Honey does not interact with other acne medications you might be using. Therefore, it is safe for topical use but do a patch test to avoid side effects. This article explores why honey is effective against acne, how it works, and what type of honey you must use for best results. Keep reading.
Raw Honey
Raw honey (or any natural honey) is flower nectar and is produced by bees after they collect the nectar from the flowers. Raw honey contains propolis, a substance that the bees use to seal their hive, which has antimicrobial properties. In vitro studies have concluded that honey has medicinal usage and is effective on dermatologically relevant microbes (3). However, none of the studies are conclusive and need further research. Honey is rich in antioxidants (flavonoids), vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and certain enzymes. It’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, healing, and cleansing properties make it useful in managing acne (4).
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is prepared by bees that gather pollen only from the Manuka trees found in Australia and New Zealand. It is a non-peroxide type of honey, which means the enzymes present in it do not produce hydrogen peroxide when applied to the skin. Manuka honey possesses antimicrobial properties. This activity can be attributed to its low pH levels and high sugar content. Apart from this difference, Manuka honey shares the other qualities of raw honey. It also helps to heal infections and wounds. Its antioxidant content is also similar to raw honey (5). According to a study, naturally darker honey contains more antioxidants (4). Now you know which honey to buy for your skin. In the next section, we have discussed the ways you can use honey for managing acne at home.
How To Use Honey For Acne
Before you proceed, keep in mind that just because the treatment is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. You may be allergic to a lot of natural ingredients. While one or two of the natural remedies may work for you, and some may even have research backing, do not experiment with DIY remedies for acne. Your first point of contact should be your doctor.
1. Turmeric And Honey
Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for centuries for its antiseptic and healing properties. It has therapeutic benefits and can improve skin conditions, including acne. However, further studies are required for a better evaluation of its efficacy (6). In combination with honey, it forms a potent mix to deal with acne. To use this, mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with honey and apply it on your face. Wash it off after 20 minutes.
2. Honey And Cinnamon Face Mask
Cinnamon possesses anti-inflammatory properties. A study done of 20 patients with mild to moderate acne found that cinnamon gel helped reduce acne lesions (7). Together, with honey, it can help calm acne. You can mix a teaspoon of cinnamon powder with honey and use it as a spot treatment. Precaution: Cinnamon may cause skin irritation. While minor irritation is common, do a patch test before application.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey For Acne
People cannot stop raving about the effect of ACV on their skin and acne. It probably works by altering the skin pH level, which eventually kills the bacteria. However, there’s no research backing this fact. You may dilute a teaspoon of ACV with a teaspoon of water and mix it with honey. Apply the mixture to your face and wash it off later.
4. Oatmeal And Honey For Acne
Colloidal oatmeal (boiled oats) has cleansing properties as it contains saponins that help remove all impurities from the skin. It soothes the skin and reduces inflammation (8). You can boil oatmeal, mix it with honey, and apply it as a face mask. Keep it on for a minimum of 15 minutes and then wash off.
5. Honey And Sugar Scrub For Acne
Ground sugar is an excellent option for a natural scrub (due to its coarse texture). You can mix it with honey and use it on your skin. It helps to clean dead skin cells by gently exfoliating them. However, make sure to rub it on your face gently. Harsh exfoliation and rubbing can irritate the skin and aggravate acne.
6. Honey And Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another popular DIY ingredient used in homemade masks and scrubs. It might have a slightly exfoliating effect. You may try using it with honey, which will moisturize and balance its exfoliating effect. Mix a teaspoon of nutmeg powder with honey and use it as a spot treatment or a face mask.
7. Sea Salt And Honey For Acne
Sea salt helps to improve skin barrier repair function (9). Along with honey, sea salt may help soothe your skin and prevent inflammation and acne. Mix a teaspoon of honey with sea salt. You may dissolve the salt in hot water and then add honey to it. Apply the mixture to your face and let it dry.
8. Coconut Oil And Honey For Acne
Using coconut oil (extra virgin coconut oil) can be tricky because it doesn’t suit all skin types, especially oily skin types, and may aggravate acne. However, it has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is beneficial for inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (10). Mix a teaspoon of extra virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil with honey and massage on your face. Wash it later.
9. Tea Tree Oil And Honey For Acne
According to a study, 5% of tea tree oil can help reduce mild to moderate acne (11). However, make sure that you are not allergic to it. Also, dilute it with some carrier oil before using it on your skin. You can mix 2-3 drops of diluted tea tree oil with honey and massage on your skin. Wash it off after some time.
10. Green Tea And Honey For Acne
Green tea may have a lot of health benefits when consumed. However, its topical benefits are not well-studied. People mostly use it for its skin-soothing effects. You can mix freshly brewed green tea with honey and then apply it to your skin.
11. Honey And Lemon Mask
Citric acid is the primary AHA naturally found in lemon. This AHA helps improve the skin renewal rate (12). However, people often use lemon for its astringent effect on the skin. Mix a few drops of lemon juice with honey and apply it to your face. Wash it off after some time. Be cautious while using lemon. As it is rich in Vitamin C, it may make your skin photosensitive. Use sunscreen while are going out after using lemon.
12. Tomato And Honey For Acne
Tomato is said to have a toning effect on the skin. It contains lycopene that protects the skin from photodamage (13). You can puree a small tomato, mix it with honey, and apply it on your skin. Leave it on for 15 minutes before washing it off.
13. Neem And Honey For Acne
Neem has been used for ages in Ayurvedic medicine and home remedies. The extracts of this medicinal tree have antimicrobial properties and are effective against S. Aureus bacteria (those cause pimples and boils) (14). You can mix neem leaves paste with honey and apply it to your face. Wash it off after it dries.
14. Red Sandalwood And Honey
In Ayurveda, red sandalwood or rakta Chandan is used for treating inflammation and promoting wound healing (15). People often used it in home remedies for its healing effect. If you want to use red sandalwood for acne, mix a teaspoon of red sandalwood powder with a teaspoon of honey and apply it to the affected area. Wash it off after 15-20 minutes. Remember to do a patch test to check if you are allergic to it.
15. Honey And Olive Oil Face Mask
In rat and mice studies, topical application of olive oil promoted wound healing, reduced oxidative damage, and fostered dermal reconstruction. In a controlled trial, a mixture of olive oil, honey, and sesame oil was found to prevent infection in burn wounds. However, olive oil can also hamper the skin barrier function when tested on both humans and mice (16). If you want to use olive oil, you may mix it with honey and then massage it on the affected area. Let it stay for some time and then wash off.
16. Honey And Milk Mask
Milk has been used from time immemorial to cleanse the skin. It contains lactic acid and is thought to have a gentle cleansing and exfoliating effect on the skin. You can mix milk and honey and then apply with cotton pads on your skin.
17. Aloe Vera And Honey For Acne
Aloe vera has an anti-acne effect. It also stimulates the fibroblasts in your skin that produce collagen and elastin. This improves skin quality and health (17). You can mix freshly squeezed aloe vera pulp and honey and apply it as a face mask. Keep it for some time and then wash it off. These were some easy home remedies you can try at home if you have acne. However, you have to be careful while using natural remedies. Make sure that the honey that you are using is raw or unadulterated. You can even use manuka, honey. Also, natural remedies may cause side effects, especially allergic reactions. Hence, you must do a patch test before using any ingredient. Acne management is all about maintaining a healthy skincare routine, both externally and internally. While you use acne medication and try these remedies to take proper care of your skin from the outside, also make sure that you are eating healthy. A holistic approach is what you need to manage acne effectively. What kind of honey should be used on the face? Raw, unadulterated, and manuka honey. Does drinking honey help acne? Drinking honey helps in maintaining a healthy body and skin. Can you leave honey on your face overnight? That won’t be much comfortable. Does honey get rid of spots? No, you need to consult a dermatologist. Does honey help with acne scars? Scar management needs proper treatment and a good skincare routine. Consult a doctor for this. Natural remedies may not be that effective. How long does honey take to clear up acne? Anecdotal evidence suggests that using honey every day can help clear acne in a few months. However, there is no scientific study to confirm this. Does drinking honey cause acne? There is no evidence suggesting that drinking honey mixed in water or other beverages can cause or worsen acne. On the contrary, it is popularly believed that honey can benefit the skin due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties (1), (3). Should I wash my face with soap after applying honey? No, washing your face with soap is never recommended as soap can strip away the natural skin oils and reduce skin moisture. Ideally, wash your face with lukewarm water after using honey.
