9 Proven Benefits of Honey for Skin and Hair

Honey is often promoted as a healthier alternative to sugar, to be used in making pancakes, smoothies and what not. But did you know that honey is also great for skin and hair care?

It has been extensively used since the ancient times for various medical issues. It was used in the world wars by the soldiers to treat and disinfect wounds.

Today, raw and unfiltered honey is used not just for treating medical issues but also to complement your skin and hair care regime.

The manuka honey benefits are vast, due to its properties; it’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, acidic nature and more make it a perfect ingredient for natural skin and hair care.

Benefits for Skin

1. Moisturizes your face

Honey can be used to make a moisturizing mask for your face. This will prevent your face from becoming dry and get rid of the flakiness of the skin. Using honey on your face also helps retain moisture in the skin, which is especially important in harsh weathers, when your face can get dry patches due to the atmosphere.

To use honey as a moisturizer, take 1 tablespoon of raw honey and apply it to your dry and clean skin. Leave it on for about 25 minutes and then wash it off with normal water.

Within a week of doing this daily, you will notice a smooth and soft skin on your face that does not dry out or have flaky skin.

2. Removes blemishes and dark spots

Everyone, at some point in their lives, has to deal with the presence of dark spots, blemishes and other scars on their face. You probably had to deal with it too.

Honey contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties making it beneficial in dealing with skin problems. It is also acidic in nature which helps deal with the scars, blemishes and dark spots.

To use honey for scars, mix 1 teaspoon of raw honey with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Apply it on the spots by gently massaging for 1 – 2 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water. Do it daily until the scars go away.

3. Works as a face wash/cleanser

Honey doubles up as a great face wash, providing your skin with all kinds of beneficial nutrients as well as hydration.

Honey contains antibacterial, pro-biotic, nourishing and hydrating properties. It makes for an all natural skin care, eliminating any use of chemicals.

To use honey as a face wash, wet your face and then take a dollop of honey and spread it all over your face. After leaving it on for a 1 minute or 2, wash it off with water.

The honey will rinse off with water and leave your skin feeling extremely soft and smooth. It will also clean your pores leaving you less prone to acne or pimples.

4. Combats skin infections

Honey has antimicrobial properties like antibacterial, antifungal as well antiseptic properties. These enable honey to fight off skin infections.

Honey can be used to treat a number of skin diseases like rashes, psoriasis, perioral dermatitis, itchiness, warts etc. Its antimicrobial properties allow honey to eliminate the bacteria or the virus causing the infection.

To use honey on skin infections, take a cotton ball and dip it in Manuka or raw honey. Apply it on the affected area liberally. Leave it on for some time and then wash it off with water.

Do it daily until the infection is resolved. Depending on the infection, it can take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month for the results to show.

5. Restores sunburnt skin

Honey, when mixed with aloe vera, can provide treatment to your sunburnt skin. Aloe vera is known for its vast benefits for the skin. When mixed with another skin beneficial substance like honey, the effects are unfathomable.

Honey provides hydration and moisture to the deep layers of the skin. Aloe vera is an astringent that helps calm the burning skin. Both substances contain anti-inflammatory and healing properties, thereby aiding in recovery.

Mix one part raw or unfiltered honey with two parts fresh aloe vera gel scooped out from the aloe vera leaf. Apply this mixture on the affected area twice a day for about a week or so.

Benefits for Hair

1. Conditions your hair naturally

Due to its hydrating properties and ability to moisturize, honey works as a great natural substance to use as a conditioner for your hair.

The enzymes present in honey, when mixed with coconut oil give a shine and luster to dry and dull hair. While honey provides moisture, coconut oil is responsible for giving off the shiny look.

To make this natural conditioner, take 1 tablespoon of raw honey and mix it with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Apply it to wet hair, starting from the bottom and working up to the top. Leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes and then wash your hair.

Doing it once or twice a week will help you condition your hair naturally and make them smooth and shiny.

2. Highlights your hair

Hair highlights look absolutely fabulous but going to the parlor for it means you are risking putting dangerous and strong chemicals in your hair.

These chemicals can weaken your hair and lead to thin hair that break and fall easily. A more natural alternative would be using honey to highlight your hair.

Honey contains enzymes that gradually lighten your hair. Take 3 tablespoons of honey and mix with 2 tablespoons of water. Apply to damp hair and wash after 1 hour. Do it weekly do get desired results.

3. Combats hair fall

Hair catches a lot of dirt and microbes as you go around the day, leaving it open. This makes your scalp a breeding ground for microbes that can weaken your hair roots, causing your hair to fall. Honey contains potent antimicrobial properties that can eliminate these organisms and provide nourishment to the roots to fight hair fall.

Simply massage your scalp with pure honey every week, washing it after an hour or so. Eventually, you will get stronger hair without any chemical treatments.

4. Gets rid of dandruff

Dandruff is a messy business and if you suffer from it, you will know how it can get everywhere – clothes, pillows, bed sheets etc

Dandruff can also dry out your scalp or make it extremely oily. It can also cause hair fall. Honey can help you out here. It can take care of dandruff, thereby reducing oiliness/dryness and also reducing hair fall.

To use this remedy, take 1 tablespoon of honey and mix it with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply this on the scalp by gently massaging it. Do it twice a week for a month and you will notice visibly less dandruff on your scalp.

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