I Love Your Honey Face
Much to my chagrin, I am 29 years old and my face still breaks out (29! Wasn’t this supposed to stop when I exited adolescence?!?). I have learned this happens because of 1.) food allergies 2.) imbalanced female hormones, and 3.) stress. Prior to learning this, I was convinced I could cure acne if I only bought the right face wash. I purchased everything under the sun. My bathroom was a veritable drugstore aisle of facial cleansers. None of them fixed the problem, however.
The “problem” still hasn’t been “fixed,” but I stumbled across a facial cleanser that has made things better, that my face enjoys, and it is one ingredient: honey.
I’m sure you saw that coming based on the title of this post. I know, it sounds weird. “You wash your face with honey?” but I swear, it’s great (albeit sticky).
I first got the idea from Crunchy Betty who is a fountain of knowledge on all things natural and DIY. She says honey is great as a cleanser because:
- It’s antibacterial and antimicrobial.
- It’s slightly drying while also being moisturizing.
- It has tons of enzymes.
- It’s great for all kinds of skin, not just the acne prone.
- It’s healing and helps repair acne sores and scars. (Source.)
There are some caveats though, which I want to mention before launching into the how-to. Unfiltered raw (or strained) honey is the best. It will crystallize but that’s good! It means there are tons of enzymes your face will love. If you’re curious as to “why” unfiltered raw honey is the best, I’ll let Crunchy Betty field that one. Also, only wash your face with honey if it’s without makeup. For my next post I’ll tell you how you can remove makeup with honey or oil.
How to
OK, finally onto the how-to.
- Tie your hair back and wear a headband to be sure you won’t get any honey in your hair, otherwise you’ll be sticky.
- Pour 1/2-ish teaspoon of honey into the palm of your hands and rub your hands together for 2-3 seconds to warm up the honey. If you’re really lazy like I am, dip your clean hands straight into the honey jar and put it on your face.
- Place the honey on your face and massage it in for a minute or two. (Optional: You can also make a honey “mask” by leaving the honey on your face for 5-10 minutes.)
- Rinse with warm water, it makes the honey easier to take off.
- And that’s it! You are now welcome to love your honey face.
Cost: Varies depending on the size on the jar. Let’s go with the average though and say $8 vs. Neutrogena Face wash: $7.
And I can tell you from my experience, the honey lasts a looong time. Probably a good eight months. I don’t remember how long a regular face wash lasts, perhaps four months?
Give washing your face with honey a shot and let me know what you think!
June 25, 2014 @ 11:18 AM
I have the same problem. My skin began to breakout at around age 35 or so. I never had acne as a teen or young adult. I too tried every product under the sun, spent lots of money with no positive, lasting results. I decided to go the herbal route to balance my hormones, and my skin care routine has changed also. I have put honey in my face mask, so it does help a lot. I have also found that sticking with Dr. Bronner’s bar soap to wash my face, apple cider vinegar toner(sometimes a little tea tree), and sweet almond oil moisturizer has done me a world of good. I am crossing my fingers! It’s like playing the guessing game but the honey does help and makes your skin smooth. Thanks for sharing.
June 26, 2014 @ 10:55 PM
Nice! I also use apple cider vinegar as a toner. And you’re welcome! My fingers are also crossed for ya! =)
June 25, 2014 @ 10:02 AM
I love Crunch Betty! I have been using honey in homemade facemasks for a few months now. In August it will be over a year since I kicked store bought shampoo and conditioner in favor of baking soda and apple cider vinegar. It’s a good feeling to get rid of the need for commercial products. I still use Dr. Bronner’s hair cream and good quality soaps.
June 26, 2014 @ 10:56 PM
Isn’t Crunchy Betty the best?!? I love her.
I think my next plan of action is to kick store bought shampoo and conditioner too. We’ll see how it goes and when I get motivated!
June 25, 2014 @ 12:02 AM
This is a great article! I know what you mean about the stress. It’s awesome you found something which helps with the break outs! Thanks for sharing!
June 25, 2014 @ 12:23 AM
Thank you! And you’re welcome! =)
June 24, 2014 @ 10:31 PM
My daughter use to use Proactive, and still had blemishes. She has been using the honey and lemon for over 6 months. It works better than anything she has tried.
June 25, 2014 @ 12:22 AM
Awesome! Glad to hear that Kristi!
June 22, 2014 @ 10:18 PM
This sounds awesome and saves you alot of money too. Love it!
June 23, 2014 @ 1:31 AM
I’m definitely a fan!