Honey Face Mask for Clear, Glowing Skin

September 26, 2011 1

I recently visited the Honey Hive in Taupo, New Zealand and now I’m fascinated by bees! I’ve always loved honey, but now I have an even greater appreciation for it. One bee will visit thousands of flowers in its lifetime and will produce only 1/2 a teaspoon of honey. And yet that honey holds amazing nutritional and healing properties. Honey is naturally antibacterial and contains powerful healing enzymes.

Honey is obviously tastes great as a sweetener in your tea or baked goods, but there are heaps of external uses as well. It can be used as a natural antibiotic on burns or scrapes, and it can be used as a natural acne treatment!

The Search for Clear Skin

Can I be straight up with you? Is that OK? I’m 26 and I still deal with acne. It’s gross, I know. I’ve wondered for years when I would “grow out of it.” But since I’ve been getting back to my roots and learning about true nutrition, I’ve come to realize that everything I could have done wrong through my life, I’ve done.

Bummer, huh?

Just about all skin conditions originate in the gut–from an imbalance of good & bad bacteria. There are lots of things that can cause that imbalance, and unfortunately I’m the walking poster child for many of them. So here we go:

I was bottle fed as a baby
Took antibiotics for every cough & cold growing up
Drank pasteurized milk
Ate a regular diet of processed & packaged foods (including waaaaay too much sugar)
Took birth control pills for years
Then stripped all the natural oils from my face with harsh chemical products.

Sigh. So I’m working on restoring a good balance of bacteria in my gut by taking a high quality probiotic supplement, cutting sugar and pasteurized dairy out of my diet as much as possible, and starting to implement fermented foods.

I’ve tried a number of natural acne face washes and lotions from the health food store, but they didn’t do much good. I finally just quit washing my face altogether and instead only used coconut oil as a moisturizer (it’s antibacterial as well). Surprisingly enough, washing or not washing my face didn’t make an ounce of difference in my acne, but it did restore the balance of oil on my skin. No more time wasted scrubbing my face twice a day with smelly sulfur based soap! And I no longer deal with oily or dry skin. (Score!)

So, back to the honey. You’ve probably already surmised that I’m going to tell you about a honey face mask for acne. Not only does putting honey on my face keep my acne at bay better than almost anything else (what I eat is the most important), but it has improved the quality of my skin within days.

Here’s how I do it:

How to Make a Honey Face Mask

1. Pull your hair back well with with head band and remove any makeup (or not, but definitely remove eye makeup with this natural make-up remover).

2. Take about a teaspoon of raw honey from the jar using a spoon or the tips of your fingers.

3. Rub your fingertips together a bit, then smear the honey on your face evenly. I find it helps to dot it on first, then smear gently.

4. Leave it on your face anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. (Fix your breakfast, wash the dishes, brush your teeth, read a book. There are plenty of things you can do with honey on your face.)

5. Rinse off with warm water, then pat your face dry. You’ll be surprised at how easily it comes off!

I often follow my honey mask with an apple cider vinegar toner, then moisturize with coconut oil. Don’t worry–the wonderful fragrances from the honey and coconut oil override the potency of the vinegar.

A few notes for you about the honey mask:

You can moisten your face with a small bit of water before applying the honey. This makes it way easier to spread, but you don’t want to water down the honey. Try splashing some water on your face, then patting it almost dry with a towel.
Do this every. single. day for at least 2 weeks to get started. Twice a day is ideal, but once a day is alright, too. After a while you can reduce the frequency of honey masks and just use coconut oil.
Choose a raw, unpasteurized honey to make sure all the enzymes and nutrients are in tact.

Who’s willing to try putting food on your face? If you deal with any kind of skin problem, honey can be incredibly beneficial. And you can’t get much easier (and truly cost effective) than one simple ingredient for a homemade beauty product.

As a side note, I’ve also learned that mead (fermented honey wine) is incredible! If anyone has had experience making their own mead, please let me know. I want to learn!

Who’s in for the honey face mask challenge? Have you already tried using honey on your face? What has your experience been like?

This post is linked to Monday Mania, Simple Lives Thursday, Fight Back Friday

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Katrina Doreen
May 19, 2012 at 11:23 pm

Hi im Katrina from Philippines. Tomorow im gonna start the honey face mask twice a day for a week then reduce it to once a day. Is it okey? Since my skin is normal sometimes oily. Can i add honey, mango, yogurt and oatmeal when scrubbing? Isnt it over?
khanh
May 20, 2012 at 6:28 pm

Hey, I just found this blog and I love it! I am usually the regular honey right now since I didn’t know what to do with raw honey and it is hard and weird in color. But I am just wondering, before you use the honey, did you heat it up to turn it to liquid form? Thanks.
sasha
May 23, 2012 at 8:49 am

im just 17… when i was 14 i had a perfect supple fair skin which people actually praised and the next year i got allergy problem which resulted into horrible scars redness on my forehead. i had it all through till i was 16. this year its disappeared alot and only little redness is all thats left because i increased my water intake from 4ml to a direct 12ml. and i only get a zit due to my irregular chums. im definitely gonna try this honey mask but i have seen other recipes too but they put olive oil in it. will try ur method first and see what difference does it make. but only 1 question i have that is when there is a yellow boil on face, is it ok to try this mask?
lesley
May 31, 2012 at 3:08 am

Hi Lori,
I just started using honey just as you say to above. I’ve actually been using it for about two weeks now. At first everything was great but now I’m really breaking out. I think it was someone else’s post that I read that your skin is suppose to get worse before it gets better. Do you know HOW LONG it will take before it gets better? I can’t stand all the pimples! lol.
1. pendingroad
  September 25, 2012 at 10:51 am
  
  exactly…there are small red bumps all over my cheeks which has spread to my jaw line and chin. it got me worried sick, i visited a doc. i really would like to check out the time frame before this honey treatment works so i can continue with it. pls advise.
Chelsea
June 1, 2012 at 2:59 pm

Hi there

I came across using honey in research I was doing about skins natural ph. Honey is so good for your skin because it has a low ph in the exact same range as your skin (acidic – 3.5-5.5)

Just as a note to the poster who talked about adding baking soda as an exfoliator… Baking soda is actually a base and will mess with the ph of your skin. I would say you’re better off using green clay instead.
1. Meghan
  July 24, 2012 at 3:46 pm
  
  You can use baking soda, but you’ll want to use an apple cider vinegar rise afterwards to balance out the ph. Just put a few drops of it on a wet cotton ball and use like a toner
kalpana
June 3, 2012 at 7:45 am

but this honey mask gives results only after a long duration of regular application…
carol
June 6, 2012 at 12:13 pm

Came across your site and found it very helpful. Was looking for a natural blemish remedy for my teens. I already have raw honey, braggs ACV and coconut oil! I don’t have a blemish problem but I assume this will still be healthy for my face. Let me know if there’s something else I could be using for my ‘mature’ face :)
Daphine
June 9, 2012 at 2:14 pm

Hi am 21 and hav bin dealing with acne for 4yrs nw..recently i discovered tht honey deals well with acne so i startd using it like s week ago but things r geting frm bad 2 worse..after washing my face i use nivea moistourising body milk
Katie EA
June 12, 2012 at 12:50 am

I’m going to try this right now, I have a new jar of manuka honey and a new thing of coconut oil =)

I’m a little worried though after reading your comments on birth control, do you mean for acne purposes or overall? :S
Girl
June 19, 2012 at 11:55 pm

I have been using Manuka honey plus kasthuri manjal(tumeric powder meant for face) for the past few weeks though I dont apply everyday,it seems there is some slight difference on my face(aunt;s comment) and is no longer as oily as it used to be.
Jasmine N.P.
June 28, 2012 at 10:59 am

Soo, Ever Since School Has Ended For Me (On May 22), I’ve Been Trying To Change For Next School Year In Auguest . The Only Thing I’m Hoping For Is Clearer Skin By The Time School Starts . I’ve Been Searching & I Learned Mixing Rice Flour And Water Creates A Paste And I Can Put A Thin Layer On My Face For About 10mins Then Wash It Off In Warm Water And Pat It Dry . I Do It Everyday (When I Get A Chance) , Even If I Don’t Your Skin Will Be Glowing Still For A Few Days . My Mom Is 51, She Used My Rice Flour Too, I Didn’t Even Ask, You Can see The Differance And Brightness Change In Her Skin . Lol It Was Funny When My Dad Asked Her What Happened To Her Face . Anyways, Off Topic . I’m Going To Try Honey For A Few Days And Randomly Add The Rice Flour Facial . Then Buy Coconut Oil, I’m Not Sure Because Someone Earlier Said It Clogs Your Pores . Then Someone Recommed Tea Tree Oil . I Sometimes Get Dry Skin On My Forehead And Tbh I Don’t Moisterize It, I Use The Facial Or Just Water (Clean) My Face With A Towel .
Diana
July 5, 2012 at 2:11 pm

Thank you so much for this wonderful article on all the steps to the honey mask! I have been looking for a clear & straight forward How-to for a bit now and after coming across your site all my questions have been answered! Day one of Honey Mask makeover complete! Thank you!! xx Diana
Yolunde
July 7, 2012 at 9:49 pm

I just stumbled across your blog and i was wondering about using the coconut oil as a moisturiser, i have a bottle of organic cold pressed coconut oil should i melt it before applying it to my skin or leave it solid and apply a little bit to my fingers and let it soften before putting it on my face? Also with using the honey wash how long did it take your skin to clear up (after it getting worse first- to remove all the toxins) Anyways thanks for an interesting blog and i hope to hear back from you.
1. Lori Winter
  July 11, 2012 at 9:19 pm
  
  Hi Yolunde! You definitely don’t have to melt your coconut oil first. As soon as it touches your skin it will start to ‘melt’ on its own and absorb into your skin.
  The process will be different for every person — it’s dependent on your diet, toxicity, exercise, healthy sun exposure, and so many other factors. If you take a comprehensive approach to it, you should expect to at least see improvement in 3-5 weeks. I have a Clear Skin guide coming out soon, so stay tuned to download your copy! :)
Anny
July 11, 2012 at 6:44 pm

Hi Lori,
I just tried using the honey mask today and I was wondering, after 2 weeks, do you keep using it everyday, do you do it once a week or what? Thanks
1. Lori Winter
  July 11, 2012 at 9:16 pm
  
  I personally use it every day instead of harsh soaps!
  1. Ashleybasyoni
    November 25, 2014 at 7:39 am
    
    When the bumps show up on the skin, how do they go away? Naturally, or do I have to use an exfoliant?
Laurel
July 12, 2012 at 7:30 am

Wow ! I started using this Face mask for a week and this is amazing ! My skin is so clear ! Thank you !
Sara Bell
July 18, 2012 at 9:27 am

Hi! Just stumbled on to your blog. I’m 45 and I had been having the same problem with acne-thought it would eventually stop since you know I’m a grandma and all :(. 6 months ago I created the all inclusive facewash-moisutrizer combination. Many have tried it and love it. It’s pretty amazing! Check out my website at Baaney “Banish the Blemish” an all natural acne cleansing system containing bananas and honey.
Trevor W
July 19, 2012 at 12:34 am

Hello,

I have recently gone off the deep-end, applied so many different chemical based products that I burned my skin. It was horrible to say the least; my acne flared up as well, which greatly exacerbated the issue. Looking back my freak out was completely counter-productive; I was experiencing the initial breakout so many have described when they first start the honey regiment (or any regiment really, as any change seems to cause such a breakout).

However, my emotions calmed down and I continued the regiment. Four days after I gave myself a chemical burns (which covered roughtly 70% of my face) I have reduced the burns by 90-95% using honey and neosporin. Honestly, I doubt the neosporin was even necessary, but fearing infection I applied it anyways before bed each night to maximize my healing potential (I think).

I typically use honey twice a day and will leave the honey on for an upwards of 4 hours a day, which will probably be curved once my acne has been reduced. Well, after experimenting for a couple weeks now with this (and even with lapses into the chemical realm) my face is looking-worse-but-obviously-getting-better. I honestly believe that my skin will heal for real this time. I have only developed one new pimple in the last week, which was a tiny one at that; this is a serious reduction and seems to signify that my issue may be in the process of being fixed.

I however have some serious concerns. I do not have a complete regiment. I am only using the honey facial, which I believe to not be all-inclusive. Should I add the toner you describe? What about a moisturizer– the one you suggest is not something that my skin reacts well to?

I also tried using green tea, sugar, and honey as another step in the process. Thoughts?
1. Lori Winter
  July 19, 2012 at 1:10 pm
  
  Hi Trevor – I’m so glad to hear the honey seems to be working for you! It can definitely be a process that includes lots of trial and error. I know that was the case for me. Every person will be different and will react differently to each natural remedy. I would absolutely recommend the Apple Cider Vinegar Toner (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2012/05/apple-cider-vinegar-facial-toner/). If you don’t react well to coconut oil, try using pure shea butter or a chemical free product that contains it. I love J&M Botanicals (jmbotanicals.com). I know their products are free of absolutely anything questionable and they source organic and fair trade ingredients.
  There is also, of course, the diet and nutrition element that plays a direct role in the condition of our skin. Stay tuned for an ebook I’m about to release that will be a comprehensive guide to clear skin naturally! :-D
  1. Trevor W
    July 19, 2012 at 2:40 pm
    
    I did a little research on shea butter and I have seen mixed reviews; although I feel like those negative reviews were written by people that apply too much of the product. Could you suggest an amount to apply/how to do it?
    
    I greatly appreciate your advice :)
    1. Lori Winter
      July 19, 2012 at 5:14 pm
      
      A very light coating should do the trick, but always listen to your body. I’ve also asked your question of all my followers on Facebook. Feel free to join the conversation there too! http://www.facebook.com/LaurelofLeaves
Trevor W
July 19, 2012 at 12:36 am

I would also like to note that the inner film of eggs seem to be quite an interesting tool to have in your box as well. After 10 minutes of the film being applied to larger cystic acne I saw a serious reduction in size. I tried this tonight between honey applications, thought it was worth a go. Thoughts?
Cait
July 19, 2012 at 9:48 am

Hi Lori,
I’ve used the honey mask before, but not just alone. I would also suggest mixing it with a few dashes of cinnamon and making it into a paste and then leaving it on for as long as you feel like. The cinnamon has lots of great stuff in it also, and because its a very fine powder it creates a nice scrubbing effect when you wash it off, to help slough off dead skin, etc.
1. Lori Winter
  July 19, 2012 at 1:05 pm
  
  Yes! Adding cinnamon is great. I’ve made a very similar honey face mask with cinnamon and nutmeg (https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2011/11/holiday-honey-face-mask/).
2. Veronica
  August 27, 2012 at 3:16 pm
  
  Cinnamon has irritated my skin on multiple occasions. It doesn’t completely dissolve with water or honey. I would recommend sugar. It is a more gentle scrubber and it completely dissolves with water after a couple of minutes so you can leave the mask on to moisturize.
Amara
July 20, 2012 at 6:12 pm

I am 13 years old and I raise bees with my family. We dont pasteurize our honey and I was wondering if it’s better to use local honey.
1. Lori Winter
  July 23, 2012 at 7:28 am
  
  Any time you can get local food, that’s definitely a great thing (especially if you grow/raise it yourself)! My husband and I would love to keep bees at some point.
Sunny
July 21, 2012 at 1:04 pm

Hi Lori, I was wondering.. if you do other facials a week, besides using honey, would it still be okay to use honey along with that? I do egg facials once a week, and it tightens and brightens my skin. (If any of you want the recipe, go to youtube.com and search egg mask facial. It should be by Michelle Phan. ) I’ve used honey before I discovered the egg mask facial, and I was wondering if it would be ok to use both, or would it be too much for my skin… Thanks!
Sunny
1. Lori Winter
  July 22, 2012 at 12:06 pm
  
  I don’t typically do too much else on a regular basis, but you can certainly give it a shot! I would only recommend starting out slowly with the combination. Give it time, listen to your body, see how your skin responds, then go from there.
  Thanks for joining the conversation!
Trevor W
July 23, 2012 at 10:10 am

I am changing honeys today. I found out that the “raw” honey I was using wasn’t so raw. This time I am going with Heavenly Organic’s “WIld Forest Raw Honey.” It says unheated. It is USDA certified organic. I hope this will be better!

Now, this honey is crystallized. How do I get it onto my face without killing enzymes?

(On a side note, I saw a jar of 450 Manuka Honey. I wonder if my face would be too pretty to look at if I used it ;) )
1. Lori Winter
  July 25, 2012 at 4:54 pm
  
  You should be able to rub it between your fingers for just a few seconds before applying it to your face. It may also help to moisten your face ever so slightly with water before applying the honey.
  1. Jayne C
    February 8, 2013 at 4:15 am
    
    Hi, I take Raw unpasteurised Manuka Honey every day as a tonic ( 2 tsps daily mixed with water) & haven’t had a cold or anything for years! I have also used it on a suspicious mole I had on my back( put a dab of honey on mole & covered it with a plaster. I changed the plaster & reapplied every 2 days) it had completely gone in a week!! I have also done a lot of research into Raw Honey & read that diluting with water does NOT affect its potency at all. Works for me :)
erika garibay
July 23, 2012 at 6:12 pm

hi im a teen and i tryed proactive for a week and i didnt work so far but i also have dry skin so i in the moring i put dry skin lotion and it worked but i still have bad acne so are u sure it will work, i would like to get rid of all the acne when school star wich is augast 20. i hope it will work (:
1. Lori Winter
  July 25, 2012 at 4:57 pm
  
  Hi Erika,
  I can’t guarantee that anything will work 100%. Every person is different and there are a host of different factors to take into account. For example, what does your diet look like? Are you stressed? Are you using other toxic personal care products that could be counteracting the honey? Are you on any medications that could be affecting your hormones? Clear skin really does require a holistic effort.
  All that to say, I’ve found honey to make the biggest difference in my skin hands down. I definitely think it’s worth a try!
Zohra
July 24, 2012 at 5:19 am

hi, i am using pure honey on my face but its not raw one.will it help my skin?
1. Lori Winter
  July 25, 2012 at 4:58 pm
  
  It will still be great for your face, but you’ll be getting so much more ‘bang for your buck’ in the way of enzyme activity if you opt for a high quality raw honey.
John
July 25, 2012 at 3:56 am

I use raw honey, then the ACV toner. I then apply raw tea tree oil to zits as a spot treatment. Do I need a moisturizer? Is the honey not enough? Its been 3 days and I have seen improvement on my current acne but a bit of new acne is still coming.
1. Lori Winter
  July 25, 2012 at 5:00 pm
  
  Honey, ACV, and tea tree oil are all fantastic to use when combating acne. Just give it time and listen to your body. If you notice the ACV or tea tree oil drying out your skin, try some coconut oil for several days and see how your skin reacts. Also remember that sometimes we have to get worse before we can get better! The honey will be pulling all the impurities out of your skin, but you want it out, not in! :)