Honey is one of the natural ingredients that has been used for cosmetic purposes for ages. It is considered one of the best gifts from nature due to its various health benefits. Honey has antibacterial and wound healing properties that make it one of the safest natural ingredients to apply on the skin. This blog discusses the various benefits of honey on the face and tells you how to prepare honey face masks according to your skin type.
Benefits Of Honey On Face
Various studies suggest that honey has antimicrobial properties and is widely used as a topical treatment on the skin. Honey has plenty of cosmetic benefits too. It is added to several face care products like cleansing milk or gels, moisturizers, and lip balms. If you are still wondering whether you should use raw honey on your face or not, here are some common benefits of honey on your face.
1. Helps Lighten Scars
If you are looking for a solution to fade your acne scars, you can use honey face masks. According to research, honey has slight traces of hydrogen peroxide and AHAs that help in fading acne.
2. Helps With Acne
If you have fungal acne on your body or face, you can apply it to your skin. According to research, honey has pinocembrin and lysozyme compounds with antifungal properties.
Honey face masks can help reduce fungal acne. Another research suggests that hydrogen peroxide in honey has antimicrobial properties that help reduce acne and calm down inflammation. It also helps unclog pores and promotes the growth of new tissues.
3. Calms Your Skin
Honey is one of the best natural ingredients for sensitive skin. If you have sensitive or irritated skin or an allergic reaction to a product, applying honey to your skin can calm your skin as it has wound healing properties.
4. Moisturize Skin
If you have dry or combination skin, honey is one of the best ingredients to moisturize your face. According to research, honey has high amounts of fructose and glucose, making it a natural humectant. It retains water in the skin and keeps the face hydrated.
5. Helps Reduce Pigmentation
Another interesting benefit of honey on the face is that it can help reduce pigmentation on the face caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Research suggests that honey reduces skin damage caused by UV rays. You can use honey face masks if you stay out in the sun for long hours.
6. Helps Slow Down Ageing
Exposure to phones and laptops increases the pace of skin ageing, also called photoageing. Research suggests that lactic acid presentation in honey is beneficial against photoageing.
7. Exfoliation
According to research, honey contains lactic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the dead cells on the surface and brightens the face.
Honey Scrubs
Exfoliation is necessary to remove dead skin cells and brighten the face. However, physical scrubs can cause irritation or micro-tears on your face. Therefore, if you are looking for scrubs that gently exfoliate your skin and keep it moisturized, you can choose honey scrubs. As honey contains some amount of lactic acid, it is an effective exfoliator. So, if you have dry, dull, or flaky skin, you can use a honey scrub on your face.
You can prepare a DIY (do-it-yourself) honey scrub at home.
- Take one tablespoon of manuka or raw honey and add it to a bowl
- Add half a tablespoon of sugar to the bowl and mix it well
- Apply it evenly to your face and rub your face gently in circular motions for a few minutes
- Keep it on for 2-3 minutes, and then wash it off with cold water
- It helps you get smooth, soft, and brighter skin
- You can also add a few drops of lemon juice to the honey scrub to get better results. However, if you have sensitive skin, you should avoid using lemon juice
Honey Cleansers
You should use honey scrubs only once or twice a week. However, if you are looking for ways to add honey to your face care routine, you can use a honey cleanser. It is suitable for all skin types. Here are two ways to use honey as a cleanser at home.
- First, you can use raw honey as a cleanser. Take one-two tablespoons of honey in your hands, mix it with water and rub your palms till it forms a gel-like film. Rub it in circular motions on your face for half a minute and wash it off with old water.
- Another way to use a honey cleanser is to make your DIY honey face wash. You can add other beneficial ingredients for skin like rose water, turmeric, and sandalwood powder. Take a tablespoon of honey and add one teaspoon of raw milk or rose water. Then add a pinch of sandalwood powder and turmeric. Make a paste and apply it to your face.
Gently massage your face for 1-2 minutes. Now, wash your face with lukewarm or cold water and pat it dry.
Honey Face Packs For Glowing Skin
If you have to get ready for an important event and find that glow missing on your face, you can try using these honey face masks for glowing skin at home.
1. Turmeric and Honey Face Pack
According to research, topical application of turmeric on the skin has therapeutic benefits. Turmeric and honey face packs can give you an instant glow.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
- A pinch of turmeric powder.
How to use the face mask?
- Take honey in a bowl and add a pinch of turmeric powder to it
- Mix them well and apply the paste to your face
- Gently massage and leave it on for 5-10 minutes
- Wash it off with cool water
- You can use it once or twice a week to get glowing skin
2. Honey and Green Tea Face Mask
Research suggests that green tea is rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals and sun damage. It can help reduce dark spots and add glow to the skin.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon green tea
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
How to use the face mask?
- Add green tea to boiling water and let it brew
- Keep it aside for 10 minutes for cooling
- Add honey to it and apply it to your face
- Keep it for 15 minutes
- Wash it off with cold water
3. Tomato Honey Face Pack
According to research, tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains lycopene that is good for the skin.
Ingredients
- 1 tomato
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
How to use the face mask?
- Mash tomato or blend it in a mixer
- Mix honey to it and apply the pack to your face. It might give a slight tingling sensation
- Leave for 5-10 minutes
- Wash your face with cool water
Honey Face Packs For Skin Brightening
Pollution, dirt, too much exposure to sunlight, dark spots, and other skin issues can make your face look dull. Honey is one of the best natural ingredients for brightening skin and reducing pigmentation on the face.
1. Honey and Oatmeal Face Mask
Research suggests that oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help brighten the skin.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon ground oats
How to use the face mask?
- Mix the ingredients well and apply them to your skin for 10-15 minutes
- Gently massage the face for half a minute to exfoliate
- Wash your face with cold water
2. Lemon Honey Face Pack
Lemon has vitamin C and is a widely used skin brightening agent. Honey and lemon juice masks can help fade away dark spots and acne marks.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- Few drops of lemon juice
- Rosewater (optional)
How to use the face mask?
- Mix the ingredients well and apply them to your face
- Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and wash it off with cold water
- Don't use lemon juice on active acne or if you have sensitive skin
3. Coffee and Honey for Skin Whitening Mask
Both honey and coffee are common natural ingredients for skin brightening. They exfoliate and nourish the skin.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of ground coffee
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon curd (optional)
How to use the mask?
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl. It will form a sticky paste
- Apply it to your skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes
- Gently scrub your face with your fingers for one minute
- Wash it off with cold water
4. Honey and Almond Face Mask
Research suggests that almonds are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and fatty acids. It adds glow to the skin.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of ground almonds
How to use the face mask?
- Mix the ingredients to form a thick paste
- Apply it to your face for 15-20 minutes
- Wash it off with cold water and apply a moisturizer
Honey Face Packs For Acne Prone Skin
You should be very careful about what you apply to your face if you have acne-prone skin. However, honey is one of the safest ingredients for acne-prone skin. It has healing properties that calm the inflammation and also helps fade away acne scars.
Acne occurs due to dirt and bacterial growth on the skin. The antimicrobial properties of honey help kill acne-causing bacteria. You can use honey in the following honey face packs for acne-prone skin, once or twice a week. Remember to do a patch test before applying honey on active acne.
1. Honey and Cinnamon Face Mask
As per research, cinnamon has antibacterial properties. A mixture of cinnamon bark and honey is effective in treating acne.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
How to use the face mask?
- Mix the ingredients well and apply them to you
- Apply the paste to your face for 10-15 minutes
- Wash it off with cold water
- Use it twice a week for best results
2. Sandalwood and Honey Face Mask
According to research, sandalwood has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and calm active pimples.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of fuller's earth (optional)
How to use the face mask?
- Mix the ingredients in a bowl and make a thick paste.
- Apply it to your face and leave it on for 10-15 minutes.
- Wash it off with cool water.
3. Honey and Baking Soda Face Mask
It is believed that baking soda can help reduce acne inflammation. You can mix it with honey for the best results.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
How to use the face mask?
- Mix baking soda with honey
- Apply it to your face for 5-10 minutes
- Wash it off with cold water and apply a moisturizer
Honey Face Packs For Dry Skin
Honey works as a natural humectant for the skin. It retains the moisture and keeps the face hydrated for long hours. It also helps restore the natural barrier of the skin. Here are a few honey face masks that will nourish dry skin. You can use these face masks one or two times a week.
1. Honey and Aloe Vera Face Pack
Aloe vera has been known to have therapeutic benefits for the skin since ages. People commonly use it as a medicinal ingredient to heal skin and calm inflammation. According to research, aloe vera also has antibacterial and wound-healing, and regenerative properties that offer several benefits to the skin. It helps moisturize dry skin. However, remember to use aloe vera in small amounts. Excess application of aloe vera gel may dry out your skin.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel
- 1-2 tablespoons of raw honey
How to use the face mask?
- Mix honey and aloe vera gel in a bowl and apply it to your face
- Keep the face mask on for 15-20 minutes
- Wash off the mask with cold water
2. Honey, Raw Milk, and Gram Flour Face Pack
Applying raw milk to the face also has benefits for the skin. Milk works as a natural cleanser and a moisturizer. It contains lactic acid that works as a mild exfoliant along with honey to remove dark cells. Here is how to make honey, raw milk, and gram flour face pack.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- 1-2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 tablespoon besan
How to use the face mask?
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a smooth paste
- Ensure that the mixture is not too runny. You can add more besan to make it thick
- Apply the mask on your face with the help of a brush or your fingers
- Keep it on for 15-20 minutes till it dries
- Wash off the face mask with lukewarm water
3. Honey and Avocado Face Pack
Honey and avocado are the best combinations if you want to provide your skin with extra nourishment. Research suggests that honey reduces the epidermal loss of water from the skin and keeps it hydrated. As per studies, even avocado oil has antioxidant properties that strengthen the skin barrier and nourish the skin. Here is how to make a honey and avocado face mask at home.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 ripe avocado
How to use the face mask?
- Mash the avocado and mix it with honey till it turns into a smooth texture
- Apply it evenly on your face and let it dry for 10-15 minutes
- Wash off the face mask with cold water
4. Honey and Banana Face Pack
Banana is another great natural ingredient that works wonders for the skin. Applying bananas to the skin can make it smooth and soft. According to research, bananas contain vitamins B6 and C. It also has a high content of water which replenishes skin by providing it with hydration. Since honey is a natural humectant, honey and banana together can nourish the skin.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
How to use the face mask?
- Mash the ripe banana in a bowl with a fork
- Add honey to it and mix the ingredients well to make a smooth paste
- Apply it to your face and keep it on for 15-20 minutes
- Wash it off with cold water
Honey Face Packs For Oily Skin
Contrary to popular belief, oily skin needs hydration. Sebaceous glands in the skin start producing excess sebum or oil if there is a lack of moisture. It will make your skin more oily and may cause acne.
As honey provides intense hydration to the face, it works well for oily skin. You can apply these honey face packs for oily skin once or twice a week.
1. Fuller's Earth, Honey, and Rose Water Face Mask
You must have heard about Multani mitti. According to research, Multani mitti is a great ingredient for oily skin. It works as an adsorbent and extracts extra oil and dirt from the skin. Research also suggests that rose water can soothe skin. So, a Multani mitti, honey, and rose water face mask benefits your face by hydrating it and removing excess oil. Here is how to prepare it.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- 1-2 tablespoons of Multani mitti
- 4-5 tablespoons of rose water
- 4-5 drops of lemon juice (optional)
How to use the face mask?
- Add all the ingredients together in a bowl and mix them well
- Make sure that the paste is not too thick or, you can add more rose water or normal water
- Apply it to your face and keep it on for 25-30 minutes till the Multani mitti dries
- Wash the mask off with cold water
2. Cucumber, Honey, and Raw Milk Face Mask
Cucumber is another great ingredient for oily skin that will help remove excess sebum and make your skin cool. It is rich in antioxidants and moisturizes the skin.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- Half grated cucumber
- 1-2 tablespoons of raw milk
How to use the face mask?
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. You can add gram flour or Multani mitti for easy application if you feel that the mixture is too runny
- You can also blend cucumber in a mixer to make its paste
- Apply it to your face with the help of a brush
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and wash it with cool water
- Apply a moisturizer after removing the face mask
3. Curd Honey Face Mask
You can also use a curd and honey face mask for oily skin. The curd will give a cooling effect on the skin and help reduce extra oil on the face.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of curd
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
How to prepare the mask?
- Mix the ingredients to form a smooth paste
- Apply it to your face and neck with the help of a brush
- Keep the face mask on for 15-20 minutes till it dries
- Wash off the mask with cold water
- You can use it twice a week for best results, especially in summers
Honey Face Packs For Mature And Ageing Skin
As you must have already read above, honey can slow down anti-ageing and also help repair fine lines and wrinkles caused due to excess sun exposure. Here are some of the best honey face packs for mature and ageing skin. You should use these masks once or twice a week.
1. Honey and Nutmeg Face Mask
Nutmeg is popularly called the jaiphal in Hindi. It is one of the best natural ingredients for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and slowing down skin photoaging. According to research, nutmeg is beneficial in preventing premature skin ageing caused due to ultraviolet rays. It also boosts collagen. You can add nutmeg to honey for best results.
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons of honey
- Half tablespoon spoon of nutmeg powder
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon powder (optional)
How to prepare the face mask?
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a fine paste
- Apply it to your face with the help of a brush
- Leave it on for 15-20 minutes
- Wash it off with cool water
- You can use the face mask twice a week to get the desired results
- Do not apply the face mask close to your eyes
- If it stings or gives a burning sensation, wash it off immediately
2. Honey and Apple Face Mask
According to research, apples contain a flavonoid called phlorizin that has an anti-ageing effect on the skin. You can apply an apple and honey face mask for anti-ageing twice a week.
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- 2 tablespoons of honey
How to prepare the mask?
- Grate the apple or blend it in a mixer to make its fine paste. You can use the apple for the face mask with or without its peel
- Add honey to it and mix it well
- Apply the paste with a brush on a clean face and neck
- Keep it on for 15-20 minutes
- Wash it off with cool water
3. Papaya and Honey Face Pack
According to research, papaya contains an enzyme called papain that helps slow down skin ageing. Papayas are also rich in antioxidants fighting free radicals and preventing skin damage. You can use papaya and honey face masks twice a week for anti-ageing.
Ingredients
- One-fourth of ripe papaya
- 2 tablespoons of honey
How to use the face mask?
- Mash the papaya with a fork or blend it in a mixer
- Add honey to it and make it a smooth paste
- Apply it on a clean face and neck and keep it on for 15-20 minutes
- Wash off the face mask with cold or lukewarm water
- You can use this face mask twice a week to see visible results
Side Effects of Honey On Face
Even though honey offers plenty of benefits for the face, there can be some disadvantages too. Here are some of the rare side effects of honey on the face.
1. Allergic Reactions
Even though honey has wound healing properties, topical application of honey on the face can cause an allergic reaction if you are allergic to pollen.
You should do a patch test before applying any of the above honey face masks or face cleaners. Moreover, you should ensure that the honey you are applying to your face is pure and without chemicals. Impure honey can also cause allergic reactions.
2. Breakouts
Another drawback of applying honey to your face is that you have to be extra careful while removing it. You must wash off the honey properly; otherwise, it can cause breakouts. Honey is sticky and attracts dirt. It will cause dirt accumulation if it stays on your face for long. It might result in the growth of bacteria and cause acne.
Summing Up
Honey has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that make it one of the best natural ingredients to reduce acne and inflammation on the face. It is also a natural humectant that keeps the skin moisturized.
Lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide present in honey provide a glow to the face by gently exfoliating the dead cells. You can add various ingredients like raw milk, banana, aloe vera gel, turmeric, and other ingredients to honey. Use these as face masks once a week to get nourished and healthy skin.
FAQs
1) Is Honey Good for Your Face?
Yes, honey is good for your face. Honey is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties that help reduce acne and fade away acne marks. The hydrogen peroxide present in honey also helps with skin lightening.
The lactic acid in honey is beneficial in exfoliating dead skin cells. It keeps the face moisturized and adds a glow.
2) How Often to Use Honey for Your Face?
You can use honey cleansers, honey scrubs, or honey face masks 2-3 times a week.
References
- Silke K. Schagen, Vasiliki A. Zampeli, Evgenia Makrantonaki, July 2012; Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583891/
- Tzu-Kai Lin, Lily Zhong, January 2018; Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
- Bhattacharjee Rajsmita and Vinay Keshavamurthy, May 2019; Re-discovering Sandalwood: Beyond Beauty and Fragrance - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6536050/
- Alexandra R. Vaughn, May 2016; Effects of Turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence: Effects of Curcuma longa on Skin Health - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303503087_Effects_of_Turmeric_Curcuma_longa_on_Skin_Health_A_Systematic_Review_of_the_Clinical_Evidence_Effects_of_Curcuma_longa_on_Skin_Health
- Bruno Burlando, December 2013; Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429/
- Pauline Mcloone, Afolabi Oluwadun, August 2016; Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305890170_Honey_A_Therapeutic_Agent_for_Disorders_of_the_Skin
