Honey is not anything new; it has been around for thousands of years! Honey has been and still is used in food products and in medicine. Honey is now emerging into the cosmetics industry which is really not new either. Honey has been used by women in the early days of the Roman Empire as facial masks, honey and milk baths, etc.
Honey is comprised of 98% sugar and 2% enzymes, vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals would include vitamin C, a variety of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, and the mineral potassium. It is also rich in amino acids. This combination of natural ingredients offers a multitude of benefits when used in skin care products.
Properties of Honey:
Natural humectants - which makes it a superb moisturizing ingredient. Honey has the ability to bind moisture to the skin to help it stay hydrated. Additionally, it will smooth out rough, dry and wrinkled skin.
A natural antioxidant - which fights off free radical damage. Antioxidants are used in skin care products to fight free radicals and reverse the signs of aging.
Ant-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties - Honey also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These properties are beneficial for those with problems skin such as mild acne. Research has shown honey has shown to manage acne by attacking the bacteria which is causing the outbreaks. Because of its potent antibacterial properties, hospitals in Asia and Europe have used honey infused bandages to help heal infected wounds successfully
Below are some simple skin care recipes to enjoy the many benefits of honey. Although honey tends to be well tolerated by most skin types, a patch test is always recommended.
Easy Cleansing Scrub
Mix honey with ground
almonds and scrub on face. Note: if allergic to nuts this would not
be recommended. Try cornmeal instead.
Purifying Scrub
Mix 1 tbsp. of honey with 2 tbsp. finely ground almonds and 1/2 tsp. lemon juice. Massage gently onto face and rinse well with warm water. Follow with toner
Firming Facial mask
Whisk a tablespoon of honey
together with an egg white, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and about 1/4
cup of flour. Smooth on the face, leave on 15 minutes, and rinse
off with warm water.
Moisturizing pack
Mix 2 tablespoons of honey
with 2 teaspoons of whole milk, smooth over the face and throat,
and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and finish
by splashing with cold water.
Moisturizing lotion
for dry patches such as
elbows, mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a
1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, then apply. Wash off after 15
minutes.
For easy exfoliates, facial masks and facial peels you can easily
make at home, visit Complete
Skin Care Therapy
Check out this dry skin face mask made with wlld oats, honey
and vitamins. Sooo soothing!
OR (6) SIX bars of handmade 100% NATURAL honey soap ~Unique ingredients to sooth irritated/sensitive skin~
