From being a healthy substitute for sugar to being an all-natural beauty ingredient, honey aka ‘golden elixir’ can do it all! Almost all the nutrients that are good for skin and hair are concentrated in honey. In fact, according to a research reported by the National Library of Medicine in the US, there are many benefits of honey. It contains proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antibacterial qualities that are essential in dermatological applications. Additionally, the antioxidant and antibacterial qualities of honey can ward off numerous hair problems.

All in all, honey is a non-negotiable part of your beauty regime. Let’s get to know the advantages of honey for your skin and hair.

Health Shots got in touch with Ruchita Acharya, a skincare expert and green beauty enthusiast, who listed some benefits of honey for fuller-looking hair and glowing skin.

Acharya says, “Honey has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and soothing properties that make it essential to win the battle against scorching heat and maintain glowing and healthy skin. Below are a few reasons to incorporate honey into your beauty regimen.”

Here are the benefits of honey for skin and hair, according to Acharya:

1. Helps soothe the sunburnt skin

Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which helps in moisturizing the skin while treating the sunburnt area. Directly applying honey to the swollen area reduces the swelling and brings the redness down. All you need to do is apply honey for a minimum of 15-30 minutes to let the skin soak the honey in and rinse it off with cool water. The nutrients present in the honey also help in repairing the broken tissues.

2. Helps recover sun-damaged hair

Constant and direct exposure to the sun strips the hair of its shine and drains out the natural oils present in the scalp. Honey is rich in emollient and humectant properties, which help in moisturizing the hair. Emollients present in honey smooth the hair follicles, which adds shine to the now dull hair, and humectants add moisture to dry strands, making the hair soft and reducing frizz.

3. Helps heal wounds and insect bites

Honey has antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The enzymes and amino acids present in honey make it perfect for many therapeutic uses that heal wounds. Rubbing an ice cube over honey minimizes the pain and removes the dead skin cells from the wounds. It also regenerates new skin cells that help in closing the wound. Honey’s antimicrobial properties also prevent infection from spreading from wounds.

4. Boost hair growth

Honey is used as a natural ingredient to boost hair growth since it can encourage cell growth in addition to protecting your hair from damage. Since honey is a natural antioxidant, it tends to improve the condition of your scalp and promote hair growth. In fact, it is also rich in vitamins and minerals, so using it for your hair can also make them shinier, softer, and healthier.

5. Helps fade acne scars

Honey has inherent antibacterial and moisturizing properties. These characteristics can maintain the health and softness of your skin. Honey’s antimicrobial properties aid in the fading of pimples and acne scars. In fact, it can soothe any irritation and speed up the healing process for the skin. After a few months of honey use, your skin will be scar-free and smoother than before.

How to use honey for skin?

Here’s what you’ll need

1 hibiscus flower or 2 tsp pure hibiscus powder
1 tsp honey
½ tsp aloe vera

Here’s how to prepare and apply this homemade face mask:

Step 1: Start by soaking the hibiscus flower in water overnight if you don’t have hibiscus powder. The flower should next be ground into a paste.
Step 2: Aloe vera and honey can be added to the paste or powder. Mix all the ingredients.
Step 3: To open your pores, steam your face for 5 to 7 minutes.
Note: The benefits of the hibiscus-honey face mask will be doubled by opening up the pores, which will improve the components’ absorption into your skin.
Step 4: Apply all over your face and leave it on for around 20 minutes.
Step 5: Avoid using a face wash and instead use plain water to wash your face.

This gentle face mask should ideally be applied at least once each week.

How to use honey for hair?

Here’s what you’ll need

1 tbsp honey
½ cup rice
Water

Here’s how you can prepare and apply this hair rinse:

Step 1: First, mix half a cup of rice with one cup of water. Give it at least two hours to sit.
Step 2: Warm up a cup of honey and add it. Stir well and let the mixture steep. Give it five to ten minutes to brew.
Step 3: Strain the water from the rice. The rice should ideally be kept so you can cook with it!
Step 4: Infuse the rice water with honey. Your hair rinse is ready!
Step 5: Wash your hair as usual. It is ideal to use warm water in order to open up the pores on the scalp in order to improve the absorption of the hair rinse.
Step 6: Apply the hair rinse to your hair, starting from the roots and then, along the length of your hair.
Step 7: Wait for 10-15 minutes before washing it out! However, you have the option to forego washing it out and allow your hair to air dry after using this hair rinse.

So, don’t forget to say hi to your honey in your beauty regime!