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updated on: May 25, 2012 16:48 IST
From moisturiser to
antiseptic, honey has a wide range of uses for your skin.
Honey is considered to be one of the greatest gifts that nature
has bestowed on man. It is not only healthy when consumed, but also very
beneficial to your skin. Its beauty and medicinal benefits have been known to
humankind for centuries. There are stories that Cleopatra used to bathe herself
in milk and honey and Poppea, the wife of Nero, used honey and milk as a facial
lotion. Today, honey is used as an important skincare ingredient by cosmetic
companies in order to help with different skin conditions.
Honey is basically nectar obtained from the flowers. It is 80
percent sugar; the rest is minerals and trace elements such as iron, calcium,
phosphorus, magnesium and amino acids. It also contains vitamins C, B and
water. Bees have inhabited our planet for around 150 million years making honey
for us. As a result the Greeks, Persians, Egyptians and even the Romans knew
about the skincare benefits of honey. Here are a few to get you started:
1. An effective
moisturiser
Honey has humectant qualities; as a result, it can be used as a
moisturiser in many cosmetic preparations. It not only attracts water but also
retains it in the skin, so the skin remains supple and elastic. It also
protects against wrinkles and dryness.
2. Antiseptic properties
Honey has antibacterial and
antimicrobial properties which give it healing power. These properties help
prevent the growth of certain bacteria by producing an enzyme -- hydrogen
peroxide. Thus, honey can be utilised as a natural treatment for wounds, cuts and
abrasions to promote healing.
3. A cure for eczema
The most important benefit of a
special type of honey, called manuka honey, is that it can cure eczema. It can
treat damaged skin and regenerate new skin cells and hence it is a vital
ingredient in almost all products that are manufactured to cure eczema and
other forms of dermatitis.
4. Treatment of infection
A common skin infection -- ringworm --
can also be treated using manuka honey. It possesses anti-fungal properties
that can cure the infection. Other fungal infections like athlete's foot and
jock itch can be healed by applying manuka honey too.
5. Anti-aging properties
Honey has always been famous for
its natural antioxidant properties, which play an important role in protecting
the skin from ultraviolet damage. Overexposure to the sun causes skin damage,
premature aging and even skin cancer. Honey can be used as a sunscreen to
protect the skin from the sun.
6. Anti-acne properties
As honey can fight infections
below the skin's top layer by unclogging pores and drawing out impurities, it
can help you deal with acne problems. The active properties of honey penetrate
the blocked follicle, killing the bacteria which cause acne and any infection.
7. Skin conditioning properties
Mix one teaspoon of honey with one
teaspoon vegetable oil and one-fourth teaspoon lemon juice. This mixture is a
very natural conditioner, to be rubbed onto every part of your body which is
suffering from dry skin. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
8. Skin toning properties
Make a concoction of one
tablespoon honey and a peeled, de-seeded apple. Apply this paste onto your face
for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water. This tones the skin, keeping it firm.
9. Lip protection
The application of honey on
chapped and wrinkled lips will make them wonderfully smoother and softer.
10. Exfoliation
Honey can be used to make a gentle exfoliator. Mix one tablespoon
each of finely grounded almonds and honey, two tablespoon of dry oatmeal and
one teaspoon of lemon juice. Massage this mixture gently onto your face for
five minutes and then rinse off with water.
Honey in its purest form is suitable for all skin types, even
sensitive skin. It is truly the perfect ingredient for skincare, to help you to
nurture, cleanse and protect your skin.
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This document is provided for reference purposes only and not necessarily reflect the opinion of bynaturael’s team . Train your mind to test every thought and keep on searching the final truth that satisfies the conscience inside you. Please visit our blog: bynaturael.blogspot.com
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