HONEY: 10 wonder ways to use it for your skin

Women have used honey as an antioxidant since time immemorial. Honey is suitable for all skin types and reduces pimples and acne scars, and it’s even a great anti-ageing agent. Combining honey with other super-foods like Papaya, Avocado and even Mandarin are the best ways to bring out honey’s full potential. If incorporated in your home beauty remedies, honey can soothe inflammation, hydrate skin and protect against bacteria. And who said face packs and scrubs are only for women. Men’s skin needs revival too,  and there’s nothing like some honey to bring back the macho glow. Here’s a peek into my top 10 list of DIY honey recipes. And ofcourse the only supermarket you need to visit for ingredients, is your own kitchen!

1. Honey and glycerin firming face mask

Method:-

Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white and 1 teaspoon glycerin. Then add 1/4 cup flour to this mixture and make a paste. Apply all over face and throat and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then rinse off.

2. Honey nail scrub

Method:-

In a bowl mix together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon avocado oil, 1 egg yolk, 3 drops of apple cider vinegar and some salt (Himalayan crystal salt is prefered). Massage this grainy mixture onto your nails and cuticles and leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and apply your favorite hand moisturizer. You’ll have manicured hands straight away.

3. Honey and sugar lip scrub

A scrub helps gently remove dead skin and freshen your lips so you can reboot your pout.

Ingredients:-

1 Tablespoon Vaseline (a natural salve or balm can be substituted)

1 Tablespoon honey

2 Tablespoon white granulated sugar

Flavor ( here’s where you can get creative- you can add anything from a squirt of chocolate syrup to a drop of your favorite essential oil)

Method:-

Combine the ingredients in a container of your choice, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. You can add more sugar or more honey depending on how you want the consistency. You can even stir in a tiny pinch of pepper for a bonus plumping effect. Then scoop a coin-sized amount onto your lips and slowly massage it in for 1-3 minutes. You can massage with an old toothbrush for extra exfoliation. Then rinse the mixture off your lips and smooth on your favorite lip balm for baby soft lips. And as an added bonus all that massaging will leave your lips pink and plump!

4. Honey cleansing mask

This recipe is good for all skin types, and works as either a basic cleanser for daily use, or once-a-week hydrating treatment.

Ingredients:-

2 Teaspoon Besan (chickpea flour)

3 Teaspoon plain yogurt ( Greek yogurt is the best as it has more good-for-skin fat)

1/2 Teaspoon honey

Method:-

Mix all the ingredients together to make a paste like substance. Using your fingertips, work the mixture onto your face in a circular motion. Leave on for 5 minutes if using it as a daily cleanser; or 20 minutes if using as a weekly treatment. Wash off with lukewarm water.

5. Honey + Avocado face mask

Avocados are rich in vitamins A, B6, E, C and K, these green machines are ripe for softening skin and hair and protecting against sunburn. Combine them with honey and you have a killer sunscreen. This recipe is for dry or tanned skin as they not only help to protect us from the sun but also acts as a superb tan removing agent.

Ingredients:-

1-2 Ripe avocados

1 Tablespoon honey

Method:-

In a bowl mash the ripe avocados and add a tablespoon of honey. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse.

6. Honey and carrot mask for uneven skin tone

With ample vitamin E and carotene, you can actually even out your skin tone by using a carrot-based mask once a week. Puree and strain  1 carrot to get the juice, add 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, and mix together. Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse.

7. Honey and cinnamon for sudden breakouts

Both cinnamon and honey act as anti-inflammatory for sudden breakouts. Honey is a well loved humectant, while cinnamon helps with eczema, acne, and cell turnover.

Ingredients:-

1 Tablespoon honey

1 Teaspoon cinnamon

1 Teaspoon nutmeg powder

Method:-

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, then apply the mask to clean skin. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water, gently rinsing in circular motions. Moisturize as usual and apply weekly. Because cinnamon brings blood to the surface of the skin, sensitive skin types should take precaution when attempting this recipe.

8. Honey and pumpkin super foods facial

Ingredients:-

1/8 Cup organic pumpkin puree

1/8 Cup organic avocado

2 Teaspoon raw honey

1/2 Teaspoon paprika

Method:-

Combine all ingredients in a bowl by mashing with a fork until smooth and blended. Smooth the mask over face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15 minutes. The mask will tingle from the paprika. Rinse off and gently wipe skin with a damp cloth. Finish with you favorite soothing moisturizer to lock in moisture.

9. Honey + Mandarin facial scrub

The detoxifying, antiseptic properties of mandarin helps heal stretch marks, get rid of acne, and fights fungus. So combining this citrus fruit with honey gives yo a facial mask that will leave your skin looking younger and more energetic.

Ingredients:-

2 Teaspoon grounded almonds

1 Teaspoon honey

1/2 Teaspoon mandarin juice

Method:-

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Apply the mixture to your face and gently scrub for one or two minutes. Rinse away with warm water.

10. The banana and honey face mask for men

Ingredients:-

1 very ripe banana

1 Tablespoon honey

1 Tablespoon orange or lemon juice

oatmeal (optional)

Method:-

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and apply a thick layer over skin. Massage for one or two minutes, then let the mixture sit on your face for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

These natural skin treatments will always be better than the over-the counter ones hands down. They are organic and healthy and totally free of toxic chemicals. And the best part is that all these recipes take no less than 2 minutes to whip up. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try out these recipes today itself!