The Skincare Benefits of Honey and the Best Ways to Use It

When it comes to natural beauty remedies, many of us have experimented with DIY masks and pantry staples like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, chamomile, or even goat milk. But there’s one ingredient that’s even sweeter and might just become your next skincare essential: honey.

Raw, unprocessed honey is considered a powerhouse in natural skincare, thanks to its wide range of benefits. It can help unclog pores, fade acne scars, and provide deep hydration for dry skin. Since it’s more commonly associated with the kitchen than the bathroom shelf, it’s natural to wonder how to use it on your skin—and whether it’s safe. The good news? Honey has long been recognized as a gentle yet effective ingredient that can work wonders when used the right way.

What Is Honey?

Honey is a thick, sweet substance made by bees and widely used in food, traditional medicine, and skincare. It forms through a natural process involving plant nectar, enzymes, and beneficial bacteria. Its exact chemical makeup varies depending on the plants from which the bees collect nectar.

Honey

Type of ingredient: Humectant

Key benefits: Provides antimicrobial protection, deeply hydrates and moisturizes, calms inflammation, and helps clear pores.

Who can use it: Suitable for all skin types, though especially helpful for those with dry or sensitive skin.

How often to use: Frequency depends on skin concerns; it can be applied a few times a week as a targeted treatment.

Pairs well with: Can be used on its own, ideally in its raw, natural, and unprocessed form.

Avoid combining with: Harsh DIY additives like lemon, baking soda, cayenne pepper, or other kitchen staples.

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What Type of Ingredient Is It?

Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain hydration. Beyond its moisturizing ability, it also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it a versatile ingredient in skincare.

Benefits of Honey for Skin

• Cleanses pores: Its natural antibacterial action makes honey an effective gentle cleanser, helping to remove dirt and impurities.

• Supports acne care: Thanks to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, honey can be used to help reduce certain types of breakouts and speed up healing when applied directly to blemishes.

• Fades scars and marks: The trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide in honey may give it mild brightening effects, which can help improve the appearance of post-acne spots and hyperpigmentation.

• Boosts hydration: As a humectant, honey attracts and retains moisture, leaving skin hydrated, fresh, and supple.

• Soothes skin conditions: Raw honey has been shown to calm irritation associated with eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Side Effects of Honey

Before adding honey to your skincare routine, it’s important to consider potential allergies. Those sensitive to bees, pollen, or bee venom may react if the honey is contaminated with traces of these substances. While honey is generally well-tolerated and not known for serious side effects, skin sensitivity or irritation is always possible. A patch test is recommended, and if any redness, itching, or discomfort occurs, discontinue use.

How to Use It

The easiest way to include honey in your skincare routine is through serums or moisturizers formulated with honey, which deliver its soothing and nourishing benefits without the stickiness of raw application.

If using raw honey directly, dampen your face first to reduce its natural tackiness and make it easier to spread. Avoid applying near the eye area, as it can cause irritation. Certain varieties, such as manuka honey, are particularly valued in skincare for their natural antibacterial properties and long shelf life.

Is It Safe to Leave Honey on Overnight?

Leaving honey on your face overnight isn’t recommended—it can get messy and may attract dirt and debris that could irritate the skin or trigger breakouts.

FAQ

Is honey good for your face?

Yes, honey can be very beneficial for the skin. It’s gentle, naturally hydrating, and offers a range of skincare benefits when used correctly.

What are the benefits of using honey on your face?

Honey can help cleanse the skin, provide lasting hydration, and support clearer skin by reducing breakouts.

What type of honey is best for skincare?

Raw, unprocessed honey is ideal, as it retains the natural enzymes and nutrients that make it effective in skincare.

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II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II