Among all the natural ingredients that work well for dry skin, honey has always been in the spotlight. If you haven’t tried using honey for dry skin, you should give it a try. Honey is a humectant and one of the most commonly used ingredients in moisturizers. It hydrates the skin, keeps it soft, and can soothe inflammation. You can use raw honey in many skincare recipes to enjoy its benefits.
Why Use Honey for Dry Skin: What Are the Benefits?
There are several reasons why your skin would love honey:
1. Honey is an excellent humectant
Humectants are substances that help maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels. Dry skin lacks moisture, and honey is an excellent humectant that retains moisture in the skin, making it soft and supple.
2. Honey can help treat various skin conditions
Some conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause your skin to become dry. Honey is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat these skin issues, along with other problems like burns, cuts, and inflammation.
3. Honey has antibacterial properties
Natural, unprocessed honey has antibacterial properties and exhibits an inhibitory effect on approximately 60 species of bacteria. Honey has a high viscosity, which helps form a protective layer over wounds, preventing further infections.
4. Honey helps prevent wrinkles
Honey has anti-aging properties. It slows down the formation of wrinkles and keeps your skin youthful. It also helps maintain your skin’s pH balance.
For maximum benefits, it is best to use unprocessed and raw honey. This is because raw honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is rich in antioxidants. Look for darker honey, as it has higher antioxidant properties. You can also use Manuka honey, which is rich in antioxidants and helps heal skin infections.
With so many benefits, honey is undoubtedly a luxurious treatment for your skin. Now that you know what honey to use for dry skin, here are some tips and recipes you can try with honey to care for your dry skin.
How to Use Honey for Dry Skin
A. As a Face Mask
1. Honey, Turmeric, and Glycerin Face Mask
Turmeric offers therapeutic benefits for the skin. Glycerin is a humectant that keeps the skin hydrated. Honey provides emollient and humectant effects and helps the skin retain its youthful glow.
You will need:
1 tablespoon organic honey
1 tablespoon turmeric (use powder or raw turmeric paste)
1 tablespoon glycerin
Application method:
Combine all the ingredients in a glass bowl and make a paste.
Apply the paste all over your face and neck.
Let it dry.
Rinse well with cold water.
2. Honey and Avocado Face Mask
Avocado is often used as a base for DIY face masks. When mixed with honey, the fruit can keep the skin soft.
You will need:
1 tablespoon avocado puree
1 tablespoon yogurt
1 tablespoon raw honey
Application method:
Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl until you achieve a smooth mixture.
Spread the mixture on your face and relax. Let it dry.
Rinse with cold water.
3. Honey and Aloe Vera Face Mask
Aloe vera has nourishing and hydrating properties for the skin. When combined with honey, aloe vera can help keep your skin hydrated.
You will need:
2 tablespoons raw honey
1 tablespoon fresh aloe vera gel (extracted from the plant)
Application method:
Mix the aloe vera gel and honey.
Apply the mask to your face and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse with cold water.
B. As a Daily Face Wash
This face wash contains moisturizing ingredients like honey and oil.
You will need:
1 cup honey
1 cup liquid castile soap
3 tablespoons oil (use almond, jojoba, apricot, olive, or argan oil)
3 tablespoons distilled water
1 dispenser bottle for the face wash
Preparation method:
Pour the distilled water into the dispenser bottle (this helps prevent any bubbles).
Add the liquid castile soap, followed by honey and oil.
Shake the bottle to mix well.
Use it as a daily face wash. (Shake well before use.)
C. Honey Face Cream
Honey and Lavender Cream
This cream contains beeswax, another popular base for moisturizing products. The combination of nourishing oils for the skin and honey is extremely hydrating. The essential oils give the cream a pleasant fragrance.
You will need:
1 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon argan oil
1 tablespoon organic raw honey
1 tablespoon beeswax
1 tablespoon vitamin E oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops chamomile essential oil
Preparation method:
Mix the argan oil and beeswax in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds.
Let the mixture cool. Add the lavender, chamomile, and vitamin E oils to the mixture.
Store it in a glass jar and use it as a night cream.
Note: Shelf life is 3-4 months.
