17 Best Ways To Use Honey For Dry Skin

Of all the natural ingredients that work well for dry skin, honey has always been in the spotlight. If you have not tried using honey for dry skin yet, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Honey is a humectant and one of the most commonly used ingredients in commercial moisturizers. It acts as a moisturizing agent, helping in skin softening, and may also soothe inflammation. You can use raw honey in many DIY skin care recipes to enjoy its benefits. Read on to learn more about its benefits and how you can use this sweet delight to keep your dry skin healthy.

Why Use Honey For Dry Skin: What Are The Benefits?

There are several reasons your skin would love honey::

1. Honey Is An Excellent Humectant

Humectants are substances that help in preserving the natural moisture levels of your skin. Dry skin lacks moisture, and honey is an excellent humectant that seals moisture in your skin, helps in skin conditioning, and makes it soft and supple (1).

R. Munford, a freelance writer, shared how using honey for her skin proved to be beneficial. She wrote, “My skin feels softer, less dried out and looks less red. I have washed my face with honey every morning and afterwards felt that the need for moisturizer was minimal (i).”

A study states that dry skin might be related to underlying skin conditions. Of the 48,630 survey participants, 14,300, which is 29% of them, reported having dry skin issues. As per the study, dry skin can be linked to old age or be a significant predictor for common skin issues like psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, and plantar warts.

2. Honey Can Help Treat Many Skin Conditions

Some conditions, like eczemaⁱ  A non-contagious skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. and psoriasis, cause your skin to become dry. Honey is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating these skin issues, along with other issues like burns, cuts and wounds, and inflammation  (3).. It helps in skin repair and skin healing  (3).

3. Honey Has Antibacterial Properties

Natural untreated honey has antibacterial properties and shows an inhibitory effect on about 60 species of bacteria. Honey has a high viscosityⁱ  The internal friction of a moving fluid or a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. , which helps it form a protective layer on the wounds, preventing further infection, thereby working as skin protecting and skin regenerating agent(4).

4. Honey Helps In Preventing Wrinkles

Honey has age-fighting properties. It slows down wrinkle formation and keeps your skin youthful. It also helps in maintaining the pH balance of your skin (1).

For maximum benefits, it is best to use unadulterated and raw honey. This is because raw honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is rich in antioxidants (4). Look for naturally darker honey as it has greater antioxidant properties. You may also use Manuka honey that is rich in antioxidants and helps to heal skin infections(4).

Did You Know?

Dry skin may not always be a result of poor skin or food habits. It can also be determined by genes.

How To Use Honey For Dry Skin

A. As A Face Pack

1. Honey, Turmeric, And Glycerin Face Pack

Turmeric offers therapeutic benefits for the skin (5). Glycerin is a humectant that keeps your skin moisturized (6). Honey exerts emollient and humectant effects and helps your skin retain its youthful glow and helps in skin brightening and skin revitalizing (1).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon organic honey
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (use powder or raw turmeric paste)
• ½ teaspoon glycerin

Method

1. Combine all the ingredients in a glass bowl and make a paste.
2. Apply the paste all over on your face and neck.
3. Allow it to dry.
4. Wash with cold water.

2. Honey And Banana Face Pack

Face packs with honey

are excellent for maintaining skin softness. On the other hand, banana is widely used in DIY face masks as it helps keep the skin moisturized (7). Combining these two ingredients makes for an extremely nourishing remedy to manage dry skin.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon mashed banana (ripe)

Method

1. Combine the honey with the mashed banana. Mix well.
2. Spread the mixture evenly on your face. Let it dry.
3. Wash with cold water.

3. Gram Flour (Besan), Milk, And Honey Face Pack

Besan is a great skin exfoliating agent. Milk contains lactic acidⁱ  An organic acid that improves cell turnover and helps remove dead skin cells when used topically. that works as a mild exfoliant. Together with honey, these ingredients can keep the skin clean and nourished.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon besan or gram flour
• 2 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon honey

Method

1. Mix the besan and milk well until you achieve the desired consistency (not too watery).
2. Add honey to it and mix well.
3. Spread the mixture on your face and massage for a while.
4. Let it dry and then wash off.

B. As A Face Mask

4. Honey And Avocado Face Mask

Avocado is often used as a base for DIY face masks. When mixed with honey, the fruit can keep the skin soft.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon mashed avocado
• 1 teaspoon yogurt
• 1 teaspoon raw honey

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in a glass bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
2. Spread the mixture on your face and relax. Let it dry.
3. Wash with cold water.

5. Honey And Aloe Vera Face Mask

Aloe vera has skin moisturizing and nourishing properties (9). When combined with honey, aloe vera can keep your skin moisturized.

You Will Need

• 2 teaspoons raw honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh aloe vera gel (scoop some from the plant)

Method

1. Mix the aloe vera gel and honey.
2. Apply the mask to your face and let it stay for 30 minutes.
3. Wash with cold water.

6. Honey And Papaya Mask

Papaya contains antioxidants that may help manage skin conditions caused by oxidative stress, including skin aging and inflammation (9). Some anecdotal evidence suggests that milk, which contains lactic acid, may help with skin exfoliation. These ingredients, when combined with honey, can make skin softer and offer nourishment.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• ½ cup of ripe papaya
• 2 teaspoons of whole milk

Method

1. Dice the papaya and mash the pieces.
2. Combine the mashed papaya with milk and honey. Blend thoroughly until you achieve a smooth paste.
3. Spread this mixture evenly across your entire face and neck.
4. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes.
5. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Note: Refrain from incorporating milk into the facial pack if you have dairy allergy. You can instead use an additional tablespoon of honey.

C. As A Daily Face Wash

7. Honey Face Wash

This face wash contains moisturizing ingredients, such as honey and oil.

You Will Need

• ⅓ cup honey
• ⅓ cup liquid castile soap
• 3 tablespoons of oil (use almond or jojoba or apricot or olive or argan oils)
• 3 tablespoons of distilled water
• 1 face wash dispensing bottle

Method

1. Pour the distilled water into the dispensing bottle (this helps prevent any bubbles).
2. Add the liquid castile soap, followed by honey and oil.
3. Shake the bottle to mix well.
4. Use it as a daily face wash. (Shake well before using.)

D. As Your Daily Face Moisturizer

8. Manuka Honey Face Cream

Shea butter is a popular ingredient in moisturizers and has emollientⁱ  A substance used to moisturize and soften the skin and reduce skin flaking and itching. and sun-screening properties (10). This face moisturizer can keep your skin hydrated and soft. It can also provide a skin calming effect.

You Will Need

• ½ cup shea butter
• 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 3 tablespoons rose water
• 1 teaspoon Manuka honey (or raw organic honey)

Method

1. Use a double boiler to melt the shea butter.
2. Mix it with rose water, aloe vera gel, and honey.
3. Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl and let it cool (or refrigerate).
4. Whip it well for 5 minutes to get a fluffy, creamy white texture.
5. Scoop it and store it in a jar.
6. Use it as your daily moisturizer or night cream.

Quick Tip

One of the best ways to reap the benefits of honey for dry skin is by mixing it with your moisturizer. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to your moisturizer and apply it liberally over your skin.

9. Honey And Lavender Cream

This cream contains beeswax, another popular base for moisturizing products. The combination of skin-nourishing oils and honey is extremely hydrating. The essential oils give the cream a pleasant fragrance. and help in skin soothing.

You Will Need

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon argan oil
• 1 ½ teaspoon of raw organic honey
• 1 teaspoon beeswax
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil

Method

1. Mix the argan oil and beeswax in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds.
2. Let the mixture cool down. Add lavender, frankincense, and vitamin E oils to the mixture.
3. Store it in a glass jar and use it as a night cream.

Note

: Use the creams within 3-4 months.

E. As Body Butter

10. Honey And Essential Oil Body Butter

Coconut oil is often used for moisturizing the skin (11). Honey helps keep the skin hydrated, while the citrus essential oil offers therapeutic benefits for the skin (12).

You Will Need

• 1 ½ cups coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons raw honey
• 2 tablespoons citrus essential oil (you can use orange, lime, lemon, or bergamot oils)

Method

1. Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler and let it cool down a bit.
2. Add the honey and essential oil to this and whip well until the mixture has a creamy texture.
3. Transfer it to a glass jar.
4. Use the mixture as a body butter after a bath.

11. Honey And Shea Butter Body Butter

Dry skin will love the combination of shea butter, honey, and coconut oil. This body butter is extremely hydrating and can keep the skin healthy.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 ½ tablespoon raw honey
• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 1 ½ tablespoons beeswax
• 1 tablespoon almond oil

Method

1. Take a double boiler and toss all the ingredients in it.
2. Let them melt completely. Keep whisking while it melts.
3. Let the mixture cool down completely and solidify.
4. Once solid, whip it for 3-4 minutes to get a fluffy texture.
5. Transfer it to a glass jar and use it as a body butter.

F. As A Facial Toner

12. Honey And Chamomile Face Toner

Chamomile extracts are popular in DIY remedies and are said to have a calming effect on the skin.

You Will Need

• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tablespoon chamomile flower (or use chamomile tea)
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 3-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Method

1. Boil the chamomile flowers (or tea) in the water and let it steep for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the tea and then add honey and apple cider vinegar to it.
3. Stir well and transfer it to a glass bottle.
4. Wash your face and dab the mixture on.

13. Honey And Lavender Facial Toner

Lavender essential oil has a pleasant fragrance that can make you feel instantly refreshed, while apple cider vinegar can soothe the skin and balance its pH.

You Will Need

• ½ cup of water
• ½ tablespoon raw honey
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3-4 drops lavender essential oil

Method

1. Warm the water and mix honey in it. Stir well.
2. Add the apple cider vinegar and mix.
3. Add the essential oil only after the water has cooled down.
4. Mix well and transfer to a glass bottle or spray bottle.
5. Use it as a toner after you wash your face.

G. As A Facial Scrub

14. Honey And Lemon Detoxifying Scrub

Granulated sugar has a coarse texture that can help exfoliate the top layer of the skin, while honey and olive oil can keep it moisturized. The essential oils make this scrub smell refreshing. It can provide a skin detoxifying effect.

You Will Need

• 1 cup of organic sugar
• 2 tablespoons raw honey
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 15 drops lemon essential oil
• 15 drops lavender essential oil

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients. Add the essential oils at the end. Combine well.
2. Store it in a glass jar.

15. Honey And Oatmeal Scrub

Oatmeal is often used for scrubbing the skin due to its coarse texture. Along with honey, coconut oil, and sugar, this scrub is excellent for keeping your skin soft without irritating it.

You Will Need

• ½ cup oats
• 1 ¼ cups sugar
• ¼ cup of coconut oil
• ¼ cup honey
• 3-4 drops tea tree oil
• 3-4 drops lavender oil

Method

1. Grind the oats and mix with sugar and honey. Add coconut oil and the essential oils to this mixture.
2. Combine them and store them in a glass jar.
3. Use it once or twice a week.

16. Honey And Blueberry Exotic Face Scrub

Brown sugar can help exfoliate the dead skin cells, while honey and blueberry can make your skin soft.

You Will Need

• ½ cup fresh blueberries
• 2 tablespoons honey (prefer locally sourced organic honey)
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar

Method

1. Blend the blueberries.
2. Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
3. Apply the face scrub and let it sit for 20 minutes.
4. Massage and then wash with water.

Note

: Prepare the face scrubs in small batches and try to use them within a week.

H. As A Lip Balm

17. Beeswax, Honey, And Sweet Almond Oil Lip Balm

Beeswax

is a common ingredient used in lip balms. This combination of honey, sweet almond oil, and beeswax can keep your lips soft and plump.

You Will Need

• ½ cup beeswax
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 cup sweet almond oil

Method

1. Add the almond oil and beeswax to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for a minute or until the beeswax melts.
2. Take it out and mix the honey in it.
3. Pour the mixture in small easy to carry lip balm containers and let it cool down.
4. You may refrigerate it. Your DIY lip balm is ready!

Though honey is a natural ingredient, it doesn’t mean it is absolutely safe for your skin. You may experience certain side effects.

Side Effects Of Using Honey On Face

Honey is considered safe for the skin. However, you may develop an allergic reaction to honey. Also, if you are allergic to pollen, bee venom, and celery, you may develop allergic reactions after using honey on your skin. The common symptoms that you may develop include:

• Itching
• Rashes
• Hives
• Swelling
• Wheezing

Hence, it is best to do a patch test before using any ingredient. Also, avoid leaving honey on your face for the entire night. It might attract dust and other impurities and cause breakouts.

Infographic: 5 Home Remedies Using Honey For Dry Skin

Honey has been a trusted remedy for dry skin for ages. Be it in quick DIYs or skin care products, honey is used widely for its humectant and emollient properties. From soothing inflamed skin to offering hydration and nourishment, it can benefit your skin in multiple ways. Check out the infographic below for 5 easy home remedies to tackle dry skin.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can honey help with acne?

Yes, honey can help with acne. Its natural antibacterial properties target acne-causing bacteria like P. acnes and S. aureus, helping to soothe and reduce breakouts (3).

How often should I put raw honey on my face if I have dry skin?

You may use it once daily.

Can I leave raw honey on my skin overnight?

No. It might attract dust particles and cause breakouts.

Is honey good for dry and sensitive skin?

Yes, honey has humectant and emollient properties that may aid in reducing dryness and flakiness experienced by individuals with eczema (1), (13).

Illustration: Best Ways To Use Honey For Dry Skin

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the wonders of washing your face with honey! Click on this video to find out how this natural remedy can give you a crystal-clear glow and help you combat dry skin.

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy.

Read full bio of Dr. Priya Gill

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.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

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.

Read full bio of Krati Darak