Aside from being the sweetener in your tea, honey is renowned for its endless benefits to the skin and has been used for centuries in beauty rituals across cultures. From its moisturising properties to its ability to tackle acne and dehydration to balancing your pH, honey is a versatile ingredient that can transform your skincare routine. And there are loads of ways you can incorporate it into your daily regimen for glowing, radiant skin.

1. Cleansing

Honey’s natural antibacterial properties make it an excellent cleanser for all skin types, especially those prone to acne or inflammation. To cleanse your skin with honey, massage a small amount of raw, organic honey onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse with warm water. Not only will honey remove impurities and excess oil, but it will also leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and refreshed.

2. Exfoliating

Honey’s gentle exfoliating properties make it ideal for sloughing away dead skin cells and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. You can create a homemade honey scrub by mixing honey with a natural exfoliant such as oatmeal, sugar, or finely ground coffee. Massage the mixture onto damp skin in gentle circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Your skin will be left feeling silky, smooth, and rejuvenated.

3. Hydrating

Honey is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into the skin, making it an excellent hydrating ingredient for dehydrated skin. To boost hydration, apply a thin layer of raw honey to clean, damp skin and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. You can also mix honey with other hydrating ingredients like yoghurt or avocado for an extra nourishing mask.

4. Treating Acne

Honey’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective treatment for acne-prone skin. Apply a dab of raw honey directly onto blemishes or inflamed areas and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. The honey will help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and promote healing, leaving your skin clearer and calmer.

5. Brightening

Honey contains natural enzymes and antioxidants that can help brighten and even out the skin tone, giving you a radiant complexion. Create a brightening mask by mixing honey with lemon juice or turmeric powder, both of which have skin-brightening properties. Apply the mixture to clean, damp skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Your skin will be left looking brighter, more luminous, and rejuvenated.