Raw Honey Benefits for Skin

Raw honey is the purest, healthiest and most nutritious form of honey and can be considered as one of the most beneficial and natural substance on earth. It can be easily differentiated from clean and clear processed honey available in market. It looks milkier and contains particles, honeycombs bit, broken bee wings and pollen. Benefits of raw honey for skin disorders and other ailments can be attributed to its antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is preferred over processed honey for various types of facial treatment. Purified honey has very little healing properties due to destruction of nutrients during heating and pasteurization. The amazing benefits of honey for skin have been recognized and used for centuries as a home remedy for various skin problems.

Health Benefits
Raw honey can be used as an alternative for sugar or simply as a supplement due to its nutrient content, and is considered as a great herbal remedy for several ailments. Some health benefits, apart from its use in natural skin care products, are:

• Relieves cough
• Aids digestion
• Soothes sore throat
• Gives relief from pain
• Used for allergy relief
• Reduces muscle fatigue
• Calms the nerves and reduces anxiety
• Boosts immunity and increases energy

Raw Honey and Skin Benefits
With thousands of skin care products available in the market, we are often baffled by the choice. Though most of these products are expensive, we tend to be misled by the commercials and cause our skin more harm than good. Thus, people have started realizing the benefits of natural products which are safe and healthy. This has led to the rediscovery of honey as an important ingredient in beauty treatment.

These are some amazing benefits of raw honey, as a result of its topical use:

• Wound Healing: Due to its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it is used for treating cuts, burns, skin rash, skin ulcers and wounds. It reduces swelling, controls infection and promotes healing by acting as a protective barrier over the wound. Its application 2 -3 times a day on the affected area stimulates tissue growth and repairs damaged skin.
• Anti-Aging Properties: Its use in treatment of wrinkles and fine lines caused due to aging and environmental factors is popular. Its anti-aging property of attracting and retaining moisture reduces the appearances of wrinkles, by keeping the skin hydrated without causing oiliness. It is known to increase production of collagen fibers and improving skin elasticity, thereby assisting cell regeneration for a more youthful looking skin.
• Reduces Blemishes and Acne: Oily skin usually results in acne, patchy skin, blemishes and blackheads. It has the property of removing skin impurities by unclogging pores and preventing breakouts. It penetrates deep into the skin and promotes acne healing by killing the harmful bacteria and reduces scar formation. Regular application of raw honey on the affected area reduces acne scars and blemishes, and is considered to be the safest and most natural acne cure.
• Protection against Sunburn Antioxidants present in it protect the skin against harmful rays of sun. It defends the skin from damage, rejuvenates and refreshes the skin, making it healthy, supple and soft.
• Exfoliates and Nourishes Dry Skin: Exfoliating is an important part of daily skin care routine to remove dead skin cells and reveal radiant skin. The use of raw honey gently exfoliates the skin and stimulates circulation without causing irritation and dryness. It is a humectant which has the quality of attracting and retaining moisture, so it balances the skin moisture to give a soft glowing complexion.
• Cures Ringworm and Fungal Infections: Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection mostly affecting children. It is the most effective treatment against ringworm and other fungal infections. Its anti fungal properties destroy the microorganisms that cause these infections.

The relation between honey and skin care has been established from the days of Cleopatra who is known for her beauty and honey being her beauty secret. Though you know the benefits, you often wonder how to use honey to keep your skin healthy. It is in fact nature's miracle. For skin ailments, it is mostly used topically over the affected areas. Even intake of two tablespoons of raw honey regularly is considered beneficial for the skin. But this should be strictly avoided for infants below one year of age. For other beauty treatments, it can be used topically in combination with other herbal ingredients in homemade facials as a honey face mask, toner, cleanser, etc. It is really amazing to see so many benefits of raw honey for the skin, and virtually no side effects attached to it. But one should keep in mind that it alone would not do wonders for your skin. Healthy skin is the result of several factors: a healthy diet, proper exercise, good skin care practices, a positive outlook, and a relaxed mind.