Honey, known as the ‘magic potion’, is more than just a part of our breakfast cereal or desert. It is used as an essential ingredient in beauty regime for external and internal health of the body. Honey is also present in various beauty products.
Honey contains antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which make skin radiant. Beauty expert Shahnaz Husain will tell you how honey can add value to your beauty care.
The skin loses moisture when humidity is low. Exposure to the sun over a period of time also lowers the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Even chlorinated water depletes moisture and cause dryness. The texture can also become rough and vulnerable to early ageing signs. Oily skin can be short of moisture during the dry season.
Honey is a humectant and attracts moisture to the skin and improves its natural ability to retain moisture. It relieves dryness making the skin soft and smooth. As it contains valuable vitamins, minerals and enzymes, it nourishes the skin when externally applied.
The easiest way to use raw honey is to apply directly on the face in circular motion and keep it in natural environment for half an hour. Wash it off with lukewarm water to get supple, soft and attractive skin. Raw honey unclogs pores too.
If you have dry skin, apply honey daily and wash it off with plain water after 20 minutes. You can also mix honey with a few drops of orange juice. Apply this on the face for 20 minutes and wash off.
Artificial exfoliators often cause skin irritation. Since raw honey crystalises over time, the tiny granules act as a gentle exfoliant. Mix two spoons of honey with one spoon of baking soda. Gently rub it on various parts over skin and rinse it well. Baking soda offers light exfoliation while the honey soothes the skin.
Warm the honey in your hands by rubbing it between your fingers first and apply it directly on the skin in circular motions. Leave it on for a few minutes before massaging it off with wet towel.
For dry skin, you can mix half a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon each of rose water and dried milk powder. Mix into a paste and apply on the face. Remove after 20 minutes with water.
Add one-quarter cup of honey to your bath water to relieve dryness and soften the skin on the body.
Once you start dealing with dry winter skin, turn to honey to soothe. Mix two tablespoons of raw honey in hot water mug and let honey dissolve in it completely. Pour the mixture in a tub of warm water to soak for 15 minutes and then add a cup of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda for your final 15 minutes to help rid your body of dead skin cells without irritation.
For oily skin, mix honey with egg white and apply on the skin daily, washing it off after 20 minutes with plain water. Egg white has a cleansing effect, reducing oiliness, while honey will soften the skin and nourish it. If you have a combination skin, apply honey by itself on the entire face.
Honey can also be used on pimple-prone skin. People with acne often suffer from superficial dryness and flaking of the skin. Mix one teaspoon of honey with yoghurt and apply on the face. Wash it off after 20 minutes. It will relieve dryness and nourish the skin. Both honey and yoghurt have healing effects.
If you are suffering from a breakout, honey can be helpful. Apply raw honey on the affected areas. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and wash. Mix honey with tea tree oil /lavender oil for additional cleansing. Take the mixture on cotton wool pad and gently apply on the face and open areas of the skin in circular motion. Wash it after half an hour.
Mix three parts honey and one part pure cinnamon and warm the mixture slightly using low flame. Apply to your skin and leave the mixture on for 15 minutes. Rinse off completely using warm water. Do not use if you are allergic to cinnamon.
Honey can be useful in face masks for all skin types. Mix wheat bran (choker) or oatmeal with honey. Rose water can be added. Mix into a smooth paste and apply on the face. Wash off when it is dry or after 20 minutes. This mask may be used two or three times a week to keep the skin soft, supple and youthful.
Honey lightens dark spots on the face by eliminating dead skin cells. Mix one tomato juice with a teaspoon of honey and massage it gently for some time and leave it to dry naturally. Rinse it off with fresh water to reduce skin tanning. You can use it twice a week.
Add a teaspoon of honey to one of the lemon halves. Rub the cut side all over your face. Let it sit for five minutes and rinse with warm water.
