Honey - so benefical in skin care products

What is not to like about honey! It is great on toast, in tea, and offers so many benefits when used in skin care products.

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.

Honey provides so many benefits in skin care products. It has antioxidants, moisturizing qualities and anti-bacterial properties. Honey has been and still is used in many skin products today. Consider these homemade skin care recipes made with honey.

For easy exfoliates, facial masks and facial peels you can easily make at home, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy
Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

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