Why Use Honey For Dry Skin: What Are The Benefits?
There are several reasons your skin would love honey::
1. Honey Is An Excellent Humectant
Humectants are substances that help in preserving the natural moisture levels of your skin. Dry skin lacks moisture, and honey is an excellent humectant that seals moisture in your skin and makes it soft and supple (1).
2. Honey Can Help Treat Many Skin Conditions
Some conditions, like eczemai XA non-contagious skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. and psoriasis, cause your skin to become dry. Honey is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating these skin issues, along with other issues like burns, cuts and wounds, and inflammation (2).
3. Honey Has Antibacterial Properties
Natural untreated honey has antibacterial properties and shows an inhibitory effect on about 60 species of bacteria. Honey has a high viscosityi X The internal friction of a moving fluid or a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. , which helps it form a protective layer on the wounds, preventing further infection (3).
4. Honey Helps In Preventing Wrinkles
Honey has age-fighting properties. It slows down wrinkle formation and keeps your skin youthful. It also helps in maintaining the pH balance of your skin (1). For maximum benefits, it is best to use unadulterated and raw honey. This is because raw honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is rich in antioxidants (4). Look for naturally darker honey as it has greater antioxidant properties. You may also use Manuka honey that is rich in antioxidants and helps to heal skin infections (5). With so many benefits, honey is, undoubtedly, a luxurious treat for your skin. Now that you know which honey to use for dry skin, here are some tips and recipes you can try with honey to care for your dry skin.
How To Use Honey For Dry Skin
A. As A Face Pack
1. Honey, Turmeric, And Glycerin Face Pack
Turmeric offers therapeutic benefits for the skin (6). Glycerin is a humectant that keeps your skin moisturized (7). Honey exerts emollient and humectant effects and helps your skin retain its youthful glow (1).
1 tablespoon organic honey ½ teaspoon turmeric (use powder or raw turmeric paste) ½ teaspoon glycerin
2. Honey And Banana Face Pack
Banana is widely used in DIY face masks, and it is said to help keep the skin moisturized (8). This face pack can make your skin soft and supple.
1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon mashed banana (ripe)
3. Gram Flour (Besan), Milk, And Honey Face Pack
Besan helps to exfoliate your skin. Milk contains lactic acidi XAn organic acid that improves cell turnover and helps remove dead skin cells when used topically. that works as a mild exfoliant. Together with honey, these ingredients can keep the skin clean and nourished.
1 tablespoon besan or gram flour 2 tablespoon milk 1 tablespoon honey
B. As A Face Mask
4. Honey And Avocado Face Mask
Avocado is often used as a base for DIY face masks. When mixed with honey, the fruit can keep the skin soft.
1 tablespoon mashed avocado 1 teaspoon yogurt 1 teaspoon raw honey
5. Honey And Aloe Vera Face Mask
Aloe vera has skin nourishing and moisturizing properties (9). When combined with honey, aloe vera can keep your skin moisturized.
2 teaspoons raw honey 1 teaspoon fresh aloe vera gel (scoop some from the plant)
C. As A Daily Face Wash
6. Honey Face Wash
This face wash contains moisturizing ingredients, such as honey and oil.
⅓ cup honey ⅓ cup liquid castile soap 3 tablespoons of oil (use almond or jojoba or apricot or olive or argan oils) 3 tablespoons of distilled water 1 face wash dispensing bottle
D. As Your Daily Face Moisturizer
7. Manuka Honey Face Cream
Shea butter is a popular ingredient in moisturizers and has emollienti X A substance used to moisturize and soften the skin and reduce skin flaking and itching. and sun-screening properties (10). This face moisturizer can keep your skin hydrated and soft.
½ cup shea butter 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel 5 drops tea tree essential oil 3 tablespoons rose water 1 teaspoon Manuka honey (or raw organic honey)
8. Honey And Lavender Cream
This cream contains beeswax, another popular base for moisturizing products. The combination of skin-nourishing oils and honey is extremely hydrating. The essential oils give the cream a pleasant fragrance.
¼ cup olive oil 1 tablespoon argan oil 1 ½ teaspoon of raw organic honey 1 teaspoon beeswax ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 5 drops frankincense essential oil
Note: Use the creams within 3-4 months.
E. As Body Butter
9. Honey And Essential Oil Body Butter
Coconut oil is often used for moisturizing the skin (11). Honey helps keep the skin hydrated, while the citrus essential oil offers therapeutic benefits for the skin (12).
1 ½ cups coconut oil 3 tablespoons raw honey 2 tablespoons citrus essential oil (you can use orange, lime, lemon, or bergamot oils)
10. Honey And Shea Butter Body Butter
Dry skin will love the combination of shea butter, honey, and coconut oil. This body butter is extremely hydrating and can keep the skin healthy.
1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 ½ tablespoon raw honey 1 tablespoon shea butter 1 ½ tablespoons beeswax 1 tablespoon almond oil
F. As A Facial Toner
11. Honey And Chamomile Face Toner
Chamomile extracts are popular in DIY remedies and are said to have a calming effect on the skin.
1 cup distilled water 1 tablespoon chamomile flower (or use chamomile tea) 1 teaspoon raw honey 3-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
12. Honey And Lavender Facial Toner
Lavender essential oil has a pleasant fragrance that can make you feel instantly refreshed, while apple cider vinegar can soothe the skin and balance its pH.
½ cup of water ½ tablespoon raw honey 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 3-4 drops lavender essential oil
G. As A Facial Scrub
13. Honey And Lemon Detoxifying Scrub
Granulated sugar has a coarse texture that can help exfoliate the top layer of the skin, while honey and olive oil can keep it moisturized. The essential oils make this scrub smell refreshing.
1 cup of organic sugar 2 tablespoons raw honey ¼ cup olive oil 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 15 drops lemon essential oil 15 drops lavender essential oil
14. Honey And Oatmeal Scrub
Oatmeal is often used for scrubbing the skin due to its coarse texture. Along with honey, coconut oil, and sugar, this scrub is excellent for keeping your skin soft without irritating it.
½ cup oats 1 ¼ cups sugar ¼ cup of coconut oil ¼ cup honey 3-4 drops tea tree oil 3-4 drops lavender oil
15. Honey And Blueberry Exotic Face Scrub
Brown sugar can help exfoliate the dead skin cells, while honey and blueberry can make your skin soft.
½ cup fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons honey (prefer locally sourced organic honey) 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
Note: Prepare the face scrubs in small batches and try to use them within a week.
H. As A Lip Balm
16. Beeswax, Honey, And Sweet Almond Oil Lip Balm
Beeswax is a common ingredient used in lip balms. This combination of honey, sweet almond oil, and beeswax can keep your lips soft and plump.
½ cup beeswax 2 tablespoons of honey 1 cup sweet almond oil
Though honey is a natural ingredient, it doesn’t mean it is absolutely safe for your skin. You may experience certain side effects.
Side Effects Of Using Honey On Face
Honey is considered safe for the skin. However, you may develop an allergic reaction to honey. Also, if you are allergic to pollen, bee venom, and celery, you may develop allergic reactions after using honey on your skin. The common symptoms that you may develop include:
Itching Rashes Hives Swelling Wheezing
Hence, it is best to do a patch test before using any ingredient. Also, avoid leaving honey on your face for the entire night. It might attract dust and other impurities and cause breakouts. How often should I put raw honey on my face if I have dry skin? You may use it once daily. Can I leave raw honey on my skin overnight? No. It might attract dust particles and cause breakouts. Is honey good for dry and sensitive skin? Yes, honey has humectant and emollient properties that may aid in reducing dryness and flakiness experienced by individuals with eczema (1), (13).
