Why Including Honey Is A Must In Your Beauty Routine (& 25 DIYs To Make The Most Of The Desi Nectar)

Wondering how your nani or dadi still has a beautiful shine on her face? The secret to the older generation’s glowing skin was homemade skincare products, especially a honey skincare routine. While we are constantly falling prey to impressive advertisements, we ignore the liquid gold we have stashed on our kitchen shelves. It’s easily available, cost-effective and has tons of benefits on the skin. 

How Is Honey Made?

Honey has been a staple in our kitchens since times immemorial. It is so rich in nutrients that it is a boon not only for our health but also for the skin so that you can have a honey skincare routine. Did you know that bees produce and store honey as a backup for food in case of bad weather? 

Honey is a result of an enzymatic activity that takes place after the bee collects nectar from the flowers. The bee accumulates the nectar from various flowers and carries it to the hive. During this process, the enzymes present in the saliva of the bee break the sugar compounds present in the nectar. In the beehive, the hive bees regurgitate the nectar and constantly fan their little wings to cause excessive water to evaporate. The bee community goes through quite a bit of work to provide us with this sweet amber coloured liquid.

10 Incredible Benefits Of Having A Honey Skincare Routine 

Though it mainly consists of sugars like glucose and fructose, honey is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils. The average pH level of honey is around 4. A variety of organic acids like valeric acid, acetic acid, citric acid and lactic acid are also found in the composition of honey. The presence of all these nutrients makes honey for face and skin related problems an ideal solution. Some of the amazing honey benefits for skin one can expect after using honey are:

• Restoring the lost shine on the skin
• Curing acne
• Reduction of pores on the face
• Reversing the effects of ageing
• Helping in achieving an even skin tone 
• Improving the texture of dry skin 
• Fades away dark spot on the face
• Helps with oily skin
• Calms acid reflux
• Helps with pigmentation and skin brightening 

The best feature that makes using honey for skin a great option is that it is all-natural and will not cause any allergies or breakouts. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Hence, while using honey for the face, there’s absolutely no need for a patch test. Use it as a skin cleanser, make it a part of your face pack, add it to your bath or exfoliate your skin with it (you could do all of this if you wish) and your skin will thank you for this treat.

Sure, honey benefits for skin are innumerable, but there are ways in which the benefits for skin can be multiplied. This can be done by adding the right ingredients (all of them being inexpensive products from your kitchen) and accurately using the concoction. Depending on the skin concern, there are specific ingredients that, when added to honey, show amazing results.

25 Effective Honey DIYS You Must Include In Your Honey Skincare Routine

1. Honey And Nothing Else

Honey alone is a great moisturizer and can nourish your skin to repair skin damage. Here’s how you can apply it to bring out that glow. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of honey

Method:

1. Apply a tablespoon of raw honey on your damp face and neck.
2. Massage in an upward circular motion, causing the open pores to shrink.
3. Leave the thick layer of this honey face mask on for 30 minutes. It will add a glow to the skin.

2. Lemon & Honey Face Mask For Acne

If you struggle with acne and have been wanting clear skin, this mask can really be of use to you. You can apply it once a week and start seeing results instantly!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Method:

1. Mix lemon juice with honey and apply to a clean face.
2. Leave the mixture on the skin till it has completely dried.
3. Rinse off.

3. Papaya & Honey Face Mask For Glow

A fruity love for your skin is always amazing, isn’t it? Well so is this mask, get yourself a shining glow like a queen with this easy DIY recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 small pieces of papaya (ripe) 
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• A pinch of turmeric, optional (haldi)

Method:

1. Remove the seeds from the papaya. Mash it in a bowl with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
2. Add a tablespoon of honey to the papaya mash.
3. Apply the honey face mask to the entire face, leave it on till dry.
4. Wash off with cool water.

Tip: The combination of honey, papaya and milk also makes for a great homemade moisturizer that can be used especially during winters.

4. Cinnamon (Dalchini) & Honey For Pimples

This mask is an ideal solution for using honey for pimples. If applied regularly, it can lead to the lightening of scars and reduction of pimples.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (dalchini) powder

Method:

1. Mix the honey and cinnamon (dalchini) powder, freshly ground cinnamon (dalchini) powder works best for this remedy.
2. Apply only on spots where you see pimples. This can also be applied to scars.
3. Keep it on overnight and wash it off in the morning.

5. Oatmeal & Honey Face Mask To Fight Dry Skin

Best suited for people with dry skin. Apply as often as required to make the skin look and feel healthy.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons yoghurt/milk
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of oats (any kind)

Method:

1. Make a mixture of oats, honey and yoghurt/milk. The consistency should be thick.
2. Apply to the face and neck and massage gently.
3. Keep the mask on till it has completely dried.
4. Rinse the mask off.

6. Gram Flour (Besan) & Honey Face Mask For Healthy Skin

This combination has been used by brides for centuries as it is said to give the skin a special glow. The gram flour (besan) helps in removing dead skin cells. Use the mask as frequently as you please.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons of yoghurt (dahi)
• 1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan)
• A pinch of turmeric (haldi)

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients to make a paste.
2. Rub gently on slightly damp skin.
3. Let it dry completely.
4. Wash your face with cool water.

7. Strawberry & Honey Face Mask For Skin Brightening

This mask is a great way to experience the benefits of honey for skin whitening. It instantly brightens the face naturally. For best results, use this mask once a week.

Ingredients:

• 2 strawberries
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Method:

1. Wash the strawberries and make a puree.
2. Add the honey and lemon to it.
3. Apply all over the face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
4. Rinse with water.

8. Avocado & Honey Face Mask For Soft Skin

Avocado lends anti-ageing properties to the skin and honey makes it soft and supple. This mask should ideally be applied to the face once a week.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 tablespoons mashed avocado

Method:

1. Apply the avocado mash mixed with honey to the face.
2. Leave it on the skin for 20 minutes.
3. Wash the mask off.

9. Tomato & Honey Face Mask To Combat Tan

Tomatoes work as a mild bleaching agent for the skin. Use this mask once a week to see a gradual but steady tan reduction.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of tomato puree (fresh)
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Method:

1. Mix all three ingredients well.
2. Apply all over the face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
3. Rinse with cool water.

10. Milk Powder & Honey Face Mask To Eliminate Dark Spots

If you’ve got dark spots, you can use this mask every few days to get clean skin that is devoid of any dark spots and tan.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of milk powder

Method:

1. Make a thick paste by mixing all the ingredients together.
2. Apply on the face and leave for 30 minutes.
3. Wash the mask off.

11. Cinnamon & Honey Scrub 

To get rid of your stubborn acne and marks, try this homemade face scrub that works wonders for acne-prone skin. The combo of honey and cinnamon will not only clear the pores but will also add a glow to the skin. It is best for soothing inflamed skin. 

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of raw organic honey 
• 1 tablespoon of freshly ground cinnamon (dalchini)

Method:

1. Mix the honey with cinnamon powder into a smooth paste.
2. Using a brush, apply this evenly over your face. Scrub gently in circular motions and wash off with cold water after 7 to 8 minutes. 
3. Wash your face with a cleanser if needed, and don’t forget to moisturize. 

12. Honey, Lemon & Sugar Scrub

When it comes to homemade face scrub for blackheads, this DIY face scrub is the best! Infused with natural exfoliants that remove dead skin cells, lemon helps clear up blackheads, acne, and discolouration. Honey also works as a natural antioxidant, helps moisturise and heal inflamed skin. This is the go-to homemade face scrub for blackheads. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sugar
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• Lemon juice

Method: 

1. Mix the sugar, olive oil and honey.
2. To this, add the juice of one big lemon. Stir vigorously for some time.
3. Apply on your face and scrub for a few minutes before washing with cold water.
4. Make sure you don’t leave on the scrub for too long as it might make the skin flaky.

13. Green Tea & Honey Face Scrub

Along with being a natural sweetener, honey works as an excellent moisturizer. The antioxidants present in green tea help with acne and inflammation. And adding green tea to your homemade face scrub with honey is sure to boost your skin. Homemade face scrub with honey and green tea repairs scar tissues, prevents wrinkles and blemishes and also doubles as a sunblock.

Ingredients:

• 7-8 green tea bags 
• 1 cup of sugar
• 3 tablespoons honey

Method: 

1. Cut open your green tea bags and scoop out the contents. You could also recycle the ones that have already been used.
2. To this add sugar and honey and make a thick, gritty paste.
3. Apply this evenly over your face and scrub for 5 to 6 minutes, focusing on the dry spots.
4. Wash off with cold water. Pat dry and finish with a moisturising lotion or serum.

Body Scrubs 101: Find here 25 DIY skincare recipes for head to toe exfoliation.

14. Sage & Honey Scrub

Honey is a natural moisturising agent that also helps with break out. The calming properties of honey and sage are sure to soothe your skin without drying it out. 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of sugar
• ¼ cup of olive oil
• Rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves
• Honey

Method:

1. Mix ½ cup of sugar with ¼ cup of olive oil, rolled oats and 1 tablespoon of dried sage leaves and honey, in a bowl.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Apply the scrub as usual during our shower routine.

Scrub away the dead skin and unveil the healthy natural glow of your skin with these 5 homemade exfoliating scrubs.

15. Sugar & Honey Lip Scrub

This homemade sugar lip scrub is by far the best to obtain soft lips. You can add 2 drops of lavender essential oil to take care of any sunburns as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sugar (you can also use brown sugar)
• 2-3 drops of lavender essential oil

Method:

1. Mix the sugar with raw honey well. 
2. Next, add those few drops of lavender oil to the mix. 
3. Once it’s completely blended in, apply the lip scrubs to your lips and rub it well in circular motions for two to three minutes. 
4. Apply some lip balm after washing off with lukewarm water. 

16. Almond Oil, Honey & Sugar Lip Scrub

This DIY lip scrub with honey and almond oil helps nourish your skin and rejuvenates the dead skin cells. Use this DIY lip scrub to get healthy and rosy lips but make sure to not use it daily or else it can lead to excessive dryness. 

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon almond oil or 3-4 drops of almond oil extract

Method:

1. Mix all the above ingredients and combine well until blended properly. 
2. Gently rub a small amount on your lips.
3. Rinse off with water and again apply a thin layer of almond oil for hydration. 

17. Coffee & Honey Lip Scrub

Coffee is not just suited in that cup which wakes you up every morning but also a secret weapon for your lips to exfoliate them thoroughly. Honey, on the other hand, helps in locking nourishment and moisture in your lips. In one word, this homemade lip scrub with honey is the best if you suffer from extremely dry and flaky lips. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon coffee grounds

Method:

1. Once you mix the honey and coffee together, stir it well. 
2. For about one minute, use the scrub on your lips and massage it well.
3. You can also keep it on as a mask for about 2 minutes.
4. Wash off with lukewarm water and apply your favourite balm. 

Coffee For Beauty: Find here DIY recipes from face masks to hair packs to body scrubs.

18. Rosewater & Honey Lip Mask

Rosewater is a great ingredient to bring out the pinkish tinge in your lips. It nourishes your lips while honey brings in the long-lasting moisturising component. Together, these ingredients can moisturise your lips while brightening them. 

Ingredients: 

• A few drops of rose water 
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Method: 

1. Mix a few drops of rose water with a teaspoon of honey, till it forms a smooth mixture. 
2. Apply several times a day or leave overnight.
3. Repeat this process on alternate days to see a significant change. You can apply it to your lips at any time of the day.

19. Beetroot & Honey Lip Mask

As a child, you must have played around with beetroot for lipstick. Beetroot has naturally occurring red pigments that help in making your lips even-toned.

Ingredients & Method: 

1. Make beetroot juice and mix it with honey. 
2. You can apply the mixture to your lips and leave it on overnight. 
3. As another option, you can also rub beetroot on your lips. The vegetable is a natural exfoliator and can remove dead cells and lighten pigmented lips.

20. Lemon, Glycerin & Honey Lip Scrub

The citric acid in lemons can exfoliate and remove dead skin. This honey skincare routine has glycerin too so it works as a magical moisturizing agent.

Ingredients & Method: 

1. Mix about 1 tablespoon of lime juice with 1 teaspoon of glycerine and honey. 
2. Apply to dark lips. Keep overnight and wash off the next morning.
3. Apply a generous amount of lip balm the next day. 
4. Do not use this technique if you have sensitive skin or chapped lips. The acidic nature of lemons can cause more irritation. 

21. Mint, Lemon & Honey Lip Mask

Mint leaves are just perfect for bringing back life to dry and dull lips. They hydrate the lips to nourish the lips and get rid of the hyperpigmentation.

Ingredients & Method: 

1. Crush 5-6 mint leaves and squeeze half a lemon into them. 
2. Add a few drops of honey to make the mixture easy to apply on the lips.
3. Keep it on for a few minutes before washing with warm water. 
4. Apply a generous amount of lip balm later.
5. Apply this treatment every alternate day. Mint leaves are also helpful for smokers as it helps in removing dark nicotine spots and stains. 

Find here 10 DIY lip masks to treat pigmentation and get rosy lips.

22. Honey And Coconut Oil Lip Mask

Coconut oil is a great lip moisturizer. Try this lip mask for soft lips in no time!

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of honey 
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil

Method:

1. Soften the coconut oil before you mix it with honey by microwaving it for 15 seconds.
2. Cool it down and add honey.
3. Apply on your lips for 10 mins and wash it off. 

23. Honey And Cucumber Lip Mask

Muddled cucumbers are great for your skin as they are high in water and antioxidants. Use this mask for instantly glowing lips.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 2 teaspoons of muddled cucumber

Method:

1. Peel the cucumber and mash it. Remove the seeds to use only the sides of them.
2. Mix the two and apply to your lips.
3. Keep it for 10 mins and wash it off. 

24. Olive Oil And Honey Lip Mask

Olive oil is a great natural ingredient for skin nourishment. Mix it with honey and let your lips know the magic of this mask.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Method:

1. Add both your ingredients to a bowl and mix.
2. Apply on your lips for 10 mins and wash it off. 

25. Honey And Pomegranate Lip Mask

Want something more than just a colourless lip mask? Try this one as pomegranate will leave a subtle tint of colour on your lips.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• ½ teaspoon of fresh pomegranate juice

Method:

1. Mix both the ingredients and apply them to your lips.
2. Keep it for 15 mins and rinse it off.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it safe to apply honey to my face?

A. Since it is an all-natural ingredient, it is absolutely safe to have a honey skincare routine. Usually, even people with extremely sensitive skin do not experience any discomfort after the application of honey. However, if you are allergic to honey, then you might want to refrain from using it altogether.

Q. Can I apply honey to my face every day?

A. Of course, there is no restriction on how often you can use honey for the face. You can use it as many times you wish, in as many ways you like. For best results, make use of raw honey so you get all the natural goodness from it.

Q. Will honey cause my face to break out?

A. Honey has antibacterial properties which can help in solving the acne situation. Controlling acne is one of the popular benefits of honey on the face. The soothing quality of honey helps in reducing the redness caused by acne.

Q. Can I make use of honey that is expired?

A. Raw, natural honey is one of the very few food items that never goes bad. This means that you can keep using the same jar for honey for as long as you like and still get the same amazing honey benefits for the skin.

Q. Is honey better suited for dry or oily skin?

A. Honey does not dry the skin, neither does it make the skin oily. It is the other ingredients you pair honey with which will cause a drying or oily effect. Honey, by itself, is safe to be used for all skin types. Using honey for dry skin is as good an idea as honey for oily skin.

Q. What are the ways in which I can incorporate honey in my skincare routine?

A. You can make use of honey as a cleanser, an exfoliator, a bath product, a mask or an overnight application solution. It’s great to have a honey skincare routine. You can also make this homemade wax with honey for effective hair removal at home. The benefits of honey on the face are endless which means that the more ways you can make use of it, the better it will be for your skin.

Here are some handy tips on how to use rose water for face and get your skin glowing at home.