Honey is not only a popular sweetener in tea or on bread, but also a popular ingredient in beauty products – and with good reason! STYLEBOOK explains how honey works and how it can naturally take care of skin and hair.
How does honey work?
Honey was already considered a beauty product in ancient Greece and Rome. Cleopatra already relied on extensive baths of honey and milk. To this day, honey is a popular ingredient in skin care products due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Honey is mainly used in facial care. The advantage of the natural product: Gently cleanses the skin without irritating it. One reason is that the pH value of honey is very close to that of the skin. Thus, unlike many artificial care substances, it does not attack the natural protective acid layer of the skin and also supplies it with many important ingredients.
It’s in the honey
Honey not only contains important amino acids, minerals and trace elements, but is also characterized by a high content of vitamins C, B2 and B5 as well as niacin and pantothenic acid. The amino acids contained in honey regulate the formation of hair and skin cells, trace elements such as zinc or iron strengthen the hair and support a healthy metabolism. The stimulation of the metabolism means that the body can detoxify itself better, which in turn stimulates the regeneration of skin cells. And vitamins B2 and B5, which are responsible for building tissue, also naturally contribute to skin renewal, so it’s no wonder honey is often found in anti-aging creams. In addition to the elasticity of the skin, honey has a positive effect on the moisture content of the skin, which is why it is also suitable for treating dry skin or chapped lips and making them supple again.
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Honey contains valuable antioxidants for the skin
The use of raw honey protects the skin from free radicals and strengthens the skin barrier. The following applies: the darker the honey, the higher the antioxidant protection. Honey can also help with wound healing, especially burns. But be careful: you shouldn’t smear honey on open wounds just yet.
honey in skin care
acne and impure skin
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, honey is a very popular and gentle remedy for acne. Applied topically or all over the face, it disinfects the skin and prevents impurities from turning into pimples. In addition to conventional honey here it is mainly Manuka honey popular because it is even more effective in its antibacterial effect thanks to the methylglyoxal it contains.
Against wrinkles
With its moisturizing effect, honey also prevents wrinkles. Grandma’s secret recipe: an almond and honey mask. Just mix one tablespoon of almond oil with half a tablespoon of honey and apply to cleansed face. Wash off with warm water after about twenty minutes.
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For chapped lips
Honey can also be used as a natural alternative to crayon. We have an extra tip for particularly dry and chapped lips: a lip mask based on honey and quark, which at the same time cares for, refreshes and soothes burning skin. The whole thing is tastier and more effective than a conventional lip balm and also free from artificial preservatives that can be harmful to health.
Helps against psoriasis
Cortisone is not the only thing that helps against neurodermatitis and psoriasis. Scientific studies1 prove that a mixture of honey, olive oil and beeswax (in equal proportions) can also reduce the symptoms of skin diseases.
Against dark circles
Dark shadows under the eyes not only appear when you haven’t gotten enough sleep, but they can also be caused by a lack of nutrients in addition to predisposition or dehydration. Honey, with its high content of vitamins C, B2 and B6, as well as niacin and pantothenic acid, can naturally counteract this phenomenon. Another plus: due to its high sugar content, honey stores a lot of moisture.
Honey in hair care
Faster hair growth
Honey is not only used in skin care but also in hair care. Thanks to the high sugar content, it retains a lot of moisture, ideal for the care of dry and brittle hair. Furthermore, honey promotes blood circulation in the scalp and thus stimulates hair growth.
Helps against dandruff
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, honey can also protect the scalp from infections and help with dandruff. Using a simple honey hair conditioner made of one cup of water and one tablespoon of honey can also help with this condition. Another plus: the conditioner makes the hair easy to comb and gives it a beautiful shine.
Set highlights with honey
Those who are bored with their hair color but don’t want to expose it immediately to aggressive bleaching can use honey as a natural home remedy. This is because honey contains the enzyme glucose oxidase, which produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide (which is what gives bleaches their whitening effect). For honey highlights, all you have to do is mix four parts honey with one part distilled water and leave the treatment on for 20 minutes. Then wash it all off with a rinse. After a few applications, you should see subtle highlights. You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for a stronger effect.
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