Honey is considered to be one of the greatest gifts that nature has gifted man. Honey is not only good for our body when consumed, but it is also very beneficial for your skin. Its skin care benefits have been known to human kind since ages. There are stories that Cleopatra used to bathe herself in milk and honey and Poppea, the wife of Nero, used honey and milk as facial lotion. Today, honey is used as an important skin care ingredient by cosmetic companies in order to help with different skin conditions.
Honey is basically nectar obtained from the flowers. It is 80% sugar and the remaining is minerals and trace elements such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, amino acids. It also contains vitamins C, B and water. Bees have been in our planet, for around one hundred and fifty million years making honey for us. As a result, the Greeks, Persians, Egyptians and even the Romans knew about the skin care benefits of honey. Here are a few to get you started:
- Effective Moisturizer: Honey has humectant qualities as a result it can be used as a moisturizer in many cosmetic preparations. It not only attracts water but it also retains it in skin, so the skin remains supple and elastic. It protects the skin against wrinkles and dryness.
- Antiseptic Properties: Honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which gives it healing properties. These properties in honey help prevent the growth of certain bacteria by producing an enzyme - hydrogen peroxide. Thus honey can be utilized as a natural treatment for wounds like cuts and abrasions to promote wound healing.
- Cure Eczema: The most important benefit of a special type of honey called Manuka honey is that it can cure eczema. Honey can treat damaged skin and regenerate new skin cells and hence it is a vital ingredient in almost all the products that are manufactured to cure eczema and other forms of dermatitis.
- Prevent Infection: A Common skin infection caused by ringworm can also be treated using the Manuka honey. It has anti-fungal property that can cure the ringworm infection. Other fungal infections like the athlete's foot and jock itch can also be healed by applying this honey.
- Anti-aging Properties: Honey was always famous for its natural antioxidant properties which play an important role in protecting the skin damage form ultraviolet light of sun. Over exposure to the sun causes skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. Honey can be used sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun.
- Anti Acne Properties: As honey can fight infection below the skin by unclogging pores and drawing out the impurities, it can help you fight acne problems. The active properties of honey penetrate the blocked follicle, killing the bacteria which cause acne and any infection.
- Skin Conditioning Properties: Mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. This mixture is very natural conditioner to be rubbed on every part of your body which is dry. Leave it on for 10 minutes and later rinse it off.
- Skin Toning Properties: Make a concoction of one tablespoon honey with peeled and deseeded apple. Apply this paste on your face for 15 minutes. Rinse it with cool water.
- Lip Protection: The application of wonderful honey on chapped and wrinkled lips will make them smoother and softer.
- Skin Exfoliation: Honey can be used to make a gentle exfoliator. Mix one tablespoon each of finely grounded almonds and honey, two tablespoon of dry oatmeal and one teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage this mixture gently on your face for 5 minutes and then rinse of using water.
Honey, in its purest form, is suitable for all skin types' even sensitive skin. It is truly the perfect ingredient for skin care to help you to nurture, cleanse and protect your beautiful skin.
