If like me, you’re all about doing the least for your skin and getting maximum results, here’s an underrated skincare ingredient you don’t want to miss out on–honey. You’ll find this goopy ingredient in most skincare products, from cleansers to moisturisers and more. Why? Honey has a good rep for being the ultimate beauty superstar and has been used for centuries by people in India because of its natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It is also a natural humectant which means it draws moisture into the skin and gives it a boost of hydration.
Benefits of using honey on your face
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reported that honey can be used as a treatment against skin conditions like dandruff and psoriasis. It acts as an emollient that soothes conditions and keeps the skin soft and supple. It regulates the pH levels and fights infections.
Cleans pores
Honey removes dead skin and debris without stripping skin dry.
Fights acne
It soothes and heals skin and helps prevent future breakouts.
May help fade acne marks
It contains a slight amount of hydrogen peroxide that can help get rid of post-acne scars.
Hydrates skin
It sucks the moisture from the air and infuses it into the skin, boosting the moisture content.
5 DIY honey face masks to try
For instant brightening: Turmeric and honey
Mix a pinch of turmeric powder with a tablespoon of honey and apply it on a clean face. Keep it on for 10 minutes and wash it off.
Both the ingredients are rich in antioxidants and extremely soothing in nature. Together, they can treat acne, brighten dark spots and reduce marks and scars.
For quick exfoliation: Oats, yoghurt and turmeric mask
Mix a tablespoon of ground oats with some yoghurt and a pinch of turmeric till you have a semi-runny paste. Apply and let it sit on your face till it is almost dry. Wash off using circular motions.
Ground oats along with yoghurt and turmeric powder do a great job of getting rid of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
For a boost of hydration: Aloe vera and honey mask
Mix two tablespoons of aloe vera gel with a teaspoon of honey. Apply on clean skin and wash off after 20 minutes.
Aloe speeds healing and soothes pain and tenderness and honey has natural antibacterial properties.
For extra nourishment: Spirulina, honey, and rosewater mask
Mix a teaspoon of spirulina with equal quantities of honey and rosewater. Apply on clean skin and wash off when semi-dry.
Spirulina is rich in iron and vitamins and can help reduce dark spots when used topically on skin. Rosewater is a natural astringent and helps minimise the appearance of pores.
For smoother skin: Multani mitti and honey mask
Mix a tablespoon of multani mitti with honey and some water till you have a runny paste. Apply it on clean skin and wash off when semi-dry.
Multani mitti cools the skin down and removes the excess oil from pores. Honey soothes skin and makes it supple and soft.
Things to keep in mind while using honey on your face
If you’re using an ingredient like clay along with honey on your face, make sure you wash it off when it is semi-dry as these masks can otherwise dry out skin instead of moisturising it. Before slathering on any product or diy mask on your face, it is always advisable to patch test it on your jaw or behind your ear.