Ways To Use Honey For The Face And Skin

Honey is one of the most nutritionally rich natural products we have been using for ages. It is produced by the bees that collect flower-nectar and then mix it with enzymes to create honey. These enzymes impart therapeutic and anti-inflammatory properties to honey, making it an important ingredient with beauty benefits.

Honey is extremely beneficial for the face and the skin. It has wound-healing, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties (1). These properties can help with skin issues, such as acne, dull and dry skin, and uneven skin tone. In this article, we have discussed how honey is good for the face and the skin and how you can use it to get clear skin. Read on.

In This Article

• Honey For Face: Is It Good? What Are The Benefits?
• How To Use Honey For Face: DIY Remedies
  • 1. Lemon And Honey
  • 2. Milk, Apple Cider Vinegar, And Honey
  • 3. Honey And Cinnamon
  • 4. Tomato And Honey
  • 5. Banana And Honey
  • 6. Gram Flour (Besan) And Honey
  • 7. Curd/Yogurt And Honey
  • 8. Olive Oil And Honey
  • 9. Turmeric And Honey
  • 10. Rosewater And Honey
  • 11. Honey And Sugar Scrub
  • 12. Honey And Coconut Oil
  • 13. Avocado And Honey
  • 14. Oatmeal And Honey
  • 15. Shea Butter And Honey
• Side Effects Of Using Honey For Face And Skin
• Best Honey For Face

Honey For Face: Is It Good? What Are The Benefits?

Honey, especially unpasteurized raw honey and Manuka honey, is considered excellent not only for your health but also for topical application. This is because:

1. Honey Can Heal Acne

In-vitro studies have found that honey has antibacterial properties and can inhibit the growth of many dermatologically important microbes. They include P. acnes and S. aureus that cause acne. S. aureus can also cause atopic dermatitis and other skin infections (2).

2. It Heals Wound And Has Therapeutic Effects

Honey contains enzymes, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins that make it perfect for therapeutic uses. It can heal minor burns and wounds and is effective for soothing skin issues, such as psoriasis, dandruff, and diaper dermatitis (3).

3. It Keeps Your Skin Moisturized

Honey is an excellent emollient and humectant and can bind moisture to your skin (3). Hence, it is widely used in moisturizing creams and lotions. If you have dry skin, you can use honey to keep it soft and supple.

4. Honey Helps Maintain Skin pH

Honey helps to regulate the pH of your skin and prevent any kind of infection (3). The low pH of honey inhibits the growth of a lot of pathogens and helps wounds heal faster.

Now that you know how honey can help your skin, here’s how you can use it (raw or Manuka honey) to keep your skin glowing and healthy.

How To Use Honey For Face: DIY Remedies

1. Lemon And Honey

Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid. Anecdotal evidence states that lemon juice has an astringent effect on the skin, can help keep your skin oil-free, and minimize pores. This face mask can help control acne breakouts.

You Will Need

• The juice from half a lemon
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• Towel

Method

1. Mix the lemon juice with the honey until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
3. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the fragile skin around your eyes.
4. Leave the mixture on for about 20 minutes.
5. Wash it off with warm water, followed by cool water.
6. Pat your face dry with a towel.

How Often?

Once a week.

2. Milk, Apple Cider Vinegar, And Honey

Milk contains lactic acid. Topical lactic acid has a gentle exfoliating and cleansing effect on your skin and improves skin texture (4). Apple cider vinegar is widely used for its skin-soothing effects. It is said to alter the skin’s pH that helps to kill bacteria. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove this effect.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon milk powder (or ½ teaspoon raw milk)
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon raw honey
• Towel

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
3. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the fragile skin around your eyes.
4. Leave the mixture on for about 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, wet your fingers and gently rub the dry mask to exfoliate your skin.
6. Rinse your face with cool water.
7. Pat your face dry with a towel.
8. Moisturize.

How Often?

Once a week.

3. Honey And Cinnamon

Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. A study involving 20 patients evaluated the efficacy of cinnamon gel on mild to moderate acne. It found that cinnamon gel helped reduce acne lesions (5). Together with honey, cinnamon may help clear acne.

You Will Need

• A pinch of cinnamon powder or 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Method

1. Combine the two ingredients.
2. Apply the mixture to the acne lesions (as a spot treatment).
3. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
4. Wash it off.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

Precaution: Cinnamon may cause minor skin irritation, which is common. However, ensure you do a patch test before using it on your skin.

4. Tomato And Honey

Tomatoes contain lycopene (a carotenoid responsible for its red color) (6). A study states that topical lycopene is an effective antioxidant and can prevent cell damage by inhibiting free radicals (7). Together with honey, tomato can keep your skin healthy.

You Will Need

• ½ ripe tomato
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• Towel

Method

1. Puree the tomato in a blender until it is free of lumps.
2. Add honey to the puree and mix well.
3. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
4. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the fragile skin around your eyes.
5. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes.
6. Rinse off with cool water.
7. Pat your face dry with a towel.

How Often?

2 times a week.

5. Banana And Honey

Banana is a common ingredient used in face masks and is said to have a moisturizing effect on the skin (8). It is also an excellent base for any DIY face mask. Together with honey and lemon, this face mask can help keep your skin clear and prevent breakouts.

You Will Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Towel

Method

1. Mash the banana until it is free of lumps.
2. Add the honey and lemon juice to the mashed banana.
3. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
4. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the sensitive skin around your eyes.
5. Leave the mixture on for about 10-15 minutes.
6. Wash your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel.

How Often?

Once a week.

6. Gram Flour (Besan) And Honey

Gram flour helps to cleanse the skin and exfoliate it. It also helps to reduce excessive oil and tanning (9). This face mask can give you a clear complexion with regular use.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• Water
• Towel

Method

1. Combine the honey and besan.
2. Add some water and mix well to get a smooth and consistent paste.
3. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
4. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the fragile skin around your eyes.
5. Leave the mixture on for about 30 minutes.
6. Rinse the mixture off with lukewarm water.
7. Pat dry with a towel.

How Often?

3 times a week.

7. Curd/Yogurt And Honey

Yogurt contains L-cysteine that can help in lightening the skin tone (10). It helps to exfoliate the skin and brighten it and also has a cooling and skin-soothing effect. This face pack is excellent for soothing irritated skin and brightening it.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons curd or yogurt
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• Towel

Method

1. Combine the ingredients to get a smooth mixture.
2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
3. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the fragile skin around your eyes.
4. Leave the mixture on for about 15 minutes.
5. Wash the mixture off with lukewarm water.
6. Pat your face dry with a towel.

How Often?

2 times a week.

8. Olive Oil And Honey

Olive oil is popularly used for oil cleansing. When massaged on the skin, it helps to clear skin pores and remove traces of dirt and impurities from your skin. In combination with honey, it can help keep your skin clear and prevent breakouts.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Towel

Method

1. Combine the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Microwave the mixture for about 20 seconds, until it is slightly warm.
3. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
4. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the fragile skin around your eyes.
5. Leave the mixture on for about 5 minutes.
6. Rinse the mixture off with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
7. Pat your face dry with a towel.

How Often?

2 times a week.

9. Turmeric And Honey

Turmeric has therapeutic benefits and can help in improving a lot of skin conditions, including acne (11). It has been used since ancient times for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This combination can keep your skin clear, soothe acne breakouts, and brighten your skin.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 1 teaspoon yogurt
• Towel

Method

1. Combine the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
3. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the fragile skin around your eyes.
4. Leave the mixture on for about 20 minutes.
5. Rinse the mixture off with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
6. Pat your face dry with a towel.

How Often?

1-2 times a week.

10. Rosewater And Honey

Rosewater exhibits antimicrobial activity and inhibits the growth of S. aureus bacteria that cause acne and other skin issues (12).

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons rose water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Towel

Method

1. Combine the ingredients until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry.
3. Apply this mixture onto your face. Make sure to avoid the fragile skin around your eyes.
4. Leave the mixture on for about 15 minutes.
5. Rinse the mixture off with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
6. Pat your face dry with a towel.

How Often?

1- 2 times a week.

11. Honey And Sugar Scrub

The coarse texture of the sugar and honey scrub helps buff away all the dead cells on your skin’s surface. This helps keep your skin healthy and free of build-up. The scrub also readies your face for absorbing moisture and nutrients, so it would be a good idea to follow this up with a moisturizing and nourishing face mask.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Towel

Method

1. Combine the ingredients to get a coarse mixture.
2. Wash your face with a mild cleanser.
3. Apply the mixture to your face and gently scrub your skin in circular motions with your fingertips.
4. Do this for a couple of minutes.
5. Wash your face with warm water, followed by cold water.
6. Pat dry with a towel.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

12. Honey And Coconut Oil

Extra virgin coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe symptoms of skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (13). However, it does not suit all skin types, especially oily skin type, and may aggravate acne.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method

1. Mix the two ingredients
2. Massage the mixture on your face for 10 minutes.
3. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
4. Wash your face with a mild cleanser.
5. Follow up with a moisturizer.

How Often?

2 times a week.

13. Avocado And Honey

Avocado oil is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, along with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Rat studies showed that it had excellent wound-healing abilities and could increase collagen density (14).

You Will Need

• A teaspoon of avocado oil
• A teaspoon of raw honey

Method

1. Mix the two ingredients.
2. Massage it on your face for 10 minutes.
3. Leave it for another 10 minutes.
4. Wash your face with a mild cleanser.
5. Follow up with a moisturizer.

How Often?

2-3 times a week.

14. Oatmeal And Honey

Colloidal oatmeal (boiled oats) is an excellent cleansing agent for the skin. It is rich in saponins that help to remove traces of dirt and impurities from the skin. It also helps to calm your skin by reducing inflammation (15).

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of boiled oats
• 1 tablespoon raw honey

Method

1. Mix both the ingredients to make a paste.
2. Spread it evenly on your face.
3. Massage for 5 minutes and then leave it for another 10 minutes.
4. Wash with warm water and then with a mild cleanser.
5. Follow up with a moisturizer.

How Often?

2 times a week.

15. Shea Butter And Honey

The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter help to calm your skin, soothe skin irritation. It also contains oleic, linoleic, stearic, and palmitic fatty acids that keep your skin healthy (13).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of shea butter
• 1 tablespoon of raw honey

Method

1. Mix the two ingredients.
2. Massage well on your face and neck.
3. Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash with a mild cleanser and warm water.

How Often?

3 times a week.

Honey is considered a safe ingredient for the skin. However, you need to be cautious before using it as it may cause some unwanted skin reactions.

[Read: DIY Honey Face Masks For Beautiful Skin]

Side Effects Of Using Honey For Face And Skin

Raw and unadulterated honey may cause allergic reactions. Raw honey may contain traces of pollen. Hence, if you are allergic to pollen and bee venom, avoid using raw honey on your face. It may cause symptoms, such as:

• Rashes
• Watery eyes
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Sneezing
• Bumps on the skin
• Itchy throat

Before using honey, do a patch test to make sure it suits you. Also, never use honey for overnight application on your face. It is sticky, and you will not feel comfortable. It may also attract dust and other impurities and aggravate your skin condition (if any).

If you want to buy organic honey online, here are a few suggestions.

Best Honey For Face

When looking for raw honey, check the appearance of the product. It will have a cloudy appearance.
Also, raw honey crystallizes faster compared to regular honey. Hence, you need to put the bottle in warm water before using it. This is one way to identify raw and unfiltered honey.

You can buy raw honey from the local farmers or online. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Organic Raw Honey 
2. Comvita UMF 10+ Manuka Honey 
3. Smiley Honey – Raw & Unfiltered Orange Blossom Honey

Honey is definitely one of the best ingredients to stock in your DIY skincare arsenal. Adding it to your skincare routine can ensure not only radiance but also better skin health. However, be sure to check for allergies before using it. In case you develop allergic reactions, consult a doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it safe to apply honey on the face every day?

A. Yes, unless you are allergic to it.

Q. Can you leave honey on the face overnight?

A. No, it may attract dust and cause breakouts.