Honey-whether used as a term of endearment or as a natural food and beverage sweetener—has associations that go beyond our common notion. Its sweet wonders have long been part of ancient cultures.
In the spa world, honey is a fundamental ingredient in various beauty treatments. Honey’s antioxidant and antimicrobial properties offer natural protection to repair skin damage and support the skin’s ability to rejuvenate.
It also absorbs impurities from skin pores, making it an ideal cleansing agent.
Keeping a bottle of honey at home is an essential part of creating your own spa beauty treatments. Affordable and easy to prepare, the following popular honey-based recipes recommended by websites and honey enthusiasts can go a long way in keeping your skin silky smooth.
Mild Honey Cleanser
Pampering the skin begins with thorough cleansing.
Mix ¼ cup of honey with 1 tbsp liquid soap and ½ c glycerin. Apply gently on skin using a face towel, rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Honey Oats Face Scrub
A face scrub is highly recommended for a more thorough facial cleansing.
Combine 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp finely ground almonds, 2 tbsp dry oatmeal, and some lemon juice or yogurt for a luxurious and exfoliating facial scrub. Massage mixture gently onto face, then rinse with warm water. This blend gives a deeply emollient cleansing to the pores of your face. Almonds and oats are superb exfoliants for softening the skin.
Honey-Apple Toner
Facial toning is essential to bring back moisture to skin after cleansing. In a blender or food processor, combine 1 peeled, cored apple with a tablespoon of honey and pulse until smooth. Apply mixture to face and allow to stay for 15 minutes, then rinse.
Honey and Lavender Face Mask
To feed the skin vital nutrients it needs, a facial mask is the sure way to go. For this recipe, you will need 1 tbsp of raw honey nixed with 3 drops of lavender essential oil. Dampen your face with warm water, and smooth on the honey and lavender mixture. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. This facial mask mixture is ideal for all skin types.
Honey Olive Hair Conditioner
Aside from caring for the face, the use of honey can revitalize the hair for healthier scalp and lustrous mane.
Combine ½ c of honey and ¼ c olive oil. Massage onto scalp and put on a shower cap for 30 minutes. Shampoo and rinse as usual.
These all-natural honey-based spa beauty recipes are simple to make with readily available ingredients that can save you time and a hefty sum.
And the best part is—you might actually enjoy doing this!
E-mail the author for suggestions and comments at philspaconsultancy@gmail.com.