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What are the Benefits of Honey for the Skin?
Here’s a fact that might surprise you:
Raw honey is one of the oldest known antibiotics.
Although you might think of antibiotics as modern medicine, they’ve actually been around for centuries. In fact, archeologists found a pot of honey inside King Tut’s 3,000-year-old tomb.(1)
But one quick note:
If you want to use honey for skin benefits, you must choose raw honey over the processed stuff. Raw honey is rich in antioxidants and enzymes that make it great for wound healing, acne, and other skin conditions.(2, 3)
Processed honey doesn’t offer those same benefits.
To put it simply:
Processed honey is most commonly found in cheap plastic teddy bear containers at the grocery store. Unfortunately, this type of honey is overheated to the point where it’s stripped of its health benefits. It’s also filtered and diluted with other ingredients to reduce manufacturing costs.(4)
As such, the FDA warns that overly processed honey is no longer considered authentic honey.(5)
So our suggestion is this:
When buying raw honey, make sure the labels say “raw” or “unprocessed.” That way, you can enjoy both the flavor and health benefits of real honey.
So how do you use honey for skin benefits?
Let’s discuss a few.
Benefit 1: Honey Helps With Acne, Eczema, and Psoriasis
Raw honey is best for red, inflamed acne.
This is because honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects thanks to its high glucuronic acid content. This acid gets converted to glucose oxidase, which is immediately converted to hydrogen peroxide.(6)
As a result, you’ll see honey as an ingredient in many skincare products, such as:
- Face washes
- Moisturizers
- Serums
- Acne spot treatments
Honey has also been shown in several studies to help with eczema and psoriasis.
For example, research suggests that manuka honey may alleviate eczema symptoms due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.(7)
Additionally, honey has been shown to help promote tissue healing by removing dead cells and encouraging the production of new ones.
A small study of 14 individuals found that honey helped reduce atopic dermatitis lesions. The participants had improved lesions and decreased inflammation.(8)
Another study of 18 patients found that 50% of the individuals responded with significant improvement in their psoriasis lesions when using honey. However, honey was also mixed with beeswax and olive oil.(9)
To use raw honey as a face mask, apply it to the skin and leave it on for 15 minutes or more. Rinse with lukewarm water to remove.
To treat eczema or psoriasis on the body, apply the honey overnight to affected areas. Since honey is sticky, sleep in long pajama pants or tops to cover the skin where honey was applied.
Benefit 2: Honey Can Treat Serious Wounds
The research on using honey to heal wounds has been astonishing.
One review of 26 studies found that honey effectively healed partial-thickness burns and wounds that became infected following surgeries.(10)
Honey has also been shown as a beneficial treatment for diabetes-related foot ulcers. Such ulcers are serious and can result in foot amputation.
One study found that topical honey healed an impressive 97% of subjects’ diabetes-related ulcers.(11)
What’s more, manuka honey is considered especially useful in healing burns. However, if you experience severe wounds or burns, you should seek medical help immediately.(12)
Benefit 3: Honey Soothes Sunburns
Raw honey is naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing.(13)
As such, honey can reduce the stinging and dry skin that’s uncomfortable after getting a sunburn.
For best results, apply honey directly to the affected area overnight. Since honey has a sticky texture, it’s helpful to cover up with a long t-shirt or pajamas.
You can also mix honey with aloe vera gel and apply it to the sunburn location.
Benefit 4: Honey Can Brighten Skin
Researchers haven’t directly concluded that using honey can lighten dark spots.
However, honey has been shown to have exfoliating properties that can eliminate dead skin cells that lead to skin dullness. According to scientists, this makes honey ideal for tissue regeneration.(14)
As a result, honey can help reveal brighter, more glowy skin.
After cleansing your face, apply raw honey directly to your skin. Allow the honey to sit and penetrate for at least 15 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water. Apply your favorite moisturizer afterward to add additional skin softness.
What Type of Honey Should I Use?
Raw honey is the only type of honey we recommend.
With that in mind, there are over 300 varieties of honey, including raw clover, wildflower, and blueberry honey.
So which one do we recommend?
Raw buckwheat honey is our top pick. Not only is buckwheat honey affordable, but it’s also a darker honey variety. Research indicates that dark honey may have more antioxidant benefits than lighter-colored honey such as clover or wildflower.(15)
As such, honey with higher amounts of antioxidant activity can result in better anti-inflammatory effects, which is beneficial for the skin.
But there’s the thing:
Buckwheat honey – along with many other darker varieties – has a bolder, more earthy taste than other honey types. It’s not as outright sweet as clover or tupelo honey.
However, even if you don’t enjoy the bold flavor of buckwheat honey, you can simply use this honey for skin benefits.
Are There Risks of Using Honey?
For most people, honey is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Honey is generally considered safe for most people.
However, if you have bees or pollen allergies, you should be cautious about using honey for skin benefits. You might consider doing a patch test to see if you experience an allergic reaction.
Additionally, be careful about using honey on the skin of children under the age of 12 months.(16)
Infants should not consume honey due to the risk of infant botulism. Infant botulism is a foodborne illness that can happen when a baby ingests a certain bacteria. Babies with infant botulism can experience weak cries, muscle weakness, and trouble breathing.
Once the infant is older than 12 months old, you can apply honey to their skin.
FAQs on Honey for Skin Benefits:
- Is it good to apply honey on the face?
- Is manuka honey used for skin benefits?
- Can honey remove pimples?
- What are the side effects of honey on the face?
- Is honey good for the face every day?
- What does honey do to the skin?
- Can honey make skin glow?
- Can honey darken the face?
- Can I leave honey on my face overnight?
- How many minutes should I leave honey on my face?
- Can honey make acne worse?
- Can honey remove dark spots?
- Should I wash my face with soap after applying honey?
- Is honey good for lips?
- Can honey remove wrinkles?
- Is turmeric and honey good for the face?
Is it good to apply honey on the face?
Yes, honey is good for the face. It can help to moisturize the skin and encourage tissue regeneration. Additionally, honey has antibacterial properties and can help to fight acne.
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Is manuka honey used for skin benefits?
Yes, manuka honey can be used for skin benefits. Manuka honey has strong antibacterial properties that make it beneficial for fighting acne. Apply the manuka honey directly to the skin and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing.
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Can honey remove pimples?
People often ask:
Can I use honey for zits? Can I use honey for dry skin? Can I use honey for skin rashes? What are the manuka honey for skin benefits?
The answer is that raw honey can help reduce red, inflamed pimples. This is because honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
—> Go back to the FAQs on honey for skin benefits
More to Explore:
- The Brutally Honest Truth About Sour Honey
- Buckwheat Honey: Uses, Benefits, & Risks
- Can You Eat Honeycombs?
What are the side effects of honey on the face?
Fortunately, there are few side effects of using honey on the face. However, if you’re allergic to bees or pollen, you should consider doing a patch test before applying the honey to your face.
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Is honey good for the face every day?
Yes. Honey, along with a good skincare routine, can be beneficial in reducing redness and soothing your complexion. Apply the honey to your skin overnight or use it as a mask for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
—> Go back to the FAQs on honey for skin benefits
More to Explore:
- The Top 3 Best Manuka Honey Brands
- Orange Blossom Honey: Uses, Benefits, & Risks
- Sourwood Honey: Uses, Benefits, & Risks
What does honey do to the skin?
Honey has many benefits for the skin. It is a natural humectant, which helps keep the skin hydrated. Additionally, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help to fight acne and soothe the skin.
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More to Explore:
Can honey make skin glow? How can I use honey to glow my face?
Honey can make your skin glow in the sense that it will soothe it and reduce inflammation. Honey is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. These properties make it beneficial in the treatment of acne. You can apply honey to your face as a mask or leave it on overnight.
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Can honey darken the face?
No, honey will not make your skin darker. Honey has exfoliating properties, and applying it to your face can help remove dead skin cells that make your complexion look dull.
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More to Explore:
Can I leave honey on my face overnight?
Yes, there are several benefits of applying honey to your face overnight. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps keep the skin moisturized. Also, honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight acne.
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How many minutes should I leave honey on my face?
You can leave honey on your face for 15 minutes or overnight. If you’re using it as a mask, you can rinse it off with warm water and a mild cleanser.
Leaving honey on overnight can help it penetrate the skin and soothe inflammation. However, since honey has a sticky texture, this might not be ideal for some. That’s why using honey as a face mask is a more reasonable option for most.
However, you can apply honey to a wound and wrap it in a bandage to prevent it from sticking to clothing or other material. You can also apply honey to your body and sleep with a long-sleeved shirt or pants.
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Can honey make acne worse?
Honey may not work for all types of acne, but it should not worsen things. Honey isn’t the magic cure for solving acne concerns, but it can help reduce inflammation that leads to redness.
As always, it’s wise to consult your dermatologist before using any new treatment on your skin.
—> Go back to the FAQs on honey for skin benefits
More to Explore:
- Honey Pasteurization: Does it Ruin Raw Honey?
- 8 Scientific Benefits of Raw Honey
- Allergic to Honey: Signs of a Honey Allergy + Treatment
Can honey remove dark spots?
People often ask, “Can raw honey whiten skin?”
Honey has skin brightening abilities, but it will not whiten your skin tone. Instead, it will soothe inflammation and redness and also heal wounds. It can help reduce dark spots by encouraging exfoliation and skin cell turnover.
—> Go back to the FAQs on honey for skin benefits
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- What Are Honeycombs Make Of?
- Can You Eat Beeswax?
- Beeswax vs. Soy Wax: Which is Better for Candle Making?
Should I wash my face with soap after applying honey?
If your skin is already clean, you don’t have to wash your face with soap to remove the honey. You can simply use lukewarm water.
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Is honey good for lips?
Honey is good for lips because it is a natural humectant that helps hold moisture on the skin or lips. Additionally, honey has antibacterial properties that can help keep the lips clean.
You can create a lip scrub by combining a little bit of honey with sugar and rubbing your lips with it. Use gentle motions over your lips, so you’re not over-exfoliating.
—> Go back to the FAQs on honey for skin benefits
More to Explore:
- Honey For Allergies: Is it a Potential Cure?
- How to Substitute Honey for Sugar
- What’s the Melting Point of Beeswax?
Can honey remove wrinkles?
No, honey will not remove wrinkles or fine lines. You will need to see a dermatologist for treatment of those issues.
—> Go back to the FAQs on honey for skin benefits
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- Fermented Garlic and Honey Recipe
- What’s the Difference Between Raw and Organic Honey?
- Cinnamon Honey: Are There Health Benefits?
Is turmeric and honey good for the face?
Turmeric and honey are both good for the face. You can make a turmeric and honey face mask by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing.
Turmeric can help to brighten the skin and reduce inflammation. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps keep the skin hydrated. Also, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight acne.
