DIY Honey Face Mask & Wash Recipe

I’ve shared before how I wash my face with oil and how that has been the best skincare routine I’ve ever used. Some readers commented that they still hadn’t found the right combination of oils for their skin type, so I wanted to share another natural face wash I recently found…

Honey…

Sound strange? So does cleansing your face with oil, but it turns out that they are both natural and effective ways to cleanse skin naturally.

Honey Face Mask (or Wash)

For this method, raw honey must be used. Raw honey has natural antibacterial properties and contains enzymes and probiotics that are good for the skin. This method can be especially useful for acne-prone skin as it doesn’t stop moisture from the skin but does reduce oils and bacteria. (Acne is usually an internal problem though, so it is essential to look at diet too!)

Honey is gentler than soaps, which strip the skin of beneficial oils, and it gently nourishes the skin. I know a local vet who has even used raw honey to speed skin healing on animals as it helps reduce bacteria and speed healing while protecting the skin from outside disturbances. This idea appears to have some scientific backing, as there are now medical grade ointments (like this one) that use honey for wound and burn healing in humans.

What Kind of Honey

I’ve personally tried two different types of honey for facial cleansing:

Both seem to work well. Manuka honey is considered more cleansing and antibacterial (and has health benefits when used internally). Still, from what I found, either one works great for skincare (and raw honey is cheaper). I usually use slightly lesser quality honey for face cleansing than I use with food. As long as honey is natural and preferably organic, it is excellent for skin use.

I also still use the Oil Cleansing Method daily, and I use honey for a mask or second wash if needed. Typically, I wash my face at night with the oil cleansing method since it also removes makeup, and use the honey mask in the morning before showering. I keep a small jar and spoon of honey on my bathroom counter for this purpose….

Bonus Ingredients…

A friend of mine also recommended adding a tiny bit of vitamin C powder (which is also great for skin) and some essential oils for extra antibacterial and acne-fighting power.

Since then, I’ve been experimenting with variations of this honey face mask and cleanser. Different varieties seem to work for different skin types.

I mix a few drops of lavender and frankincense oils into the honey I keep in my bathroom. I also sometimes add a dash of cinnamon or Vitamin C. Always spot test on the inner arm before putting anything on the face!

Try adding:

• Cinnamon– For oily or inflamed skin, add a tiny amount (less than 1/2 teaspoon) of cinnamon powder to the honey before massaging onto your face. This is too strong for some skin types and may be drying.
• Lemon– For age spots or dark patches on the skin, try lemon. Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to honey before massaging onto skin helps clean pores and lighten dark spots. Vitamin C powder also works for this.
• Lavender– To balance skin, try lavender! Add two drops of organic lavender essential oil to a teaspoon of honey and massage into skin.

How to Honey as a Face Mask

1. Wet face with warm water. Place a small amount of honey in your hands (Usually less than a teaspoon is plenty) and rub your hands together. (I use this honey)
2. Massage into skin in a circular motion to get all areas of the skin.
3. Leave on for 10-15 minutes for deep pore cleansing.
4. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
5. Enjoy the soft skin!

How to Use Honey as a Facial Cleanser

To cleanse with honey without doing a face mask, just massage a teaspoon of honey into damp skin using circular movements. Wash thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

Have you ever washed your face with an unusual ingredient? Tell me below!