Honey is not only a delicious natural sweetener, which goes perfectly with fruits, pastries, and tea! This product is actually an amazing beauty ingredient, which does wonders for our skin, hair, and body.
Honey has been used as a beauty tool yet in the ancient history, as it’s the only food that doesn’t spoil, it smells nice, you can hardly overuse it, and it has amazing properties!
And this article will uncover all of the skin benefits of this wonderful ingredient!
Let’s dive in!
Can honey reduce allergies?
Skin allergies (like matter dermatitis, eczema, or hives), destroy the structure of the epidermis and damage cells from multiple layers of the skin.
Honey has been associated with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which diminish the effects of skin irritators, kill harmful bacteria, and have a calming effect. They reduce itchiness, burning, and redness.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, honey may stop pathogen infections, create bonds between the lipids in the epidermis, and restore the skin structure and barrier when applied topically. This can help us to recover quickly from the allergy without experiencing long-lasting symptoms, which damage our skin in the long run (and eventually leave a scar, pigmentation, or other sign).
Can honey help acne?
The anti-inflammatory properties of honey can be great for treating inflammatory acne. It may reduce the burning sensation and make the acne (or pimples) less angry, red, and inflamed.
A study in the British Journal of Pharmacy shows that honey cannot entirely cure acne, however, in the long term use, it can significantly improve the condition of this skin issue. According to the source, this beauty ingredient may limit the effects of the external factors, which cause or irritate the acne.
Simultaneously, honey is associated with scar prevention: it can stimulate the flexibility, strength, and replenishment of the skin lipids in the epidermis and improve the process of tissue regeneration.
Is honey good for exfoliating?
The natural honey (without any additives) crystalizes over time. And the tiny sugar crystals, or granules, can be used as gentle face exfoliators.
As honey liquidizes in higher temperatures, the tiny granules “melt” as you rub them against the skin (because the skin radiates warmth: about 36 degrees). For that reason, the exfoliating particles are not considered to be too abrasive or aggressive to sensitive skin types and are not related to any risk of micro-damage. [2]
The honey carefully gets rid of the dead skin cells and stimulates the recovery of a new, healthier layer of skin.
Keep in mind that using honey for body exfoliation is not very useful, as the particles are too brittle and melt quickly. It is better to use oats, coffee, or another ingredient.
Does honey brighten your skin?
Another result from the exfoliation is that honey can make your skin brighter, more vibrant, and glowing. [3]
As a result, this beauty ingredient may help you to reduce hyperpigmentation or spots and can promote even skin tone, which makes us look more energized, toned, and healthy.
Does honey have anti-aging properties?
Using honey as a beauty ingredient can be a good idea when it comes to diminishing premature signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
The reason for this is that when applied to the skin, honey can act as an antioxidant, diminishing the damage caused by free radicals, such as UV light, radiation, pollution, artificial and irritating cosmetic ingredients, smoking, alcohol, etc. [4]
Conclusion
Honey is budget friendly ingredient that can help us to take good care of our skin, as we can add it to face masks, or homemade skin remedies. However, as it is a 100% natural ingredient, it may cause allergic reaction to some people. If you see any abnormal changes on your skin, consult your dermatologist and don’t reach to raw honey as beauty ingredient.