Sure, honey tastes great in tea or on a peanut butter sandwich, but it’s also a powerful skin healer, says Christopher Watt, a licensed aesthetician and owner of Christopher Watt Esthetics in West Hollywood, California. Here are three recipes Watt uses to treat several famous faces, including Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez:
For acne…
Honey’s antibacterial properties kill the bacteria-laden sebum that causes zits. Use this cleansing honey wash every day.
Mix 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon liquid face soap, and 1/2 cup glycerin (available at drug and beauty stores).
For dry skin…
Honey is a natural humectant; it attracts moisture to the skin and then helps retain it. Use the following moisturizer every day.
Mix 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons cocoa butter, 2 drops bergamont oil (optional), and 1 drop lavender oil (optional).
For psoriasis…
This chronic condition appears as inflamed and itchy patches of skin on the knees, elbows, hands, feet, scalp, or back, and this honey mask can help soothe the itchiness.
Mix 1/4 cup honey and 1 crushed banana. Apply to damp skin, and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove with a damp cloth, pat dry, and apply moisturizer.
Want to give your skin a quick refresher?
Try a homemade herbal facial using steam, says Stephanie Tourles, licensed holistic aesthetician and author of Organic Body Care Recipes. “Exposing your face to steam encourages pores to open, which helps release toxins, minimizes wrinkles, and sends moisture to deep skin layers,” she says. Try it at home: Boil three cups of purified or distilled water; remove from heat, and add six teaspoons of fresh herbs (double that amount if using dry herbs); cover and steep for five minutes. Remove the cover and drape a large towel over your head, shoulders, and the pot. Keep your face roughly 10 inches from the pot for five minutes, keeping your eyes closed. Not sure which herbs to use? Choose ones that work best for your skin type.
Skincare Herbs by Type of Problem:
- Dry: Fennel seeds or marshmallow root soothe and moisturize.
- Oily: Sage makes for a pungent astringent.
- Normal or combination: Calendula or chamomile blossoms gently calm all skin types.
- Inflamed (or acne): Don’t try a facial steam until the outbreak subsides.
Eating a healthy diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, will also promote you looking better. Coupling that with drinking at least 64 ounces of water will also keep a healthy and glowing appearance.
One Comment on “Skin Woes: A Sweet Solution”