How Can I Use Honey to Improve My Skin?
Creams, lotions and potions, washes, exfoliants and serums. These are generally the things we associate with improving our skin. But what if we told you that there was something else, something completely natural, that could help to support healthy, glowing skin?
That something is honey. In particular, active healing honeys.
Here’s why you should add honey to your skincare regime…
The Anti-Ageing Properties of Honey
Necta and Hive Jarrah and Marri Wild Honeycomb 15+ TA honeys are Australian active healing honeys with natural anti-ageing properties. These properties are all thanks to the antioxidants contained within these honeys.
Antioxidants help to ‘mop up’ free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage our cells and DNA. Free radicals are produced by the body as a consequence of normal bodily functions such as breathing and digestion. But they also enter the body if we eat a diet high in processed or fried foods, smoke, drink alcohol excessively or breath in environmental toxins and pollution.
Free radical damage to skin cells can lead to prematurely aged, dull skin.
Honey also has natural exfoliating properties. It helps to remove old, dull skin cells to reveal newer, fresher skin cells which improves the skins complexion.
Honey and its Effects on Collagen and Elastin
Collagen and elastin are proteins that support the structure of the skin. As we age, we naturally loose both collagen and elastin. This causes our skin to slowly droop, causing sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.
Honey contains a substance called gluconic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA. Gluconic acid helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and also helps to increase the elasticity of the skin.
This leads to plumper, more youthful skin that appears lighter and brighter. Exfoliating can also help to clear the pores, which helps to reduce blackheads and breakouts.
Active Healing Honey for Acne and Eczema
Applying active healing honey directly to the skin can help to reduce the bacteria on the skin that can lead to acne or infected eczema. This is due to its powerful antimicrobial properties.
Honey also has anti-inflammatory properties that heal and support the skin. It helps to reduce the time the skin takes to heal itself, which is ideal if you have dry, red, inflamed or acne prone skin.
Using Honey on the Skin
Not all honeys have these amazing skin benefits. If you’re looking to use honey on your skin, always use active healing honeys such as Necta & Hive Jarrah Honey or Necta & Hive Marri Wild 15+ TA honey.
You can use a dab of honey directly on a spot or area of inflamed skin. Use a spatula or cotton bud to scoop a small amount of honey from your pot and apply it directly to the skin. Never put the spatula or cotton bud back into your honey once it’s touched the skin so that you avoid transferring bacteria to your pot of honey.
Necta & Hive honey can also be used as a mask for dry, acne prone, undernourished or inflamed skin. It helps to deeply hydrate the skin, making it appear more nourished and healthy looking.
To use Necta & Hive honey as a deeply soothing mask, mix with a few drops of Argan oil. Apply a thin layer of the mixture to the entire face and leave for ten minutes before rinsing off. For a skin firming mask, mix your chosen Necta & Hive honey with facial clay and use in the same way.
To make the honey masks less sticky, mix them with a small amount of warm water if you prefer.
Will you consider honey next time you’re looking for a new skin product? Your skin will thank you if you do!
