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Honey Benefits For Skin: Face Masks, Uses & Precautions Explained
Honey, the ancient beauty secret, is more than just a kitchen staple. For centuries, it has been cherished not only for its taste but also for its incredible healing and beautifying properties. Honey offers a myriad of benefits to the skin. From soothing irritation to fighting breakouts and boosting glow, honey is a skincare [1] game-changer. In this article, we will explore the various advantages of honey for skin and some DIY honey facemasks.
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The Chemical Composition Of Honey For Skin
Although honey is predominantly composed of sugars, it consists of water and other chemical compounds. Below is a table that highlights the nutritional components of honey per 100 gm:
| Component | Average |
| Carbohydrates | 82.4g |
| Fructose | 38.5g |
| Glucose | 31g |
| Sucrose | 1g |
| Other sugars | 11.7g |
| Dietary fibre | 0.2g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Water | 17.1g |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B12) | 0.038mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.121mg |
| Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) | 0.068mg |
| Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) | 0.024mg |
Is Honey Good For Your Skin?
You may be wondering is honey good for face. The answer is yes. If I apply honey on face, benefits my skin? There are some common questions people often ask when it comes to honey and skin benefits. Well, the answer is yes. Honey is a powerhouse for your skin, as it contains antioxidants, antimicrobials, [2] and incredible moisturising properties. It helps heal wounds and reduces the appearance of scars. It can transform your complexion, too.
Types Of Honey That Can Be Used
While there are different types of honey, one must understand that not all are beneficial for the skin. Knowing what kind of honey is best for the skin is essential. Here are the most popular ones you can try to maximise honey benefits for skin. Among the different types of honey, we must know the ones that are most beneficial for the skin. Let us have a brief look at the most popular ones:
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Manuka Honey
This type of honey is derived from the nectar of the Manuka tree in New Zealand, hence the name Manuka [3] honey. This honey is rich in antioxidants and is known for its antibacterial elements.
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Kanuka Honey
Like Manuka honey, Kanuka [4] honey is also from the native plant of New Zealand. Kanuka honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful in healing wounds, [5] burns, and bruises. It is best suited for skin issues like eczema and psoriasis and helps address acne.
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Raw Honey
Raw honey is the least processed honey, straight from the hive. Since it is unpasteurised, it retains nutrients and antibacterial properties. Raw honey [6] is a good source of antioxidants and other beneficial components. It helps heal wounds, soothe inflammation, and treats acne, eczema and other skin irritations. Studies show that there are various skin benefits of raw honey application.
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Acacia Honey
Acacia honey is prepared from the nectar collected by the honey bees that feed on the acacia flowers. It is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. It aids in wound healing, reducing acne, and hydrating and soothing the skin.
Benefits Of Honey For Skin
If you are wondering what the honey benefits for face are, we have got you covered. This section answers your queries while listing the multiple advantages of honey for skin
Moisturising and Hydration
If you think whether there is any advantage of applying honey on face, you should definitely know this. Honey is known for its ability to keep your skin moisturised. It is a natural humectant that retains hydration and moisture in the skin. Additionally, it softens the skin and makes it plumper, giving a natural radiant glow.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
What are the honey uses on skin? Well, this golden elixir has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe your skin. You can use it to treat various anti-inflammatory [7] conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.
Antibacterial Protection
Honey is good for pimples. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey help reduce acne and breakouts. When you apply it to your face, it helps reduce the bacteria that causes pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Gentle Exfoliation
The natural enzymes in honey help gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. One of the honey benefits for skin is that it softens dry skin.
Scar and Hyperpigmentation Lightening
Honey contains natural hydrogen peroxide and AHAs, which actively reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten scars by targeting melanin, the skin’s natural pigment. You can apply honey for glowing skin as a treatment.
Skin Brightening
You can use honey for skin brightening. Applying honey to the face can boost skin radiance. The natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in honey help nourish the skin, reduce dark spots, and treat uneven skin tone. The mild exfoliating properties in honey remove the dead skin cells, potentially revealing brighter skin.
Collagen Boosting
Honey is rich in antioxidants that combat free radical damage. It also promotes collagen and elastin production, restoring skin firmness and elasticity.
Pore Cleansing
One of the honey benefits for skin is that it helps unclog pores. The antibacterial and exfoliation properties of honey make it a natural pore cleanser that removes dirt and debris clogging the pores.
DIY Honey Facemask For Face
Now that you know the honey benefits for face, it is time to try this golden-hued liquid. Keep reading if you are wondering how to apply honey for face glow. This section covers the simple DIY honey masks that you can use and make the most of honey uses for face.
1. Honey and Turmeric Face Pack (For Acne and Brightening)
If you want to enjoy the benefit of honey and turmeric on face, you should definitely try this face mask. Honey has natural moisturising properties that keeps the skin hydrated, while the turmeric’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne. Here is the step-by-step process to prepare the honey and turmeric face mask:
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Ingredients:
Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
Honey – 1 tablespoon
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How to prepare:
Mix the turmeric powder and honey in a bowl until you get a smooth paste.
Apply this paste to your face and other areas.
Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse.
2. Honey and Avocado Face Pack (For Dry Skin)
If you are looking for a honey face pack for glowing skin, you should try the honey and avocado face pack. Avocados contain vitamins E & C, antioxidants and healthy fats that moisturise and keep your skin smooth. The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties in honey help brighten your skin. This face pack helps you maximise the honey benefits for skin whitening.
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Ingredients:
Avocado – 1
Honey – 1 tablespoon
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How to prepare:
Mash one avocado in a bowl.
Add honey to it and mix it until you get a smooth paste.
Apply this paste to your face and other areas.
Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse.
3. Honey and Yogurt Face Pack (For Sensitive Skin)
Honey and yogurt is a sweet treat for your taste buds. You can use this combo on your skin, as well. Want to know the honey and yogurt face mask benefits? Both honey and yogurt have moisturising properties that soothe the skin, making them suitable for even sensitive skin types. This face mask brightens the skin, making it look shiny and radiant.
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Ingredients:
Yougurt – ½ cup
Honey – 2 tablespoons
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How to prepare:
Take half a cup of fresh yogurt in a bowl.
Add honey to it and mix it well.
Apply this paste to your face and neck.
Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
4. Honey and Oatmeal Face Pack (For Exfoliation)
To enjoy the honey mask benefits for face, try this honey and oatmeal face mask. It is great for exfoliation, hydrating, and soothing the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.
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Ingredients:
Oats – 2 tablespoons
Honey – 1 tablespoon
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How to prepare:
Grind the oats into fine powder.
Add honey to it and mix it well to form a thick and consistent paste.
Apply this paste to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
5. Honey and Lemon Face Pack (For Oily Skin and Lightening)
If you have oily skin, you should definitely try this honey and lemon face pack. This face mask helps absorb excess oil, hydrates your skin, reduces the appearance of blemishes and lightens the skin.
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Ingredients:
Fresh lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
Honey – 1 tablespoon
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How to prepare:
Mix fresh lemon juice and honey in a bowl to form a paste.
Apply this paste to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
6. Honey and Cinnamon Face Pack (For Acne Scars and Pimples)
Honey has antibacterial properties, and cinnamon is rich in antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. Together, these ingredients form a power-packed face mask that addresses acne and reduces inflammation.
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Ingredients:
Cinnamon powder – 1 teaspoon
Honey – 2 tablespoon
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How to prepare:
Mix honey and cinnamon in a bowl to form a paste.
Apply this paste to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Leave it for 30 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
Precautions While Using Honey for Face.
While honey and skin benefits go hand in hand, one should be a little mindful of the potential side effects. Here are a few expert tips to follow to avoid honey side effects on face.
- Never choose bottled honey available in the supermarkets. Always opt for raw honey or unprocessed honey. They retain the essential nutrients and enzymes that are beneficial for skin health.
- When purchasing honey-based skincare products, always look for the purity and authenticity of the product by checking the label.
- Do not overapply honey, as it can irritate the skin.
- When using honey cleansers or scrubs, gently scrub.
- To avoid irritation, always rinse the product off with lukewarm water.
- Always perform a patch test before applying the face mask.
Takeaway
While honey offers a plethora of benefits for many, skincare is highly individual. If, after trying honey-based remedies, you don’t see the desired results or experience any irritation, it’s crucial to consult a dermatologist. They can provide personalised advice and recommend advanced treatments best suited for your specific skin concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions On Honey Benefits For Skin
Yes, applying raw honey daily offers several honey benefits for skin, as it is hydrating and gentle.
You can apply a thin layer of raw honey directly as a mask or mix it with other natural ingredients for a face pack to maximise the honey benefits for skin.
The advantages of honey for skin are numerous. It deeply moisturises, cleanses pores, fights pimples (honey is good for pimples), and brightens skin.
While honey doesn’t whiten skin, its gentle exfoliating and brightening actions contribute to honey benefits for skin whitening by improving overall tone.
Cleanse your face, then apply a thin, even layer of raw honey. When you apply honey on face benefits overall skin health.
Regularly applying raw honey as a mask, often as a honey face pack for glowing skin, deeply nourishes and promotes a radiant glow.
The benefits of applying honey on face overnight include deeper hydration, enhanced acne reduction, and aiding in skin brightening.
Apply a thin layer of raw honey to clean the skin, focusing on areas of concern, and rinse off in the morning. Be mindful of potential stickiness.
The advantage of applying honey on face is that it can help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time due to its exfoliating and antioxidant properties, but it’s not an instant solution.
You can mix honey with turmeric, yogurt, oatmeal, or a small amount of lemon juice (with caution).
Potential honey side effects on face include rare allergic reactions, stickiness, or irritation if the honey contains contaminants or is left too long without proper cleansing.
For the general advantage of honey on face, 15-20 minutes is typical, but for a deeper honey mask benefits for face, it can be left longer or even overnight if comfortable.
Individuals with known allergies to honey or bee products should avoid it. Those with very sensitive skin should perform a patch test to prevent adverse honey side effects on face.
While benefits of applying honey on face overnight exist, it can be messy; consider it for targeted spot treatment rather than a full overnight mask.
Yes, but use caution with lemon due to sun sensitivity; the benefit of using honey on the face with lemon should be approached with a patch test.
