Benefits of Honey in Skincare

by Jennifer Keel February 8, 2023

Did you know that raw honey has natural healing properties? Unpasturaized Honey has natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Several forms of honey, especially Manuka honey can be used to heal minor wounds, clear acne, fade scars, and more.

Here are 5 Benefits of Honey in Skincare:

Soothes acne prone skin
Keeps the skin hydrated
Helps fade scars
Balances your skin's pH levels
May help keep psoriasis and eczema at bay

Soothing Acne Prone Skin

As Manuka honey is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and speeds up would healing, it is suggested to be a good natural aid in treating acne.

Bacteria can infect the pores and contribute to acne. Research indicates that Manuka honey may suppress about 60 species of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant pathogens. [1]

Healthline states: "Honey speeds up your skin cells’ healing processes. If you have acne, unpasteurized honey could speed healing and reduce inflammation. Manuka honey is so effective at healing wounds quickly that it’s now used by doctors in clinical settings." [2]

Raw honey helps balance the bacteria on your skin, which also makes it a great product to use for acne.

Keeping Skin Hydrated

Honey is a humectant. This means it has the unique quality of locking in moisture into the skin. Aa a humectant it helps to soothe, heal, protect and moisturize the skin. [3]

Honey for Scar Fading

As honey can speed up your skin cells' healing processes, it can also assist in scar healing. The antioxidant properties in honey nourish damaged skin, which helping the scar healing process. [2]

Balances pH

Manuka honey can help balance the pH of the skin,” states aesthetician Joshua Ross. “[A balanced pH] can help with inflamed, blotchy skin, redness, or stress-induced breakouts, which can be around the chin and the jaw.” [3][4]

Learn more about skin pH levels here.

Honey for Psoriasis and Eczema

While studies do not show that honey can eliminate psoriasis or eczema, Manuka Honey's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties can contribute to soothing symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. [3] These elements can keep these skin issues at bay, or minimize swelling or redness when there is a flare up. [5]

In one study, 14 adults with eczema applied Manuka honey overnight for 7 days and reported improvement in the area that the honey was applied as compared to the control area where it was not. [6]

Using Honey in Your Skincare

Honey has a long history in skincare, even being mentioned amongst Cleopatra's famous beauty regime. Give it a try in your own routines!

Here at pretty farm girl we use Manuka and local honey as one of our foundations in our handmade products. We use it in our soaps, facial toner, and body butters.

Clear Balance facial toner with Manuka honey

Milk + Honey soap

Sweet Almond + Honey soap

Wild Rose + Honey soap

Lemon + Honey soap

Tallow Body Butter with honey

Lip butter with raw honey and beeswax