Honey and skin care

The benefits of honey have been known for a long time. Its medicinal properties are described in ancient manuscripts. This valuable product is great not only for internal use but also for external use.

Life-giving honey

Egyptian women used honey to maintain the health of their hair, skin, and nails. Honey provides our skin:

• regeneration;
• moisturizing;
• nutrition of skin cells;
• restoration of elasticity.

These properties allow honey to be used in cosmetology and in the treatment of a number of diseases. Honey contains a lot of beneficial elements, such as:

• vitamins (B, C, K, D, A);
• microelements;
• antioxidants;
• amino acids, etc.

How does honey affect the skin?

The fact that honey affects the entire body is well known. It can be used both during illness and as a preventive measure. This principle also works in dermatology. Honey can be used as a therapy for damaged skin and to prevent skin from aging.

5 Benefits of Honey

1. Deep nutrition of the epidermis

Honey nourishes skin cells with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and microelements. At the same time, it has the ability to retain water, helping the skin in maintaining its elasticity and delaying the appearance of wrinkles. It also helps to reduce itching or excessive dryness and irritation.

2. Prevention of age-related changes

Antioxidants are the main fighters for the youth of our skin. They neutralize free radicals, slowing the aging process of the skin. Honey contributes to:

• the disappearance of small wrinkles;
• noticeable smoothing of deep wrinkles;
• the skin becomes soft and silky;
• reducing age pigmentation.

3. UV Protection

The harmful effect of sunlight has been proven. It leads not only to premature skin aging, but also to the cancerous disease melanoma. Honey can be used to block the negative effect of UV rays instead of expensive sunscreens. The antioxidants contained in honey provide a guaranteed protection.

4. Treatment of infections

Honey has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, which inhibit the development and reproduction of harmful bacteria. This process is regulated by the enzyme called hydrogen peroxide. Honey can be applied externally for healing wounds, cuts, and abrasions. After entering the pores, honey turns into a “deadly weapon” for subcutaneous infections. Active compounds penetrate into the follicles and affect the bacteria that cause the development of acne or other skin problems.

5. Healing effect

Applying honey on the skin contributes to the remission of eczema. The rare black honey (collected from Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka) has powerful healing properties and promotes the regeneration of skin cells. Due to its unique healing properties, it can be used for various dermatological diseases.

Honey cosmetic recipes

1. Honey massage

This simple yet effective facial procedure allows you to regulate blood circulation and heal wounds caused by acne.

Apply a thin layer of honey to your clean skin. Massage it lightly in a circular, light motion. Leave it on for 20-25 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Use only natural, liquid honey, which enters the pores of the skin easily.

This procedure is not to be done by people with allergic reactions to this product.

2. Tonic Mask

This recipe provides a refreshing effect on the skin. You will need a tablespoon of natural liquid honey, a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, and an egg yolk.

Mix the ingredients, apply to clean skin and leave for 20-30 minutes. Then wash the mixture with warm water.

3. Mask “Freshness”

This mask is perfect for extremely dry skin. You will need two tablespoons of liquid natural honey and milk, and one tablespoon of banana puree.

Stir all the ingredients and apply to the clean skin. Leave for 15-20 minutes and rinse.

4. Body scrub

This scrub works especially well in saunas or steam rooms when skin pores open up. The scrub helps to remove dead cells, improving microcirculation and lymph flow. The skin becomes elastic and smooth. The recipe contains cornmeal and natural honey.

5. Silk mask

This mask is a great way to treat damaged hair after aggressive hairstyling procedures, like perms or dying. To prepare the mask, you need two tablespoons of natural liquid honey, one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, two egg yolks, and one tablespoon of cognac.

Apply the mixture evenly to the hair and cover with a towel. Leave for 30 minutes. Wash the mixture with warm water. You will start seeing positive changes after using it for the first time.

When choosing methods of treatment and prevention, remember that honey can cause an allergic reaction. Use only natural honey without preservatives and other ingredients used for long-term storage of the product.