Why Honey Is the Ingredient Missing From Your Skincare Routine

Honey, as we all know it, is a natural sweetener that a certain cartoon bear loves to relish in. Apart from being a delicious treat, though, it's also widely known for its many health benefits and medicinal purposes. And if that weren't enough already, honey also has a slew of skincare benefits as well.

Honey can be found in all types of skincare products, from exfoliants and cleansers to body lotions and face masks. It's one of those natural ingredients that plays nice with all skin types and other active ingredients, making it the perfect addition to any skincare routine. What's more, even if you don't want to purchase another product, you can still use raw honey on your skin to get results.

To understand more about honey benefits for skin, how to harness them, and when to err on the side of caution, we tapped experts to share their knowledge and answer all our most pressing questions.

Related: The Anti-Aging and Acne-Fighting Ingredient That's Missing from Your Skincare Routine

Types of Honey Used in Skincare

There are 300 unique types of honey, but some are more beneficial for your skin than others.

"Raw honey is preferred for skincare because heat from pasteurization reduces many of the beneficial properties," says Barbara Close, founder of Naturopathica. "If you have spent time visiting a farmers market, you will discover there are many varieties of honey due to the flowers that the bees choose to pollinate from such as clover, lavender blossom, orange flower, acacia (technically Black Locust trees) and even buckwheat."

Different types of honey will have different benefits. For example, Susanne Kaufmann says her eponymous brand uses blossom and acacia honeys sourced from regional beekeepers as "they are rich in minerals, amino acids, vitamins and trace elements that are gentle on the skin."

Another popular option is Manuka honey, which has incredibly high antibacterial properties. "Manuka honey is derived from the flowers of the manuka bush and is thought to have antibacterial benefits related to a compound known as methylglyoxal, which is a natural antibiotic," says Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS dermatology. "Additionally, it can help with wound healing as it provides a protective barrier to help prevent infection as well. It can be found in moisturizers and various wound-healing creams." 

Benefits of Honey in Skincare

As mentioned above, honey comes with loads of skincare benefits. There are many reasons to use it, including the following:

1. Provides moisture: "Honey is a natural moisturizer and a humectant that binds moisture to the skin providing intense hydration, creating a softer, plumper complexion," says Tata Harper, founder of her eponymous beauty brand.

2. Fortifies the skin microbiome: Close explains that it's also an excellent pre-biotic as it's rich in sugars for the good bacteria on the skin to eat, which therefore helps the skin microbiome stay strong. And while we typically talk about topical skincare, honey benefits the skin when ingested, too. "It's proven to stimulate the metabolism; it promotes detoxification and supports the regeneration of skin cells to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles — it's a real collagen booster," confirms Kaufmann.

3. Treats acne: Dr. Garshick explains that honey is antibacterial and can help inflammation, including fighting pesky breakouts. She adds that it can also help regulate sebum production.

4. Boosts radiance: Dr. Garshick says that honey may act as a natural exfoliator to help get rid of dead skin cells and reveal smoother and brighter skin.

5. Protects skin from environmental aggressors: Dr. Garshick says that honey has antioxidant properties that will shield the skin from free radical damage and reduce signs of aging.
   

6. Helps heal wounds: Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explains that because honey is a humectant, meaning it can help maintain a moist environment and provide a protective barrier as a wound heals. She adds that it has long been used in traditional medicine for cuts and burns.

How to Use Honey in Your Skincare Routine

Honey has so many benefits it can be utilized in a multitude of ways. For starters, Kaufmann says you can use raw honey as an exfoliant to gently buff away dead skin cells while moisturizing the skin. You can also mix up a DIY mask! "Honey can be a great ingredient to add, combined with ingredients like yogurt and turmeric," says Dr. King.

Tips

Though raw, unprocessed honey may be richest in nutrients, it may be too messy or difficult to use on a regular basis, emphasizes Dr. Garshick. Skin care products infused with honey can make for a more convenient alternative.

"Since honey is a powerful humectant, try using honey-based products such as cleansers or masks in the shower where moisture from the air can be easily pulled to the skin. Alternatively, apply a warm compress over a mask to enhance the hydrating benefits of honey," suggests Close.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you use honey on your skin?

Dr. Garshick says depending on the specific product being used, it can be used daily or weekly. So read the instructions provided before using or ask your dermatologist if you have any questions.

Who will benefit most from using honey?

Honey is one of those natural ingredients that everyone can use, but some will reap its benefits more than others. "Any skin type can benefit from the moisturizing and anti-bacterial properties of honey, but those who suffer from skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and acne will most likely see the greatest results as the healthy bacteria in honey activates your immune system, improving inflammation and redness while fighting off blemishes," says Harper.

What are the potential side effects?

Honey is pretty safe for all skin types, but as with any new active ingredient in your routine, it's recommended to do a small patch test to make sure your skin reacts well to it. Furthermore, Kaufmann says that allergies to bee venom or pollen can possibly cause an allergic reaction to honey, so consider speaking to your doctor beforehand if you suspect you may have an allergy.

If you are allergic to bees, can you use honey in your skincare routine?

"Some people who have an allergy to bees may experience a reaction when using honey in skincare," says Dr. Garshick. And in that case, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

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