Benefits of Honey in skincare routines

We’re always on the hunt for skincare that’ll give us soft, radiant skin, but what if I told you the secret ingredient may already be in your pantry? Yes, the same honey that you drizzle on your yogurt and use to sweeten your tea may transform your skin, too.

Long ago, when the beauty business was almost non-existent and au naturel was the only route, Ayurveda brought the many benefits of honey to the forefront. As scientific research and formulations took over the industry, honey lost its popularity as one of the many hidden ingredients that came in fancy packaging and with fancier names. With modern ways (and concerns) creeping into our lives like never before, the ingredient is making its way back to the beauty basics—raw and ravishing. While using honey for the face to get that ethereal glow is the first thing that comes to mind, there’s much more to this hero ingredient.

Honey ranks high on the list as one of the most effective ingredients to add to your beauty regime. Call it liquid gold and it will live up to the glimmer. Dive in and you’ll unearth a treasure of beauty benefits that span across skin, hair, and nail health. So the next time you feel like pampering yourself with a home remedy, reach out to the honey jar. 

Intense Hydration

Maybe it’s a sign of ageing, dehydration, just another winter woe, or maybe it’s your skin type that calls for intense moisturisation all year long. Dryness causes uneasiness (think skin peeling), makes your skin look dull and lifeless, and also acts as an invitation to pimples. If your dry skin is making you opt for greasy creams and lotions that do more harm than good, honey is here to rescue you.

Honey is a humectant, a substance that does both, draws out moisture and helps retain it. To simplify it, applying honey will hydrate your face without making it too oily. As it helps strike the right balance, it’s a good fit for all skin types (yes, even those of you who are busy wiping that sheen of excess sebum off your face). Replace your face wash with honey. Simply apply one tablespoon of honey to your face, massage gently in small circular motions, and rinse clean.

Mild Exfoliation

Dirt and pollution make exfoliation an essential beauty habit that should be carried at least once every week. However, many, especially with sensitive skin, shy away from regular exfoliation as rigorous cleansing and some store-bought products tend to irritate the skin. Removal of dead skin cells is a must, which makes exfoliation a not-to-skip step in your beauty routine.

This is when honey’s mild exfoliating ability comes to the forefront. It will help you achieve fresh, smooth skin by sloughing off the dead skin cells gently and without any discomfort. For best results, pair honey with brown sugar, preferably aiming for fine granules.

Skin Brightening

Ever heard of chasing that honeyed glow? That pretty much sums it all. The delicate gleam that honey exudes in its appearance also induces in your skin when applied topically. This might be a good time to ponder upon why all de-tan face treatments have honey as its key ingredient. It helps remove the tan, enhancing the complexion with that boost of natural glow. Try a honey-yoghurt face pack for that flawless glow! If you are aiming at tan removal, team it with tomato juice.

Pore Cleansing And Tightening

A powerhouse of antioxidants, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties, honey helps get rid of black and whiteheads and works as an effective pore-cleansing and tightening agent. Opt for skin soothing oils like coconut or jojoba for added benefits.

Fun fact: the natural sweetener has been used to heal skin for centuries. It’s known in Ayurveda for its therapeutic and revitalizing benefits, and was used by the ancient Egyptians as well—rumor has it Cleopatra created her face masks using milk and honey. She may have been on to something. Here are three impressive benefits of incorporating honey into your skincare routine, along with some honey-infused products we love.