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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Molly
July 25, 2012 at 3:25 pm

Hi Lori,
Do you have any suggestions for make-up removal products that won’t irritate and dry out sensitive skin? I’m trying the honey mask daily and right now my acne is pretty bad, but hoping it will get better in the next few weeks! Thanks and so glad I found your blog! It’s refreshing to see others sharing how we can take care of ourselves in a natural, healthy, chemical free way!
Molly
1. Lori Winter
  July 25, 2012 at 5:03 pm
  
  Hi Molly,
  I use the honey as a makeup remover and face wash at the same time! If you need a natural eye makeup remover, I use coconut oil: https://www.laurelofleaves.com/2012/03/the-best-natural-make-up-remover/
  Thanks so much for connecting! Glad to have you here!
Karly
July 26, 2012 at 7:31 pm

Afew months ago, I had been bombarded with all sorts of stress and it had really been affecting my health, along with my face. Then, I started breaking out in places that I had never been before! It feels as if when I break out somewhere, I keep breaking out in that place. Recently, my problem had been lessening, but because of my habit of picking at my face (I know its horrible) I’m left with red splotches, and its awful. I have very sensitive skin, and as school will be starting soon, I hope this will work almost immediately.
Asma
July 27, 2012 at 1:54 am

Hi Lori, hope you’re well.

This honey as cleanser routine sounds great. I’ve noticed a dry scaly patch on my left cheek only, having read about coconut oil prior to visiting this thread I thought to give it a go, but it’s not combated the patch…If anything it seems more dry and the oily part on face (nose) more oily as if I will break out. So, in fear of breaking out I gave up the coconut oil within 3 nights. I am not prone to break outs, never had acne or any other skin condition on face except for the odd dryness on cheek, but never a darkish scaly patch. Do I continue using the oil? Or try the honey? Will it do much for dryness?
Edel
July 29, 2012 at 4:58 pm

Hi! I’m from Ireland I’m 27 and I’ve suffered from cystic acne for years! I’ve also been diagnosed with mild celiac disease and chronic constipation which could apparently be making a huge impact on my skin I’m so excited to try this mask I’m sitting here with a layer on now! This is a great blog :-) fingers crossed this works as I’ve no other options..
Molly
July 30, 2012 at 10:22 am

Hi Lori,
Just wanted to give you an update on my progress this past week. I couldn’t be happier with the results! I started using the honey masks morning and night for 1 hr followed by the apple cider vinegar toner and coconut oil for moisturizer. My skin has completely transformed in 1 week! I no longer have dry and flaky skin and the tone has evened tremendously. I always had very red and blotchy cheeks and that has gone down significantly. I currently have no zits (which is pretty much a first!), but I still have redness where the lot zits were. That is definitely fading quickly though! Thank you again…it is truly a relief to finally find something NATURAL that works after all these years!
Molly
1. Lori Winter
  August 9, 2012 at 8:53 am
  
  Molly, that’s FANTASTIC to hear!!!! Thanks so much for updating everyone on your progress! :-D
aasmha
July 31, 2012 at 11:31 am

im defo going to try this tonight thanks alot guys xx
Samantha
July 31, 2012 at 10:13 pm

Hi Lori!

I just started tonight…I just have pure right now and not raw…gotta go to the store! But, I was wondering how long did it get worse for you before it got better?

Thanks!
1. Lori Winter
  August 9, 2012 at 8:52 am
  
  That time frame will be different for everyone as it also depends on a host of other factors — your diet, toxicity level, stress level, etc. I say give it at least a couple weeks and stick with it! :)
Samantha
August 1, 2012 at 11:51 am

Have you heard reviews on LouAna’s Pure Coconut oil? That’s what I found at WalMart and am wondering if it will work. It has no smell so I guess it is deodorized?
1. Lori Winter
  August 1, 2012 at 12:20 pm
  
  As far as I can recall, LouAna’s Coconut Oil is refined. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it. Stick with unrefined virgin coconut oil that hasn’t undergone all the extra processing. You can find it at any health food store or order online. Tropical Traditions or Nutiva are great brands: http://tinyurl.com/cf7tbng
  Or I often use the Vitacost brand, which is a great value. If you’ve never ordered from Vitacost.com before, you can use my referral link and we both get $10 off! http://www.vitacost.com/Referee?wlsrc=rsReferral&ReferralCode=2096023
Elmo
August 2, 2012 at 5:05 am

Hi, I’m 15 and normally have good skin, but I have a problem with whiteheads on my chin, and now my skin is getting worse because of harsh makeup remover wipes. Is honey a good alternative makeup remover? I want to use the honey on my face but I don’t want to go back to school with all the pimples you mentioned (getting worse before it gets better). How long will it take to get better? Thanks :)
shivani
August 3, 2012 at 10:40 am

I love honey face masks! Gentle, effective and leave my skin years younger. I had a bad episode with virgin coconut oil, it broke out my skin badly :( initially i attributed it to purging but it only got worse.and then i read that its highly comedogenic so it kind of made sense. pls be careful while using coconut oil. use olive oil or jojoba oil instead.
kendra
August 5, 2012 at 3:26 pm

Hello Hello,
Ive been doing honey masks for an hr every night for the past wk. & a half. & i am breaking out pretty bad. Know previous posts say it will get worse before it gets better…is there any time frame as to how long till I should start seeing positive results… Or is honey just not right for me?ha just wondering if I should tough it out & keep going, or stop using this remedy.
Anna
August 6, 2012 at 12:27 am

Lori,
It is so nice to read about someone who is making an effort to ditch all of the chemical products out there and get back to the basics with home remedies. I originally had no intention of using natural remedies for my skin but after suffering from severe skin allergies for four years I started avoiding mainstream products and turned to the “naturals.” Well, my skin got better but I still had reactions to the “natural” products I was using! I got so sick of buying bottle after bottle of lotion, shampoo, soap etc. that I ditched it all, got myself a big bottle of coconut oil, apple cider vinegar and natural brown sugar and haven’t turned back since! I’m anxious to try your honey mask, I’ve used it on my hands mixed with brown sugar to help with my dermatitis but never on my face. Thanks for spreading the news! I have caught a lot of grief from friends and family who now call me a health nut, so it’s good to see others who are simply using what nature gave us :)
Amethyst
August 7, 2012 at 1:08 pm

Hey Lori! The honey is amzing and it seems to be helping my acne. Great idea!!!!! :) Thanks so much! PS: great website name :)
Tiffany
August 7, 2012 at 11:52 pm

Hi Lori. I used honey for a week as mask on my face. But i observed that tiny pimples on my face increases, is that normal? Or should i stop using honey. I’ll wait for your reply. Thanks :) Have a nice day! :)
Ismae
August 8, 2012 at 1:21 am

Hi

I have been using honey on my face as a mask for the past week and I love it – my skin seems to glow more and adds moisture. After honey mask I moisturise with Argan Oil a fantastic product for Face, Hair and Body Moisturising.
Lindsey
August 12, 2012 at 10:29 pm

Hi! I’m so glad I stumbled onto this website! It sounds like we have the same acne backstory, and recently I found that the less I use on my face, the better. I don’t use ANY acne medications any more—I just use a gentle cleanser (not ready to go without washing, I feel so gross) and a moisturizer at night for sensitive skin. I still break out, but it is significantly less and my skin is just better overall.

I am excited to try this honey mask. I’ver heard great things but never thought to try it every day. Hope it works for me too Thank you!!!
control oily skin
August 13, 2012 at 1:49 pm

Love using honey to cleanse as well as using it as a face mask
Damian
August 24, 2012 at 5:34 am

Hi,Is this honey mask only to make you “feel” better or also to make you “look” better ????
Damian
August 24, 2012 at 6:13 am

Hi…again,I asked my question earlier becous I’m trying to take care of my self And be healthy for my self “be green” inside (heart,cholesterol) and out (zitts,black heads,oily skin)…soo any suggestions????
Jancee
August 24, 2012 at 10:53 am

Hi! I have tried doing this for a couple of days and had a few bumps. I don’t really know if its the mask that’s causing me to break out or its my miscarriage/hormones. I’ve been trying anything natural because I think putting chemicals on my face will just make it worse. I was discouraged but when I read this, it makes me want to try it again! Thank you and you’ve convinced me to put/use anything natural on my face and start getting healthy! :)

PS:
Is there a difference between natural and unpasteurized? I know, stupid question but the honey I have doesn’t really have any info. Lol.
1. Lori Winter
  August 31, 2012 at 2:37 pm
  
  Jancee – Keep pressing through! There are so many factors to clearing up your skin, so don’t forget to look at your diet, good sun exposure, stress levels, etc.
  As far as labels on honey – ‘natural’ isn’t regulated in labeling and may not mean anything at all. Sad, huh? If it is truly unpasteurized, it will be labeled as such.
mavis
August 28, 2012 at 11:31 pm

you should adding sm lemon too, it works with it really beautifully
Top 11 Posts of 2011
August 31, 2012 at 1:37 pm

[…] Honey Face Mask for Clear, Glowing Skin – I no longer wash my face with soap, but with honey, and it has made the biggest difference in my […]
ruchika
September 3, 2012 at 6:22 am

plz tell me…is mehsons or dabur pure honey equally effective for face as raw honey is????i didn’t get raw honey anywhere..
Britni
September 3, 2012 at 9:57 pm

Honey is absolutely amazing. For all over your body. I made this amazing scrub that’s all natural with the best ingredients. I used pure cane sugar, oats, honey (lots),cold pressed 100% olive oil (for dry skin), and blueberries. You can also add coffee grounds, pumpkin (doesn’t last as long), whatever you feel like to mix and match. Its like making a custom wash for your skin. Best part it makes a lot for very little money.

I like to make more a scrub so I use more oats and sugar good amount of honey and a little olive oil. You can use more oil and honey to make it thinner for just a wash. I keep it in an air sealed jar. You’ll feel a huge difference in one use.

Also another great trick:
Take an egg, separate the yoke and white. Whisk white place on face generously allow to completely dry ( few minutes) to the point where its hard to move your face. Rinse. Repeat with yoke. The white cleans face and yoke helps moisturise and adds a healthy glow. Do about once a week.

:)
1. Dominic
  September 12, 2012 at 6:04 am
  
  I have some post acne hyperpigmentation that I’ve been dying to get rid of and I am trying out this honey mask, I got myself Manuka honey (which is expensive but I as I did my research it’s the best kind of honey out there 100% natural and with tons of additional nutrients – you can google it to find out more) mixed with organic extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice combination. Maybe ocassionally will add sugar to the mixture to exfoliate ( once or twice a week)
Payal
September 4, 2012 at 6:12 pm

I just got my honey from walmart..it says “Clover Honey, all natural” i dont know what does that mean? is it good?