We all know that honey is one of nature's most delicious treats, but did you know that there are many topical uses for honey as well?

There are at least four reasons why it is so effective in beautifying your skin:

Honey Skin Care Benefit #1:
Nutrition Rich

Honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are wonderful beauty aids that nourish the skin.

Honey is high in vitamin C, a variety of B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, as well as minerals such as potassium. It is rich in amino acids, the basic building blocks of life, essential to our very existence.

Further information can be found in the Honey Nutrition.

Honey Skin Care Benefit #2:
Antioxidant Rich

Honey contains powerful antioxidants which fight free radicals and reverse aging.

Free radicals are everywhere - in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even the sunlight we love so much. Every moment, the body absorbs oxygen and turns it into energy in a process called oxidation. This process also releases free radicals.

Antioxidants slow down aging by neutralizing these free radicals. They perform healing at the deepest cellular level, allowing the benefits to manifest in a myriad of different ways.

Further information can be found in Honey Antioxidant.

Honey Skin Care Benefit #3:
Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal

Honey is a well known antibacterial and antifungal agent. It helps disinfect and speed the healing process in wounds, scrapes and burns.

In addition to the enzymes found in honey, which may help the healing process, honey also contains antioxidants and flavonoids that may function as antibacterial agents.

Pinocembrin is the most abundant flavonoid in propolis, and has been proven to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

A 1999 study conducted by the University of Wales Institute found that unpasteurised honey produced an antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria found readily in our environment that can cause infections, especially in open wounds.

Other reports indicate that honey is effective at inhibiting Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.

Honey Skin Care Benefit #4:
Effective Moisturizer

Honey is rich and thick, making it an effective moisturizer. Like other humectants, honey binds moisture to the skin and helps it stay hydrated.

So it not only smoothes dry, rough, wrinkled skin, but honey also makes skin supple and plumps up wrinkles. Honey is a valuable moisturizer for your face as well as your body.

Honey Skin Care Tips

Facial cleansing scrub
Mix honey with ground almonds and scrub on face.

Firming mask
Whisk a tablespoon of honey together with an egg white, 1 teaspoon of glycerin and about 1/4 cup of flour. Smooth on the face, leave on 15 minutes, and rinse off with warm water. You will be pleased with the results.

Moisturizing pack
Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 teaspoons of whole milk, smooth over the face and throat, and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water, and finish by splashing with cold water.

Moisturizing lotion
Have dry patches of skin on hands, elbows, or other parts? Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice, then apply. Wash off after 15 minutes.

Lip balm
Honey works well on chapped lips and for acne because it has antibacterial properties.

Hair shine
Mix 1 teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water. Use as a hair rinse. And if you're a blond, add the juice of 1 lemon.

Benefits Of Honey In Anti-Inflammatory And Antiseptic Facial Masks

When it comes to skin care, especially facial care, benefits of honey are multiple.

Honey is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that prevents infections and reduces the existing ones when applied on problem or sensitive skin type.

It also has antibacterial properties if used for preparation of body scrub recipes that cleanse the body and leave it bacteria free.

When combined with coconut oil, it serves as a great base for a hydrating mask after which the skin feels moist and nourished.

Pumpkin honey mask

Ingredients

4 tablepoons of peeled pumpkin

4 teaspoons of corn flour

2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel

2 teaspoons of mashed pineapple

1 teaspoon of green tea

½ teaspoon of sunflower oil

Preparation



Prepare green tea and let it rest a bit. While that is cooling down, combine pineapple, honey, pumpkin, and aloe gel. Add to that sunflower oil and then green tea. Mix well.

Apply the mix on the face and neck and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pad dry.
This amount is enough for 4 applications. Keep it in a glass jar, tightly closed and refrigerated. It is not to be used after 2 weeks.

Japanese face mask

Ingredients

100 gr of honey

100 gr of flour

A bit of milk

Preparation

Combine flour and honey, and gradually add milk. Add enough milk to make the mass creamy.
Apply on the face and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water (or cooled chamomile tea).

Hawaii face mask

Ingredients

½ of ripe papaya

½ cup of fresh pinapple

2 teaspoons of honey

2 teaspoons of green tea.

Preparation

Put green tea in boiling water and let it rest a bit. Peel the papaya and remove the seeds. Mix papaya and peeled pineapple in a blender or food processor until the mass is consistent. Pour everything in a bowl and add honey and green tea.

Apply the mask on clean face (you could use a facial steam to remove impurities). Apply the mask on the face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse the face with warm water and pat dry.

This mask can be used within a week, simply keep it in a glass jar, tightly closed and refrigerated.

Honey glycerin mask

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of glycerin (alternatively, use 3 teaspoons of Vodka but do not add water)

1 teaspoon of honey

2 teaspoons of water.

1 teaspoon of wheat flour.

Preparation

Combine all the ingredients and apply it in a thin layer on the face. Leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes.
This mask is to be used 2 times a week. It is recommended for dry and normal skin type.

Oily skin honey parsley mask

Ingredients

4 teaspoon of honey

¼ of a cup of chopped parsley.
Combine the two and apply on the face. This recipe yields one application.

Antiaging honey mask

Ingredients

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon of honey

1 teaspoon of glycerin or vegetable oil.

Combine all the ingredients and apply on the face. It should stay on the face for at least 30 minutes, the longer the better. Rinse off with warm water.

Relaxing honey mask

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of honey

2 tablespoons of sour cream

Oatmeal or wheat

Preparation

Combine honey and sour cream. Add oatmeal or wheat until the mass thickens. Apply it on the face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Oh!Such lovely face packs for all types of skins.Thank you so much,Neetu.

Thanks for very nice tips Neetu. :) But I have no time to take care.. :(

Homemade Facial Mask Recipes:

* Cucumber Face Mask
Make a paste by mixing one small cucumber and one cup of oatmeal. Mix one teaspoon of this paste with one teaspoonof yogurt (for oily skin) or milk malai (for dry skin) and leave for 30 minutes and then rinse.
* Turmeric Facial Mask
This is the traditional mask, also used for a bride, seven days in advance of marriage.
Take in a cup half a cup of besan (gram flour), 2 tsp of turmeric powder, 2 tsp of sandal wood powder, 2 tsp of ghee or almond oil, add some water to make a paste. Apply to face and whole body and leave for 5-10 minutes. Rub with pressure with both palms and fingers to remove all the paste.
* Honey Facial Mask
Rinse your face with warm water to open up the pores. Apply honey and leave for half an hour. Rinse with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores. Rinse with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores.
* Oily Skin Mask
Mix 1 tsp. brewer?s yeast with plain yogurt to make a thin mixture. Apply it thoroughly into all the oily areas and leave for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores.
* Dry Skin Mask
Mix 1 tsp. of butter in 1 teaspoon of water. Apply it thoroughly into all the dry areas and leave for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water,
* Banana Mask for wrinkles
Mash 1/4 banana until very creamy and apply on face and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores.
* Avocado Facial Mask
Mash the meat of the avocado into a creamy texture. Apply it thoroughly on face and leave for 15 - 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then use cold water to close the pores.
* Oatmeal Facial Mask
Take 2 tsp oatmeal and 1 tsp baking soda and add water to make paste. Apply to face and all over the skin and rub gently.
* Facial Mask
Squeeze half a lemon and mix the juice with one beaten egg white. Apply on your face and leave for overnight. Wash your face with warm water.
* Clay Facial
Choose the right clay for your skin type. Add plain water or floral waters or try wetting agents such as fruit purees . Make a thick paste of the clay. Apply the mask to your skin and let it dry for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and pat dry. Repeat weekly.
* Multani (Gypsum) Mitti Body Mask
Make a paste of multani mitti adding water to the mitti powder. Apply to whole body and hair. Take bath after half an hour.
* Grape Cleanser
Split 2-3 grapes and rub the flesh over face and neck. Rinse with cool water.

* Banana Face Pack for Dry Skin
Mash half cup of natural yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/4 ripe banana. Apply this pack on face and neck and leave for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
* Cucumber Face Pack to get Smooth Skin
Mash 1 whole cucumber, strain water, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and mix well. Put in a container, keep refrigerated and take out whenever you want to use it. Apply on your face and leave for 10 minutes, then wash with cold water and enjoy the smoothness of your skin.
You can try it on other parts of body as a scrub.

Natural Facial Cleanser Recipes
Gentle Oatmeal Facial Cleanser

Ingredients:
1/2 cup oatmeal or cornmeal
2 tbs of plain yogurt [Add enough yogurt to form a paste]

Instructions:
Mix ingredients, smooth over entire face avoiding eye area. Allow to sit for 10 min and rinse
Cornstarch & Glycerin Facial Cleanser

Ingredients:
2 Tbs. cornstarch
2 Tbs. glycerin
1/2 c. water

Instructions:
Mix ingredients until smooth. Heat in a small double boiler pan Heat until thick and clear; it will have the consistency of pudding. Do not boil. Cool completely, Use in place of soap to cleanse your skin.
Savory Cranberry Facial Wash

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried savory leaves crushed
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cranberries

Instructions:
Steep the dried savory in boiling water in a small bowl, for fifteen minutes. Strain the liquid. Puree the cranberries in a blender, then strain and save the juice. Combine all ingredients. Soak cotton pads with liquid and press against your face for five minutes, avoiding the eye area. Remove pads and rinse with warm water
How to make homemade facial cleansers at home.

Store bought facial cleansers and products are loaded with ingredients unnecessary in our skin care process. These ingredients prolong shelf life, are foaming and thickening agents. We buy these products because they are convenient. But are they healthy? No. Natural homemade skin care products can be just as convenient as store bought with the right knowledge and preparation. By taking 1 minute to mix a few natural ingredients, you can enjoy the benefits of beautiful skin without all the added toxins.
Natural Facial Cleanser Recipes ..........................................................................................................
Sweet Oil Scrub

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar

Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water. The cleanser will feel greasy but after you rinse and pat dry, skin with be super silky soft! Also great to remove eye makeup!! For more olive oil cleansers, check out Oil cleansing method.
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Just because a cleanser doesn't foam, does not mean it isn't working! Surfactants are added to cleansers for the rich lather we all have come accustomed to. However they can be really harsh on skin. If you've ever used a high end cleanser with natural ingredients you'll notice they do not lather very much. So skip the lather and you'll still have clean, supple healthy skin!
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Savory Blueberry Facial Wash

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon dried savory leaves crushed
1/2 cup boiling water
1/2 cup blueberries

Instructions:
Steep the dried savory in boiling water in a small bowl, for fifteen minutes. Strain the liquid. Puree the blueberries in a blender, then strain and save the juice. Combine all ingredients. Soak cotton pads with liquid and press against your face for five minutes, avoiding the eye area. Remove pads and rinse with warm water
Creamy Oatmeal Facial Cleanser

Ingredients:
1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tbs heavy Cream (or milk)

Instructions:
It's best if you can grind the oatmeal to a finer dust using a blender or coffee grinder. Mix ingredients, smooth over entire face in a circular motion. Rinse well.
Exfoliating Oily skin Facial Wash

Ingredients:
1 tsp powdered skim milk
1 tsp honey
few drops of apple vinegar

Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water.
Almond Milk Dry skin Cleanser

Ingredients:
1 tsp almond oil
2 tbs whole milk
1 tsp honey

Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water.

Tips when making natural Face cleansers at home:

* Natural skin care cleanser recipes do not typically include foaming agents. Add a bit of all natural skin cleanser to your concoction.

* Most ingredients can be found in your cupboard, online or local health food store and are relatively cheap. Opt to buy powders, extracts and oils instead of actual fruit and veggies. Their shelf life is much longer and the cost is kept down

* You can make ahead if stored properly. Read ingredient labels on shelf life. Even better, make just before you cleanse. The simple recipes we have below only take less than a minute or two.

* When using essential oils in your blends, please read all the cautions. If used improperly, these oils can be dangerous.

* Some of the healthiest oils for external skin care use include: almond oil, avocado oil, castor oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil (virgin or extra virgin is best), rosehip seed oil , shea butter,walnut oil

Sensitive skin Cleanser

Ingredients:
3 tbs. liquid Castile soap
3 tbs. Jojoba oil
1 tbs. Avocado oil
6 drops German-chamomile essential oil
6 drops helichrysum essential oil
10 drops Neroli essential oil


Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Transfer to glass jar, then shake for 2 minutes. To use: Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water.


Exfoliating Oily skin Facial Wash

Ingredients:
1 tsp powdered skim milk
1 tsp honey
few drops of apple vinegar

Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water.



Anti-Aging skin Cleanser

Ingredients:
3 tbs. aloe-vera gel
3 tbs. liquid Castile soap
3 tbs. Grapeseed oil
1 tbs. Rosehip seed oil
1 tsp. vegetable glycerin
10 drops carrot-seed essential oil
10 drops Neroli essential oil

Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Transfer to glass jar, then shake for 2 minutes. To use: Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water.


Applelicious Acne/Oily skin Cleanser

Ingredients:
1 tbs apple juice
2 tbs skin milk
1 tsp honey

Instructions:
Mix ingredients in a bowl. Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water.
Baking Soda Lemon Exfoliating Cleanser

Ingredients:
Lemon juice
Baking Soda

Instructions:
In a small bowl, add about 2 tbs baking soda. Slowly apply lemon juice. The mixture will foam and fizz. Apply enough juice to make a thin, loose paste. Apply to skin in a circular motion for a minute or 2. Rinse with a warm cloth and water. Smooth, clear skin!


Coconut Cleanser

Ingredients:
3 Tsp coconut oil
1 Tsp olive oil
1 Tsp glycerin
2 tsp water

Directions:
Melt ingredients together in a double boiler. When melted, remove from heat and beat with a whisk for 5 minutes. Transfer to jar when cooled.
Lemon Cleanser

Ingredients:
1 Tsp beeswax
2 Tsp jojoba oil
2 Tsp hemp seed oil
1 Tsp witch hazel
1 Tsp lemon juice
1/8 tsp borax
6 drops lemon essential oil

Directions:
In double boiler on low heat, gently melt beeswax in the oil. Beat for 5 minutes until mixture has a creamy, smooth consistency. In a separate non-metallic saucepan, gently warm witch hazel and lemon juice; stir in borax until dissolved and add to oil mixture. Beat until smooth. After the cream has cooled, add lemon EO and stir. store in glass jar
Lavender Cleanser Recipe

Ingredients
6 tablespoon grape seed oil
10 drops of lavender essential oil
5 drops of geranium essential oils
5 drops of rose essential oils

Instructions:
Add carrier oils to a clean, dark glass bottle. Add essential oils. Gently shake to blend before each use. Store in a dark, glass bottle in a cool place. Apply a small amount to face and massage to cleanse. Rinse with warm water and a wash cloth. Skin will feel super smooth and silky! Perfect anti-aging cleanser!
Rejuvenating Cleanser Recipe

Ingredients
6 tablespoon Flax Seed Oil
6 Tablespoons Olive Oil
12 tablespoons castor oil
30 drop essential oils of your choice

Instructions:
Add carrier oils to a clean, dark glass bottle. Add essential oils. Gently shake to blend before each use. Store in a dark, glass bottle in a cool place or fridge. Apply a small amount to face and massage to cleanse. Rinse with warm water and a wash cloth. Skin will feel super smooth and silky! Perfect anti-aging cleanser!

Oh...a number of products are listed here.Thanks for sharing all these.