The Miracle of Honey for Dry Skin

I’m going to confess something right here. I. Hate. Grocery shopping.

I really do.

I hate the dirty carts. I hate the screaming kids. I hate the crappy muzak. I hate that the stuff I want is usually buried deep in the bowels of the store and I typically turn the wrong way and end up putting my frozen peas in the cart first and finish running this hellacious gauntlet by throwing my 5 pound bag of potatoes on top of everything else. Because really, by the time I’m done with this whole experience I don’t care that my frozen food has been in the cart for 45 minutes while I try to find the raisin aisle. Note to self: there’s no dedicated sign for raisins.

In order to produce ONE pound of honey, a hive of bees must fly about 55,000 miles and visit 2 million flowers!

 

Why the tirade? Well, it felt good and it’s why I tend to raid my pantry for items I have on hand instead of dashing to the store every other day. If I had it my way I would have a Band-Aid tree and a battery bush so then I’d never have to go to the store again. I’d just grow and make everything on our homestead. Or so I wish…

But beyond the long drive to the store for supplies, I really really REALLY like making my own… everything. Be it shampoo or make-up or lotion or laundry detergent, I like to know what I’m putting on and in me and my family. So my kitchen cupboard tends to be where I gravitate to do most… shopping.

Here’s another kitchen cupboard recipe to ease the negative effects to your skin during dryer conditions. Honey. No not you, although the short time we’ve been living in the south I’ve realized that people half my age think nothing of calling me “Honey”. At first I was WTF?! I could be your mom! Emphasis on could. *Ahem*  Then I thought about that and decided that it’s A-ok with me. No ageism here. You’re as young as you feel…honey.

 

Honey is considered one of the best natural moisturizers since it’s loaded with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and humectant properties (which means it attracts and retains moisture by forming a protective layer on the skin).  It’s also an anti-irritant, making it suitable for a number of sensitive skin issues but does nothing to relieve my grocery shopping irritation. Oh well, can’t have it all. The anti-inflammatory properties of honey help to heal skin damage and dryness caused by excessive sun exposure. The antioxidants present in honey protect the skin against oxidative stress and environmental damage – both of which cause dry skin. Honey really seems to pack a wallop!

Here’s a quick and easy way honey can be used for mending dry skin:

• Before taking a bath or shower, rub honey all over your body (or just your face) and leave it on for five to 10 minutes.
• Repeat daily to enjoy well-moisturized skin.

Ba BAM! That is quick! But let’s say you want more cuz… who doesn’t.

How about a nice honey and lemon mask? Lemon juice is loaded with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that prevents skin damage and dryness. Vitamin C also boosts collagen and elastin production in the skin which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Ummm, not that I have any….

Here’s how you make the honey-lemon pack:

• Take 2 tablespoons each of honey and fresh lemon juice in a bowl.
• Mix it with a spoon and soak a cotton ball in the mixture,
• Dab the soaked cotton ball all over your face.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse with cool to luke warm water.
• Repeat 2 to 3 times a week for best results.

*Be sure to not go out into the sun right after you use this pack. Lemon makes skin photosensitive. Not like the paparazzi are gonna show up. Not that kind of photo.

We always have yogurt in our fridge. You should know, I’m a yogurt snob. I make my own…mostly. But when I can’t I buy Siggis. Yes, for this yogurt I am willing grab a cart and enter the Tomb of Doom. Not all tombs stores carry it and if yours doesn’t I am TRULY sorry. If you love a nice thick Greek yogurt Siggi’s is hands down the best. I am NOT a spokesperson for them (remember I make my own) BUT theirs is thick and creamy and super tasty… for a store bought yogurt.

Why put yogurt on your face? Zinc is present in yogurt and works as an anti-inflammatory which prevents skin dryness caused by sun damage. The lactic acid present in yogurt breaks down dead skin cells.  Calcium promotes skin renewal and aids in the formation of new skin cells.

If your looking for a bit of skin rejuvenation try a honey and yogurt mask:

• Take 2 to 3 tablespoons of yogurt in a bowl and whisk it with a fork.
• Add a tablespoon of honey to it and mix with a spoon.
• Apply this mixture all over your face and wait for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel.
• Repeat this procedure 1 to 2 times a week.

Benefits of this mask? You will have super soft skin and no dryness!

You’re looking for exfolation you say? Well I can’t tell you what aisle that’s on but I can give you a recipe for a gentle exfoliation mask. But first lets apply our new found knowledge shall we?

As we have learned, honey is loaded with goodies that nourish, cleanse and hydrate skin. Baking soda (see that? I snuck in another kitchen cupboard item) is a gentle natural exfoliator that removes dead skin cells allowing new cells to emerge for a glowing complexion. And we ladies love to glow.

Enough reminiscing. Here’s how you make a honey exfoliator mask:

• Mix two tablespoons honey with one tablespoon baking soda.
• Splash your skin with cool to luke warm water, then gently rub the mixture on your face or body in a circular motion.
• Rinse well.

Of course as I mentioned in my previous post here, you can also mix honey AND oatmeal together for an extra moisturizer bang!

There. I’ve saved you a few trips to your local Food-A-Rama, a few hours of irritation and even a little moola.

So be sweet to yourself and keep a jar of honey in your cupboard and if you think it’s too much work to make your own masks, just re-read how much work those busy bees have to do just to provide you with a pound of honey…”Honey”.

What kind of masks have you made using items from home?