Raw or unpasteurized honey, a natural substitute for refined sugars, can be used to sweeten various foods and beverages. But did you know that it can also sweeten your beauty regimen?
Let’s take a moment to thank the flowers, bees and hard-working farmers for this sweet, sticky and incredibly versatile substance. Rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids, raw honey is celebrated for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that so many people are turning to honey to care for their skin and hair.
Following are fabulous five ways to incorporate honey in your beauty routine:
1. Facial cleanser
Incredibly soothing and moisturizing, raw honey—especially Manuka honey (sourced from the Manuka plant)—makes a great face wash! Remove your makeup before you begin this beauty treatment. Then warm approximately ½ teaspoon of honey between your fingers. Add a couple drops of water and gently smooth the mixture onto your face, forming a thin layer. For best results, allow the honey to sit for at least 10 minutes. When you are satisfied, rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry. Follow with a toner.
2. Skin exfoliator
Honey contains enzymes that can slough away dead skin cells. To get your all-natural glow on, simply rub the sweet stuff on your face and body in gentle, circular motions. Allow it to rest for at least five minutes before rinsing with warm water. This simple skincare treatment will result in a radiant complexion – and it will leave you buzzing with joy!
3. Bath soak
“Bath bombs” may be in vogue, but hydrating honey is the perfect, no-fuss ingredient to transform your tub into a tranquil spa. For silky soft skin (and much-needed relaxation), mix two heaping tablespoons of raw honey with one cup of hot water. Stir until the honey dissolves. Then pour the calming combo into a tub of warm water. Voilà – a honey-infused bath soak that will moisturize your skin while you unwind after a long day!
4. Cuticle treatment
By now you’re probably aware that honey is a humectant. That means it can help preserve much-needed moisture in your hands and nails. Massage a dollop of honey into each of your cuticles and allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes. Then rinse your hands with warm water and prepare to reap the rewards – happy, healthy cuticles that are free of ripping and peeling. This will become one of your favorite beauty routines, hands down!
5. Hair conditioner
Because honey is indeed a natural humectant that seals moisture in place (see above), it’s a wonderful choice for conditioning hair. If you want to breathe new life (we’re talking softness, shine and bounce!) into your frazzled locks, mix ¼ cup of nourishing honey with a few tablespoons of water. Continue to add small amounts of water until the mixture is thin enough to spread easily through your hair. Massage the mixture into your hair as you would shampoo and let it rest for half an hour. Rinse it out with warm water and repeat this easy process twice a week for a healthy moisturized mane.
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