Honey is an ancient beauty aid that is being rediscovered. Its moisture-rich, antimicrobial properties make it the perfect moisturizer for your skin. If you want to rediscover honey’s healing beauty recipes for yourself, here are some recipes.
Before you begin, make sure you have raw, unfiltered, preferably organic honey.
1. Simple Honey Face Mask
After rinsing your face with warm water, simply apply honey directly to your face in a thin layer. Leave this honey mask on for about 25 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Finish up with cool water to tighten up your pores. This mask can be repeated weekly.
2. Honey Bath
Add 1/3 cup of honey to hot bath water and soak. Add a cup of whole milk or cream for a rich honey-milk bath.
3. Body Scrub or Facial Exfoliant
Mix:
* 1 cup honey
* 1 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt
* 1/4 cup oil such as sweet almond oil or olive oil
Apply to skin with a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Hair Rinse
To 4 cups of warm water, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix or shake well. Then use as an after-shampoo rinse over your hair. Do not rinse it out, but dry as usual after applying.
5. Deep Conditioning
Moisture-rich honey makes an excellent hair conditioner. Mix:
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 tablespoons olive or sweet almond oil
* 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel (you can scrape this out of your aloe plant yourself or purchase the gel – just make sure it’s pure gel and not a product containing aloe vera gel)
Work this mixture through damp hair and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse.
6. Honey-Cucumber Facial Mask
In a blender or mortar and pestle, puree a peeled cucumber with a tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for half an hour. Rinse.
7. Overnight Lip Balm
Mix a teaspoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon of coconut oil. Blend and apply to lips before bedtime.