Cleopatra was supposedly a massive milk-and-honey fan and she was the original femme fatale. She wasn’t wrong — as a natural humectant, honey is used in a myriad of beauty products even today. You can easily create some at-home remedies that deliver big time on moisture, antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. It may seem a little sticky, but the results are buzz-worthy:
Honey For Skincare: Raw or unpasteurized honey has a laundry list of good stuff for the skin – moisture being number one, but it also works as a clarifier, firmer and illuminator.
- A DIY Moisturizing Mask: Honey is so emollient and hydrating, you can spread 1 tsp raw honey on clean, dry skin and leave on the skin for 20 minutes, all by itself. Rinse with warm water. For a more in-depth treatment, mix 1 Tbsp buttermilk, 1 tsp honey and 1 egg yolk, then apply to the face (avoid the eyes!). Leave on for 20 minutes, then rinse.
- Blemish Buster: Honey is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial substance, so it’s great to use as an acne treatment. While fighting bacteria, it also calms redness and irritation. Simply dab raw honey with a cotton swab on blemishes, or to affected areas and let sit for 15 minutes. Then rinse. You can get creative on the mixture and add tea tree oil for extra zit-fighting oomph.
- Scrub it, Honey: By mixing honey up with sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda), you can create a fabulous natural scrub to get rid of rough, dry skin. Take two parts honey and one part baking soda and gently rub on your face in a circular motion. Rinse.
- Pore Cleanser: Honey has some serious enzymes working in your favor to clarify the skin and clear pores. Mix 2 Tbsp coconut oil with 1 Tbsp raw honey and apply to clean, dry skin (avoid the eyes). Then rinse. You’ll notice a more even tone and clearer complexion.
- Vitamin C Treatment:The power of lemons plus honey packs a punch. Cut a lemon in half and remove the seeds, then add 1 tsp honey to one of the lemon halves. Rub all over the face, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse.
- Fade Scars and Hydrate:Honey will supposedly lighten skin, and has been noted to decrease the appearance of scars by increasing healing and regenerating tissue. Skin cells are revived and turnover is increased. How, you ask? With this relaxing treatment: Mix one tsp raw honey with 1 tsp coconut oil or olive oil. Apply to the area with the scar, and then place a hot washcloth over the skin, letting it sit until cool. You can repeat every day.
Honey For The Bath: What’s good for the face is usually great for the body.
- Honey Bath Soak: Cleopatra’s go-to was ¼ cup honey mixed with 2 cups milk and a few drops of essential oil. Add to a hot bath, sit back, and relax. You can keep it simple also by dissolving 2 Tbsp of raw honey in 1 cup hot water. Then pour the cup into your tub; soak for however long you wish. You can also add a little baking soda to further soften skin.
- Delicious Body Scrub: This honey almond body scrub requires a little big extra effort – combine 3 Tbsp ground almonds (find at the grocery or grind yourself, if you can), then add 2 Tbsp of honey to form a paste and get to scrubbing in the shower. You may want to put a drain protector down for this one!
- Combat Winter Skin: Just mix 1 Tbsp of honey with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and a dash of lemon juice and apply to elbows, knees and/or rough patches and let sit for 20 minutes, like a mask for your body. Rinse thoroughly.
- Amp Up Your Moisturizer: You can add a few tablespoons of honey to your moisturizer, especially if it’s a shea butter, shake well and use liberally on dry skin.
Honey For Your Nails: Use the moisturizing power of honey for smooth, youthful hands.
- Hydrate Dry Cuticles: Moisturize during an at-home mani/pedi by mixing 1 tsp honey with 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tsp coconut oil. Rub over each cuticle, letting the nutrients and enzymes heal the skin for 10 minutes, then dip into lukewarm water.
Honey For Your Hair: Do not fear honey head — the goo washes out, we promise! It may seem daunting, but these tricks will help condition and nourish dry, damaged strands.
- Homemade Honey Conditioning Mask: Raw honey will help boost shine and volume. For an at-home hair mask, mix 1 Tbsp raw honey with 2 Tbsps coconut oil. Turning your head over, apply to the hair, tips to roots. Let the mix work its magic for 20 minutes then rinse well (in a hot shower, to make sure all the ingredients “melt” out). You can substitute the coconut oil with olive oil.
- Amplify Your Shampoo: By adding 1 tsp of honey with your regular shampoo, you can strengthen and help retain moisture in your hair. The trick is in thoroughly mixing the shampoo and honey; you might want to first try mixing in a bowl and really let the honey blend into the shampoo so it’s not quite as viscous and difficult to deal with.
Honey For First Aid:
- Soothing Sunburns: Honey is soothing, protecting and will hydrate sunburned skin. Mix 1 part honey with 2 parts aloe vera for a powerful, antimicrobial healing ointment.
- Soft and Smooth Lips: You can use the almond scrub for body on the lips, gently, however if you have very chapped lips, you can apply honey directly to the lips and let it sit.
- Honey, Ginger, Lemon Tea for Cold & Flu Season: One of my favorite remedies, take a mason jar and stuff it full of lemon wedges, honey and sliced or grated ginger. This miraculous elixir can be mixed with hot water to soothe sore throats, congestion and upset stomach symptoms.
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