can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne, while the anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce redness and inflammation further promote healing and prevent scarring. The enzymes also help to dissolve the sebum that can accumulate in the pores, which can lead to the formation of acne. You don't need to leave honey as a spot treatment overnight, just a few hours may be enough to see some inflammation reduce.
As a Mask
Honey is best used as a mask, either on its own or mixed with other ingredients. Mix equal parts honey and yogurt, then apply to the face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. If using honey on its own, it is enough to leave it on for 2-3 minutes on dry skin, then rinse.
As an Exfoliant
Due to naturally occuring enzymes in honey, it will very gently exfoliate the skin when left on as a mask. If you want a stronger exfoliating action, like for use on your body, you can mix the honey with an abrasive ingredient such as sugar, salt or oatmeal. Gently massage the mixture onto the bosy skin in circular motions, allowing the enzymes in the honey to break down the dead skin cells while the abrasive ingredient gently scrubs away. Exfoliating with honey can leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. It can also help to unclog pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and even out skin tone.
Food For Thought
Keeping it simple, incorporating quality honey into both your diet and skincare routine can bring a multitude of benefits.
Not only is it a natural sweetener and a delicious addition to many dishes, but it also has antibacterial properties that can aid in promoting clear and healthy skin.
By adding honey to your daily routine, you'll start to see the benefits over time, from a boost in energy levels to an improvement in your skin's appearance.
Can’t wait to try this out! Except the line about mixing honey with an abrasive ingredient such as sugar or salt doesn’t seem to match with what I’ve read on this site about these ingredients being harsh or irritating to the skin.