Honeycomb
Honey is one of those miracle foods—used as a sweetener for eons, it doesn’t go bad, and its antioxidant and antiseptic properties provide impressive health benefits. Plus, it’s just so natural—made by honeybees from plant nectar.
YOUR SKIN’S BEST FRIEND
Because honey has a virtually limitless shelf life, it’s something many of us keep around the house, sometimes for years. So take that old jar of honey from the pantry and repurpose it as your skin’s new best friend. It soothes, smoothes, diminishes scars, and even reduces signs of aging.
Honeycomb
Honey-Oatmeal Acne Scrub: This simple exfoliating face scrub can moisturize, even out skin tone, and may help to reduce breakouts. Combine 1/2 cup uncooked oats, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 10 drops lavender essential oil, 10 drops tea tree essential oil, and 1 teaspoon dried lavender. Massage into face for several minutes and then rinse with cool water.
Honey-Milk Moisture Mask: Honey is both emollient and hydrating, even when used on its own as a mask. For a more penetrating treatment, mix together 1 tablespoon buttermilk, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 egg yolk, then apply to the face (avoiding the eyes) and leave on for 15 minutes.
Honey Citrus Mask: This preparation combines the antioxidant and antibacterial power of honey with the exfoliating and acne-fighting properties of the citric acid found in lemons. Combine 2 teaspoons honey with 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. Massage the mixture between your fingers until it warms up, then apply a thin layer to your face and neck. Let the mask dry and then rinse with warm water.
Milk and honey
Sweet Soak: Cleopatra’s favorite beauty secret will leave your body baby soft. Combine 1/4 cup honey with 2 cups milk and add a few drops of essential oil. Stir and add to your bath water. A little baking soda will also help soften skin.
Honey, citrus fruit, and almonds
Moisturizing Body Mask: Combine 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a dash of lemon juice and apply to elbows, knees, heels, and any other dry, flaky body parts. Leave on for 20 minutes; rinse well afterward.
Honey-Almond Scrub: This is a great body scrub for any time of year. Add 3 tablespoons ground almonds to 2 tablespoons of honey and use the paste to exfoliate your skin in the shower.
Scar Treatment: Honey can lighten skin and help regenerate the tissue on scars. Mix 1 teaspoon raw honey with 1 teaspoon coconut oil, apply it to scar and then cover with a hot wash cloth. Remove when cool. This can be repeated daily.
Sun Saver: Combine 1 part honey with 2 parts aloe vera gel for a healing, hydrating treatment for sunburned skin.
SHAMPOO ENHANCER:
You can add honey to your shampoo to strengthen hair and help it retain moisture. Squeeze some shampoo into a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of honey. Blend the two liquids slowly until the thicker honey “melts” into the shampoo, then use on your hair as you normally would.