Before we had antibiotics, we had honey. And that humanity used to heal wounds.
Nowadays, honey is still one of the most effective natural antiseptics.
Studies have proven honey can prevent the growth of disease-causing organisms.
In the same way, honey prevents bacteria and microorganisms from growing, you can use honey for acne prevention and treatment.
How honey helps with acne?
First of all, honey is a natural antiseptic.
This means it can help prevent disease causing organisms, or bacteria, in your pores.
Honey also releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide that will disinfect your skin.
Another benefit of honey is it is richness in sugar concentration and acidic properties.
These impair bacteria’s ability to grow and replicate.
Applying honey to a pimple will stop the infection from getting worse.
Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that help with redness and swelling of your skin.
These are also symptoms and aftermaths of acne problems.
The natural calming properties of honey, thanks to the fatty acids, amino acids, peptides, and B vitamins will minimize redness that is common to acne breakouts.
Last, but not least, honey helps preserve moisture in your skin, making it extremely beneficial for people with dry skin.
And once honey helps with your acne problems, the remedy will also speed up the healing and fading of post-acne marks.
Does that sound good enough for you?
Why is honey not enough?
Honey is great for bacteria. But when you are having acne problems, bacteria is only one part of the equation.
That doesn’t mean honey is not good for acne. It just means you need more than just honey for acne.
One of the reasons pimples appear on your face is clogged pores.
Bacteria build up because pores do not drain naturally produced oil.
While honey can be used against the bacteria, it does not unclog pores.
That means you need more ingredients that can penetrate deep, get inside, and unclog your pores.
Precautions when using honey
There are a couple of things you have to keep in mind when using honey for acne.
Here is how to make sure your facial treatment will yield the best results.
- Always use raw honey purchased from a local food store. Do not buy honey stored in plastic bears or other processed honey products that will irritate your skin
- Wash your face with mild soap and lukewarm water before trying any honey treatment. Apply the honey face mask before your skin dries
- If you are allergic to bees, or bees wax, do not use honey as a home remedy for acne
Face Masks with Honey
Baking soda and honey
Baking soda will help you exfoliate your skin.
Say goodbye to the dead skin cells clogging your pores.
In addition, baking soda is also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, making sure all of the problems causing acne are gone.
You can use this remedy for acne, but also for acne scars.
Instructions:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 teaspoons of raw honey
- Apply the mixture on the acne affected area using your fingers
- Scrub lightly in a circular motion for five minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your face dry
- Do not scrub too much, as your skin is already sensitive to touch due to inflammation
Green tea and honey
Whether you consume green tea orally or apply it topically, it benefits cannot be ignored.
Green tea is one of the best sources of antioxidants and minerals that will nourish your skin.
This mask is perfect for those who suffer from excess oil production.
Instructions:
- Steep 1 green tea bag in hot water for few minutes. Remove the bag, let it cool, and open it gently
- Mix the tea leaves from the used tea bag with 1 teaspoon of honey
- Rinse your face with cooled down green tea water, and then apply the mask of green tea leaves and honey
- Wait for the mask to dry for 15 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water
Honey and olive oil
Olive oil helps to nourish your skin with essential nutrients but also keeps the skin hydrated.
Combine it with honey, and you have remedy for acne, and also lightening of acne scars.
Instructions:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of raw honey and 2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil in a bowl
- Apply the mixture on our face and massage for five minutes in a circular motion. Soak a washcloth in warm water, wring the excess water, and place it on the area until it cools down
- Wipe the mask with the same washcloth
Turmeric and honey
For centuries, turmeric has been used in Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine.
The western world embraced turmeric just a couple of years ago.
But once we embraced the spice, we now use its magical healing power for everything.
Turmeric has antiseptic and healing properties, and combined with honey, delivers a potent mix for treating acne.
Instructions:
- Mix a pinch of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl, and then apply on the face
- Wait for the mas to dry for 20 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water
Honey and cinnamon
Here is another spice you can use to get rid of acne.
Cinnamon is a beloved spice in the kitchen, but it also helps with a number of health and skin conditions.
How it helps with acne?
Well, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that will calm your skin, and antimicrobial that will get rid of acne-causing bacteria.
Instructions:
- Mix 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply only on the acne, or on the entire face
- Leave the mask for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off. If you are allergic to cinnamon, do not use this mask
Honey and milk
Milk is a gentle cleanser, and can help you clean your skin.
Thanks to the lactic acid and antibacterial proteins, milk will gently exfoliate and disinfect the skin.
Say goodbye to the dead skin cells clogging your pores and causing acne.
Instructions:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ tablespoon of milk
- Apply the mixture on the affected area, and then massage for a few minutes in circular motion. Leave it to stay for 20 more minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water
Honey and oatmeal
Oatmeal is another ingredient that acts as a gently cleanser and exfoliator.
Apply to help remove all impurities from the skin.
In the same time, oatmeal will soothe your skin, reduce redness, and reduce inflammation.
Instructions:
- Cook oatmeal as per instructions. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to half a cup of oatmeal, and then let the ingredients stir well
- Once the oatmeal is cooled down to room temperature, apply the mask on your face
- Leave the mask to stay for 20 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water
Apple cider vinegar and honey
Apple cider vinegar can sting on your skin, which means you should avoid if you have sensitive skin.
Slightly acidic, apple cider vinegar helps by balancing your skin’s natural pH value.
In the same time, ACV is an antimicrobial agent and works as an astringent.
Instructions:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water. Dip cotton ball in the solution, and dampen your skin with it
- Apply honey all over your face, and massage for 5 minutes. Leave it to stay 30 more minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water
Tea tree oil and honey
Tea tree oil is known as a great spot treatment for acne.
Thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties, tea tree oil will eliminate all of the acne-causing bacteria in your skin.
And it also speeds up the healing time of acne.
People with sensitive skin should do a patch test before applying on their face.
Instructions:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 drops of tea tree oil
- Apply the mixture evenly on your face, and leave it to stay for 10 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water
Coconut oil and honey
Often used for treating skin condition, coconut oil helps you nourish and hydrate your skin.
That will help you balance sebum production, which is one of the key factors in battling against acne.
And thanks to its antibacterial properties, coconut oil will prevent future breakouts.
Instructions:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of virgin coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of raw honey
- Mix thoroughly until the oil has dissolved, and then apply on your face
- Let the mask stay for 15 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water and pat your face dry
