Honey

The health benefits of honey are widely recognized by many Estheticians.  It's like a magic trick we keep up our sleeves.  In fact, ancient Egyptians, Cleopatra among them, used honey as part of a daily skincare regimen.  I  know quite a few ladies who keep the good old-fashoined bear in their cabinet for their skin rather than sweets. 

Honey is quite possibly one of my favorite ingredients for all types of skin.  I frequently mix honey with a coconut keifer probiotic to create a fabulous soothing and hydrating masque in the treatment room.  I also use it to calm irritated, inflamed or sensitive skin.


Honey is a fantastic humectant.  That is, it pulls water moisture from the air and draws it to the skin.  Not only does honey bring hydration to the skin, it actually helps the skin absorb water and KEEP it hydrated.  Lack of moisture and hydration can lead to a lack of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles.  In fact, I frequently use honey instead of paraffin (a big petroleum no no) to give my clients that fresh, silky smooth texture.

So, honey is great for sensitive skin and dryness... but is it too heavy for oily skin?  No!  Honey works as an oil-free moisturizer for oily skin too.  Because this golden liquid attracts water, not oil, oily skin can get the much needed hydration it deserves.  A lot of people treat acne with harsh drying acids and alcohols, which have their place, but, if the skin becomes too dry, it will send more oil to the surface, and then you get more breakouts!  Applying a honey-based oil-free moisturizer can curb this process.  Honey is also excellent at fighting the bacteria that accompanies breakouts.

Honey is one of nature's brightening ingredients.  Using raw or Manuka honey on hyperpigmentation areas or scars can help to even out skin tone.  If I have a client who is too sensitive for a naturally derived acid peel, I will base a masque with raw honey to brighten them up.

Recommended:  365 Raw Honey, Lotus Moon's Organic Honey Purifying Masque, Comvita's Normal to Dry/Normal to Oily/Bodycace lines, Tranquille's Manuka Honey & Bamboo Glow.