Honey long ago claimed the throne as the queen bee of the beauty world. Sceptical? Just take a trip to your local cosmetics store or do a quick search on the internet for proof of the multiple beauty uses of honey. You'll see it in face masks, shampoos, lotions, lip balms, and more.

Why, exactly though, is honey used in so many beauty products? Honey has natural healing properties, particularly for wound healing. It can also promote collagen-building, making it a great anti-ager.

That's not all the sweet stuff can do; it has natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Still, that doesn't mean the stuff that comes in the bear-shaped bottle at the grocery store is going to fix all your skin problems magically. The best honey for beauty use is raw and unpasteurised.

If you're having trouble finding some, just look for dark, raw honey—the darker the honey, the higher the antioxidant count and better for your beauty routine.

Curious about how honey can help you step up your beauty game? 

‍

Look no further:

1. Moisturising Face Mask

With its moisturising and soothing effects, raw honey can hydrate the skin, leaving it soft, radiant, and glowing. The sugars in honey act as natural humectants and emollients that increase the water content and reduce dryness in the skin even after they have been washed off.

For all the label-readers out there, if you can find raw honey with a high concentration of other bee products such as royal jelly, which is prime for boosting collagen; propolis, which is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial (so, a significant win for acne-prone skin); or pollen which "contains a compound called rutin that helps drain the capillaries" and smooths out blemishes, you can take your routine up a notch.

Try it: Apply raw honey directly on the skin and leave it on for up to 20 minutes, then rinse and massage it off thoroughly with water.

‍

2. Gentle Exfoliant

Since raw honey crystallises over time, the tiny granules act as a gentle exfoliant. They start to break down when they come into contact with water and the heat of your skin, forming a more delicate scrub than that of the harsher store-bought stuff. And since it's antibacterial, you can use it for your daily face wash.

Try it: Warm the honey in your hands by rubbing it between your fingers first, then apply it directly on the skin in circular motions. Leave it on for a few minutes before massaging it off with a wet towel.

‍

3. Scar Fader

The antioxidant properties in honey (particularly buckwheat honey) nourish damaged skin, helping the scar healing process. For the added bonus of anti-inflammation, keep an eye out for honey infused with propolis—it can help tone down the look of stretch marks and skin discolouration.

Try it: Massage raw honey directly to the affected area in a circular motion for one to two minutes, then rinse it off.

‍

4. Wound Healer

Honey's natural antiseptic properties help prevent infections and protect wounds, which can reduce scarring and cut down on healing time. The antioxidants in honey (particularly Manuka honey) are more than ready to serve as a natural remedy to nourish your damaged skin and bring it back to its original glory.

Try it: Apply raw honey directly to the affected area and let it sit for one to two minutes, then rinse it off. If that's a little too sticky, hit up the drugstore for a branded honey-infused wound treatment which won't be as thick.‍

‍

5. Acne Spot Treatment

Buckwheat honey is an excellent DIY remedy for acne. It's an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce the redness and swelling of pimples and its antibacterial properties can help fight acne-causing bacteria, especially if it's infused with propolis. Additionally, because honey keeps the skin well-hydrated and balanced, it helps control the production of oil.

Try it: Apply raw honey directly on the breakout and then rinse it off after 10 to 15 minutes.

‍6. Bath Soak

Love winding down after a long day by pampering yourself in the bathtub? Spice things up and take a honey-infused soak. Honey’s hydrating powers will leave skin silky soft and moisturised. Perfect for your skin after a long day out. 

Try it: Mix two big tablespoons of raw honey into one cup of hot water until the honey is dissolved. Pour it into a tub of warm water to soak. You can also use a pre-made version if that's more your style.

‍

7. Cuticle Moisturiser

Since honey is a natural humectant (aka it draws moisture into the skin), it can help keep the skin around your cuticles happy.

Grab a bottle of honey that's packing royal jelly, another bee product, since it's a collagen-builder. That added ingredient will bring new life to your nails and strengthen the skin around them.

Try it: Rub raw honey over each cuticle and leave it on for five to 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

‍

8. Everyday Conditioner

Honey is naturally a perfect conditioner because it’s a humectant and retains and attracts moisture, keeping your hair feeling smooth and healthy. Your strands will feel soft, nourished, and have plenty of life and bounce.

Try it: Mix one-quarter cup of organic raw honey with just enough fresh water to thin it out so you can spread it around your hair. Work it into damp hair after you shampoo for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.

‍

9. Lip Balm

Everything that makes honey an excellent skin moisturiser makes it great for chapped lips too. The hydrating benefits mixed with natural enzymes, antioxidants, and minerals work well to moisturise lips.

Try it: Apply raw honey directly to lips, leave on for a few minutes, then wash off.

‍

10. Hydrating Hair Treatment

Honey can prevent your hair from drying out because it is instrumental in retaining moisture and keeping locks soft and bouncy. It acts as a natural softener.

Try it: Make a banana and honey hair mask by combining two very ripe bananas, half a cup of unprocessed honey, and one-quarter cup of olive oil. Blend the ingredients until smooth then apply this onto your hair and scalp. Leave it on for about 20 to 25 minutes, then rinse the mask out with cool or lukewarm water and shampoo. Comb through the hair to get rid of any remaining mask and rinse again. This mask can be used two to three times a month.

‍

More than just sweet

Now that you know the many benefits that honey can provide for your skin, be sure to head down to your local store to buy a HUGE bottle. 

In the event that you don’t really have the luxury of time to be concocting your own mixtures with it at home or just feeling lazy, be sure to find beauty products that utilise it. Reap the many rewards of honey and achieve healthy skin!