How Sweet it Is…

By: Jenni Saake (DME)

Honey, that is.  We all know this golden substance can be a more natural substitute for processed sugar in our foods, but did you know that this natural humectant (a substance that attracts and retains moisture) can be a “sweet” beauty treat too?

As I first began exploring natural beauty, honey was the substance that took me by most pleasant surprise.  Honey has been used since early history to pamper the fairest of bodies ranging from the Biblical Queen Esther to Cleopatra of Egypt?  If you want to try a silky-skin treat, simply pour ¼ of honey into your running warm bath.  Powdered goat’s milk can be added for extra richness.

Queen Anne of England reportedly used a honey and oil to keep her long hair thick and shiny.  Treat your damaged hair to ½ cup honey mixed with ¼ cup olive oil and placed under a shower cap for half an hour before a thorough shampoo.  For a great shine, stir a teaspoon of honey into 4 cups of warm water to rinse (and leave in) after washing.

Women in China have used honey with ground orange seeds to prevent blemishes for centuries.  A modern exfoliating facial scrub can be made simply by mixing finely ground almonds with a bit of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice then rubbing gently over your face.  Dry skin can be refreshed with a mashed banana mixed with a little warm water and ¼ cup of honey, then applied as a mask for 15-30 minutes and rinsed with cool water.

Hollywood makeup artists know that just a touch of honey directly on a pimple can help reduce swelling and irritation brought on by thick stage makeup and hot lights.  A thin skin of honey swiped across a small scratch can create a “band-aid” that helps seal out germs and aids in healing because of antimicrobial properties.  This natural anti-irritant is a God-send to many with sensitive skin.

I frequently rub a drop of raw, organic honey onto my warm, clean, wet face right out of the shower or add a drop to my moisturizer to prep my skin before mineral makeup application.  (A little goes a long way!  Too much and you will feel sticky rather than refreshed.)  Due to antioxidants, honey may even help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays; I certainly wouldn’t count on it as your only sun protection, but in addition to your current products, it certainly can’t hurt to have one more weapon in your arsenal against sun damage.