Honey – A Sweet Solution For DIY Beauty
Let’s look at why it’s so awesome, then pamper yourself with one of these DIY beauty treatments when you have no time (or $$$) for the salon or spa.
A Little Honey History
Throughout the centuries, legendary beauties have used honey as part of their skin and hair care treatments. Cleopatra was famous for her milk and honey baths, and Poppea, the wife of Roman Emperor Nero, used a honey and milk facial lotion to preserve her youthful looking skin.
By the time cosmetics began to be mass-produced in the late 1800s, honey was already a favorite ingredient.
Today, consumers demand more natural formulations, and manufacturers have incorporated honey’s multitude of benefits in moisturizers, facial masks, hair conditioners and body products.
Honey is a natural humectant, which means its molecular structure can attract and retain moisture (water). As skin ages, and is exposed to environmental stress and chemical agents, it loses its natural ability to retain water, becomes dehydrated and appears wrinkled. You must preserve skin hydration to maintain softness, suppleness, and elasticity, so honey’s natural hydrating properties make it an ideal ingredient in cleansers, moisturizing lotions/creams, shampoos, and conditioners.
EXTRA CREDIT
Because honey is also an anti-irritant, it’s a perfect addition to sensitive skin and baby care products.
AS AN ANTIOXIDANT
Studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and aiding in skin rejuvenation. We’re all aware the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
The Cosmetics, Toiletries and Fragrance Association reports that, because chemical and physical barrier sunscreens can cause skin irritation, companies are researching the use of honey as an antioxidant and anti-irritant ingredient due to its natural buffering potential.
AS AN ANTIMICROBIAL
Recent medical research also documents honey’s effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent. Antimicrobial agents inhibit the growth and spread of certain bacteria. Honey’s antimicrobial properties make it useful for the treatment of minor acne flare-ups. Also, unlike many other acne treatments, honey will not dry out or irritate the skin.
AS AN EXFOLIANT
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) exfoliate by breaking down and dissolving dead skin cells. These AHAs are sourced from sugarcane, fruits, milk, etc. The high concentrations necessary to make them effective can cause mild to pronounced skin irritation. Cosmetic scientists are working on ways to process honey into potent AHA while retaining its natural anti-irritant and humectant qualities.
DIY Beauty Recipes
If you’d like to find a direct source for fresh organic honey, here’s a link to the National Honey Board’s Locator.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
These recipes contain no preservatives, so please use them immediately.
Soothing & Softening Bath: Add 4 ounces of organic honey, 4 ounces powdered milk (Goats milk, if you can find it) and 4 ounces of oat flour to bath water. You can also add a few drops of pure essential oils to make this the perfect skin soothing, softening aromatherapy bath.
Some of my favorite fragrance combinations are:
- Grapefruit/Rose
- Lavender/Amber
- Ginger/Bergamot
- Sweet Orange/Mint
Hydrating Body Scrub: Mix 2 ounces of organic honey with 2 ounces of organic coconut oil. Slowly add 1/2 cup oat flour and 1 1/4 cups of organic cane sugar, mixing well to make sure all ingredients are evenly combined. Massage scrub into clean, damp skin. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse off, towel dry and apply your favorite body lotion/cream.
Rough Skin Smoothing Lotion: Wisk together 1 teaspoon organic honey with 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil and a teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels rough and dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and apply your favorite hand/body lotion.
Hydrating Facial Scrub: Mix 1 tablespoon organic honey with 2 tablespoons rice flour and a tablespoon of very ripe papaya (puree). Rub gently on freshly cleansed skin. Rinse off with cool water and apply your regular skincare.
Moisture Mask: In a blender, mix 2 tablespoons organic honey with 2 teaspoons full-fat Greek yogurt (unflavored) and one half of a very ripe avocado. Smooth paste over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and apply your regular skincare.
NOTE: For best results, use the Hydrating Facial Scrub first (see above).
Firming Face Mask: Whisk together 1 tablespoon organic honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin (available at drugstores) and approximately 2 ounces of whole wheat flour (also an excellent antioxidant) to form a paste. Add more flour if the mixture is too thin. Smooth paste over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water and apply your regular skincare.
NOTE: For best results, use the Hydrating Facial Scrub first (see above).
Soothing Skin Clarifier (for minor acne flare-ups): Mix 2 ounces warm water with a quarter teaspoon sea salt and a real aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). Using a cotton ball, apply salt water/aspirin mixture directly to blemish. Maintain pressure with a cotton ball for several minutes, to soften the blemish. Next, using a cotton swab, dab organic honey on blemish; leave on 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment: Mix 4 ounces organic honey with 2 ounces extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil. Using a small amount at a time, work mixture through DRY hair until coated. Cover hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap; leave on 15 minutes.
Remove shower cap, but do not rinse hair. Apply 1-2 ounces of shampoo directly to the honey/oil coated hair and massage in. Gradually add small amounts of water to create a rich lather. Massage this enriched foam through hair and scalp, then rinse thoroughly and dry as normal.
Hair Shine: Stir 1 teaspoon organic honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.
EXTRA CREDIT: To brighten blonde or light-colored hair, steep a chamomile tea bag in the 4 cups of warm water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bag, then add the honey to the tea infused water. Follow the same application as above.
#MyTwoCents
DISCLOSURE
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