6 Benefits Of Using Milk And Honey For Face

If you are looking for the ultimate home remedy for skin hydration and glow, we have a solution. Try milk and honey. The DIY milk and honey mask benefit your skin in numerous ways.

Scroll through this article to understand how they may help and learn ways to use milk and honey to practice eco-friendly skincare.

Milk And Honey For Face: What Are The Benefits?

Milk and honey can have anti-aging properties that produce age-defying effects on your skin. According to the legend, Cleopatra used to bathe in milk every day to keep her skin young, radiant, and clear. This combination can have certain benefits as stated below:

1. Help Moisturize Your Skin

Lactic acid is one of the natural AHA (alpha-hydroxy acids) found in sour milk, that acts as an excellent moisturizer. It is a part of the natural moisturizing complex of your skin (1). Honey for dry skin is also ideal, given it is an emollient and one of the natural humectants that can bind moisture to your skin and keep it soft and moisturized (2). For these very reasons, some skin care products, except those in vegan skincare, use milk and honey in their formulas.

2. Milk Keeps The Skin Firm And Smooth

A study found that 12% of topical lactic acid can help improve skin appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It promotes collagen production that keeps the skin firm and smooth (3). You can also use milk for gentle exfoliation and natural cleansing. Applying it to your face can have similar results.

3. Honey Helps Maintain Skin pH

Maintaining skin pH is crucial to prevent breakouts and rashes. An imbalance in skin pH disturbs the natural barrier of your skin. This can lead to skin irritation. Honey helps regulate skin pH levels (2), and hence soothes irritation.

4. Honey Can Heal Wounds

Honey’s antimicrobial properties and methylglyoxal (one of the active compounds) can help heal your wounds effectively. It is also an anti-inflammatory that reduces inflammation. It is also suitable for healing burn wounds and other skin issues such as psoriasis, dandruff, diaper rash, seborrheaⁱ  Also known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, it is a common skin condition that causes red, scaly rashes on the skin, mainly the scalp. , and tineaⁱ  A group of diseases caused by a fungus. It includes fungal infections like ringworm, jock itch, and athlete's foot. (2).

5. Honey Treats Acne 

Honey for acne reduction has often been a common choice. A study found that applying honey to acne lesionsⁱ  Hair follicles clogged by dead skin cells and oil, creating common comedones like whiteheads and blackheads. can promote faster healing. Honey reduces acne by inhibiting the growth of both P. acnes and S. aureus bacteria (4).

6. Honey May Heal Sunburn

Honey and milk can be an effective home remedy for sunburn. Milk contains lactic acid, which acts as a mild exfoliant and can remove damaged skin while promoting new, healthy skin (3). Honey, on the other hand, helps lock moisture in the skin. Sunburned skin can become very dry and begin to peel, and honey is a good remedy for it as it is a natural humectant. It reduces peeling while hydrating the skin (5). In addition, honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can ward off germs and reduce redness and swelling. It is a simple, at-home solution that offers comfort and relief for sun-exposed skin and allows it to heal more quickly (6).

Quick Tip

You can store honey in an airtight container in a cupboard for as long as you want as it never spoils. It has an eternal shelf life.

How To Use Milk And Honey On Face

1. Milk And Honey As A Face Wash

Both honey and milk can moisturize the skin and inhibit acne-causing bacteria. This way, they can help keep your facial skin healthy and clear.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of raw honey (you may use Manuka honey)
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 bowl
• 1 cotton pad

Method

2. Mix the two ingredients in the bowl till you achieve a cream-like consistency.
3. Dip the cotton pad into the mixture and apply it to your face in circular motions.
4. Let the mixture sit on your face for 10 minutes.
5. Wash your face with cool water and massage gently.
6. You may follow up with a gentle cleanser if desired.
7. Pat your skin dry and follow up with a toner and a moisturizer.

Note

: To make your milk and honey mask even better for your skin, try adding ingredients that match your skin type. If you have oily skin, a few drops of lemon juice can help balance excess oil. For dry skin, mixing in a teaspoon of olive oil adds extra hydration. These straightforward adjustments allow you to customize your mask, knowing you’re meeting your skin’s unique needs.

2. Milk And Honey As A Face Mask

This face mask helps soothe your skin. Both the ingredients have moisturizing properties, making this face mask especially beneficial for dry skin. However, the mask is suitable for all skin types.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of raw Honey
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 1 microwave-safe bowl

Method

1. Mix the honey and milk in the bowl until you have a thick consistency.
2. Put the bowl into the microwave and heat for a few seconds. Ensure the mixture is warm to the touch and not too hot.
3. Use a brush (or your fingers) to spread the mask on your skin.
4. Let the mask stay for at least 15 minutes.
5. Wash your face with cool water. You may use a gentle cleanser as well.
6. Follow up with a toner and a moisturizer.

3. Milk And Honey As A Scrub

Oats, Fuller’s earth and ground almonds have a coarse texture. These work excellently well in exfoliating your skin without causing damage and hence improves skin texture. The milk and honey in the scrub keep your skin hydrated.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1 teaspoon of milk
• 1 tablespoon of ground oats/Fuller’s earth/ground almonds
• 1 bowl

Note:

If you have sensitive skin, use oats. If you have oily skin, use Fuller’s earth. If you have normal skin, you may use any of the three options.

Method

1. Mix the milk and honey in the bowl.
2. Add ground oats or Fuller’s earth or ground almonds.
3. Adjust the quantity of milk (especially if you are using Fuller’s earth) to get a desired paste-like consistency.
4. Apply the mixture to your face and gently massage, avoiding the area around your eyes.
5. After massaging for 5 minutes, wash with cool water.
6. Pat your skin dry and follow up with a toner and a moisturizer.

Along the same lines, Nazish Khan shared her experience of using a DIY face mask made of honey, milk, and rice flour on his face. She said, “I used to follow my mother’s secret home remedies of skin brightening by mixing rice flour with honey and milk which actually gave me brightening effects for a short period of time (i).”

Quick Tip

It is best not to leave honey on your face overnight as it may attract dust and insects.

Infographic: Top Benefits Of Using Milk And Honey On The Face

The combination of milk and honey exhibits many healthy properties that keep your skin soft and healthy. Additionally, it also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. We have rounded up the top benefits of using this excellent combination for your face. Click on the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Are milk and honey environmentally sustainable choices for skincare?

Sustainability depends on how milk and honey are sourced. Organic or locally sourced milk and honey generally have a lower environmental impact. By supporting ethical farms and choosing certified organic products, you are actively contributing to a more eco-friendly beauty routine.

Is it good to drink milk with honey?

Drinking milk with honey may potentially have some benefits, though there is no scientific evidence that proves this. The best way to use it is to let the milk cool down and then add honey to it. Ayurveda doesn’t recommend consuming warm honey (mixed in any warm beverage or food) as it is considered to harm health. However, studies in this regard are inconclusive.

How long should I leave milk on my face?

You may leave milk on your face for 5-10 minutes.

Can milk and honey be applied to the whole body?

Yes, you can apply the combination to your whole body. You may prepare a bathtub-soak with honey and milk. Soak in it for 15-20 minutes.

Can I apply milk and honey to my face daily?

Yes, applying milk and honey to your face daily can treat dry and flaky skin and even help fade acne scars.

Do honey and milk whiten skin?

Possibly. Honey and milk can help in skin brightening by removing dead skin cells and giving you a natural glow.

Can honey and milk remove dark spots?

Yes, honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. It promotes cell renewal and potentially helps lighten dark spots and fade scars.

Are milk and honey good for oily skin?

Yes, milk contains lactic acid, which acts as a natural exfoliant, and combined with honey, it acts as a nourishing cleanser for oily skin, stimulates blood flow, and helps unclog pores.

Milk and honey face masks are a great way to give your skin an instant moisture boost. Check out this video for one of the best recipes you can try at home.

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Dr. Schwarzburg MD

 

Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

 

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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