How to Use Raw Honey for Glowing Skin

There are many homemade beauty tricks, but one of the greatest basic ingredients for homemade facials and masks is honey!

Raw honey is loaded with antioxidants, enzymes and probiotics to protect and nourish the skin. It reduces inflammation and hydrates the skin to provide moisture due to its humectant properties, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin. Raw honey even has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties!

Raw honey is great for acne-prone skin, especially raw Manuka Honey! When mixed with water, raw honey forms hydrogen peroxide to kill acne causing bacteria and prevent infection. It may also help control oil by keeping skin moisturized and supple. Honey prevents the skin from becoming dehydrated, which may cause overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. The antioxidant properties of honey help protect the skin from free radicals, allowing the skin to heal itself more efficiently.

For dry or mature skin, raw honey will provide much needed hydration. Raw honey's humentact properties draw moisture deep into the skin to plump and smooth. The small amounts of alpha hydroxy acids found in raw honey provides gentle exfoliation - just enough to add a glow to your complexion, without causing any irritation.

Make sure to use the highest quality raw honey, organic is best, and one jar will cost you much less than just one spa facial and will last for months to come. Pasteurized honey will not have the same effects on your skin.Raw Honey is suitable for most skin types including sensitive, normal dry, oily, combination, acne-prone, mature skin, inflamed or irritated skin, and those prone to eczema and rosacea.

While you can always apply raw honey straight from the jar for a indulgent mask, here are a few of our favorite ways incorporate raw honey into your DIY skin care routine.

• Honey & Strawberry Acne Mask: Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid and Vitamin C. Salicylic acid breaks down the gunk that traps dead skin and debris within pores, and gently exfoliates the skin. Vitamin C is an all star antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals, repairs sun damage and brightens up the skin, which is perfect for post-inflammatory inflammation and those pesky dark spots left from old blemishes! Mash 2-3 strawberries into a pulp and add enough honey to create a smooth paste. Massage into clean skin and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with cool water and pat dry.

• Honey Sugar Scrub: A sweet, scrubby mask to exfoliate and smooth the skin. Mix a tablespoon of raw honey with a teaspoon of brown sugar and apply to damp skin. Massage into skin for 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar begins to dissolve. Leave on the skin for 10 minutes as a mask. Rinse with cool water and pat dry. If you'd rather save the sugar for a sweet treat, try the Microdermabrasion 2 -in-1 Scrub + Mask. It's made with sugar cane!

• Moisturizing Honey Bath: Add a cup of honey to your bubble bath to make your skin soft and smooth. Use a loofah to exfoliate for an extra glow. Adding 4 tablespoons of whole milk powder will clarify the skin, as it did for Cleopatra, who loved milk baths.

• Egg Yolk Glow Mask : Egg yolks are mostly water and lips, or fats, which are fabulous for replenishing skin. Mix two egg yolks with a little honey and apply to the face, let dry and rinse with warm water. This homemade treatment creates a great deal of moisture.

Would you try your own DIY honey mask? Let us know!