Honey Beauty Formulas

Did you know that honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc? Along with its multiple vitamin content, honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture. And why stop there? Honey also acts as an anti-irritant, making it suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products–and it contains a variety of flavonoids and phenolic acids which act as antioxidants, scavenging and eliminating free radicals.

With all of that wholesome goodness, it’s no wonder that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has proclaimed September National Honey Month. In honor of that, I wanted to do a round-up of honey beauty formulas. Honey has been used in beauty care for ages, and if you have ever tried honey in a formula for your skin or hair, you know why. If you haven’t, why not tip your hat to National Honey Month and give one of these formulas, provided courtesy of the National Honey Board, a whirl?

Honey Cleansing Scrub
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

Firming Face Mask
Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores) and enough flour to form a paste (approximately 1/4 cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Smoothing Skin Lotion
Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Skin Softening Bath
Add 1/4 cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath.

Hair Shine
Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Read more: Beauty, Bath & Shower, Hair Care, Skin Care, bath, conditioner, honey, lotion