Benefits of Honey on the Face and How to Use It Naturally

Honey is a common ingredient available in most households, used by people for centuries for both health and skincare. If you have never tried using honey on your face yet, you are missing out on many skin benefits it offers.

The benefits of honey on the face include healing minor wounds, calming skin irritations, improving skin tone, and offering brighter skin. Read this article further to learn some major benefits of honey on face and simple ways to use honey for face.

Why Honey Is Good for Your Face

Many people wonder whether applying honey is good for their face, and the answer is yes. Honey, abundant in natural antioxidants, antimicrobial elements, and moisturising qualities, can support healthy skin. It helps soothe wounds, supports skin repair, and can reduce the look of marks. Regular use of honey can also improve your overall complexion and make your skin look clearer and healthier.

Best Types of Honey for Skin

We all know that there are different varieties of honey, and not every type is suitable for skincare. So, it is important to choose the right honey to get maximum benefits for your skin. Given below are some commonly used types of honey that can be used for skincare

• Manuka Honey: Manuka honey, which comes from the Manuka plant found in New Zealand, is well known for its antibacterial properties and high antioxidant content. It can protect your skin from bacteria and support healing.

• Kanuka Honey: Kanuka honey is also sourced from plants native to New Zealand. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of this honey help calm irritated skin. It may support the healing of minor wounds and burns, and help in managing skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

• Raw Honey: Raw honey, which is taken directly from the hive, is not heavily processed. As raw honey does not undergo pasteurisation, it retains natural enzymes, antioxidants, and antibacterial qualities. Raw honey helps soothe inflammation, reduce acne, and improve overall skin health.

• Acacia Honey: Acacia honey, which is collected from the nectar of acacia flowers, contains vitamins, antioxidants, and natural fatty acids that can moisturise and calm the skin. It also provides hydration, reduces acne, and helps to repair the skin.

Benefits of Honey on the Face

Honey offers multiple skin benefits when applied to the face, which include offering deep hydration, treating acne and dullness, etc. Use honey in DIY skincare recipes to improve overall skin health.

Heals Wounds

Honey, with its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supports faster recovery. Honey, which possesses a slightly acidic pH, helps the blood to release oxygen to the injured area and speeds up healing. The natural sugars in honey will pull excess moisture out of damaged tissue and harmful bacteria, which in turn will reduce swelling and allow the healing fluids to flow better, supporting quicker skin repair.

Fades Stretch Marks

Conditions such as pregnancy or sudden changes in weight can lead to stretch marks. Raw, organic honey can be considered one of the effective home remedies for stretch marks. Honey works as a natural moisturiser that pulls moisture into the skin, keeps it hydrated and soft, and improves skin texture. It exhibits antioxidant properties that can support skin repair by encouraging new cell growth, which helps to gradually fade stretch marks and make them look lighter over time.

Brightens Skin Tone

Honey will leave your skin soft and moisturised, whereas tomato will help reduce blemishes. So, by using tomato and honey together, this skincare recipe can reduce tan, fade spots, and improve overall skin tone. Mix one teaspoon of fresh tomato juice with one teaspoon of honey and massage it onto your face in circular motions. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and rinse with cold water.

Delays Early Ageing Signs

Honey, rich in antioxidants, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When used in homemade face masks, it can promote skin elasticity and keep your skin looking smooth, fresh, and youthful.

Nourishes Cuticles

Honey can lock in moisture, and it can keep the cuticles soft. To treat dry or cracked cuticles, mix one teaspoon of honey with coconut oil and a few drops of apple cider vinegar if needed. Massage this blend into your cuticles, and after 15 minutes, rinse to get smoother and healthier cuticles.

Treats Acne

Honey can be used as a simple spot treatment for acne. Honey possesses natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm breakouts. Take a small amount of honey on a clean cotton bud and apply it directly to the pimple. After leaving it on for 15 to 30 minutes, rinse with water.

Unclogs and Cleans Pores

Your pores can get blocked due to excess oil and dirt on the skin. Honey, with its moisturising and antibacterial properties, helps cleanse the pores deeply. It will keep your skin soft and remove the impurities that can lead to blackheads and whiteheads.

To cleanse pores, mix raw honey with a little coconut oil, massage it onto your face, and rinse with cold water. You can also enjoy the benefits of applying honey on your face overnight, which will keep your skin hydrated and nourished while you sleep.

Exfoliates Dead Skin Cells

If you are looking for how to remove dead skin from body, use honey as it works as a mild, natural exfoliant when mixed with other ingredients. To exfoliate, combine honey with a small amount of baking soda and massage it on damp skin using circular motions. Rinse off with cold water. Honey will leave your skin soft and moisturised, whereas baking soda will lift away dull, dead skin. To use honey as a scrub, mix it with sugar and a few drops of lemon juice for a natural scrub.

DIY Honey Face Pack Recipes at Home

Now that you know the benefits of honey on the face, if you are looking for simple ways on how to use honey for the face, here are some easy DIY honey face pack ideas you can try at home.

Honey and Avocado Face Pack for Dry Skin

If you are suffering from dry and dull skin, try this honey and avocado face pack. The skin benefits of avocado come from its rich vitamins E and C, antioxidants, and healthy fats that can keep your skin soft and well-moisturised. Honey will offer a natural glow.

Ingredients:

• Ripe avocado – 1
• Honey- 1 tablespoon

Directions:

• Mash the avocado in a bowl until it becomes smooth.
• Add honey and mix well to form a paste.
• Apply evenly on your face and neck.
• After 20 minutes, rinse with water.

Honey and Yoghurt Face Pack for Sensitive Skin

Honey and yoghurt face pack is especially suitable for sensitive skin because both these ingredients can help calm irritation and keep your skin soft. Honey provides moisture, while yoghurt can soothe the skin and offer a natural glow.

Ingredients:

• Fresh yoghurt- 1/2 cup
• Honey- 2 tablespoons

Directions:

• Mix honey and yoghurt until it forms a smooth paste.
• Apply the mixture evenly on your face and neck.
• After 20 minutes, rinse off the face pack with warm water.

Honey and Oatmeal Face Pack for Exfoliation

This honey and oats face pack can help calm irritation, making it suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin. Oats help remove dead skin cells, whereas honey will keep your skin soft and hydrated.

Ingredients:

• Oats- 2 tablespoons
• Honey- 1 tablespoon

Directions:

• Grind the oats into a fine powder.
• Add honey and mix well to make a thick paste.
• Apply the mixture on your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
• After 20 minutes, wash off with warm water.

Honey and Lemon Face Pack for Oily Skin

If you are wondering how to remove blemishes from face, try this honey and lemon face pack. Lemon helps control excess oil and improves the look of dull skin. Honey will keep your skin moisturised and soft.

Ingredients

• Fresh lemon juice- 1 teaspoon
• Honey-1 tablespoon

Directions:

• Mix honey and lemon juice until you get a smooth blend.
• Apply it evenly on your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water.

Honey and Cinnamon Face Pack for Pimples and Acne Marks

This honey and cinnamon face pack is helpful for those whose skin is prone to pimples and acne marks. Honey helps fight acne-causing bacteria, while cinnamon benefits for skin include reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing.

Ingredients:

• Cinnamon powder- 1 teaspoon
• Honey- 2 tablespoons

Directions:

• Mix honey and add cinnamon powder to get a smooth paste.
• Apply a thin layer on your face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
• After 30 minutes, wash off with warm water.

Honey and Turmeric Face Pack for Skin Brightening and Acne

Honey helps keep the skin soft and hydrated, whereas turmeric will promote clear skin by calming redness and reducing pimples.

Ingredients:

• Turmeric powder -1 teaspoon
• Honey- 1 tablespoon

Directions:

• Mix honey and turmeric powder until it forms a smooth paste.
• Apply an even layer on your face and other affected areas.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse off with plain water.

Important Precautions When Applying Honey on the Face

We have already learnt the benefits of honey on the face, but it is important to use it the right way to avoid irritation or unwanted reactions. So, here are a few simple precautions to keep in mind while including honey in your skincare routine.

• Use raw or unprocessed honey instead of store-bought bottled honey, because raw honey will retain the natural nutrients that are beneficial for your skin.
• If you are buying honey-based skincare products, make sure that the product is pure and genuine.
• Avoid applying too much honey on your face, as overuse may cause discomfort or irritation.
• When using honey in scrubs or cleansers, massage your skin in a gentle way instead of rubbing harshly.
• Wash your face with lukewarm water after applying honey to your face to prevent skin sensitivity.
• Do a patch test before applying honey to check for allergic reactions.

Takeaway

Honey is a simple and natural ingredient to care for your skin. The benefits of honey on the face are immense, including hydration, acne control, anti-ageing support, and brighter skin. You can use honey in various face pack recipes to treat various skin care concerns.

As every skin type is different, if honey does not give you the results you expect or causes any irritation, it is best to stop using it and consult a dermatologist. A skin expert can guide you with the right advice and treatments based on your specific skin needs.

Frequently Asked Questions on Honey on The Face