Get that honeylicious look

In your home, right there on the kitchen shelf, or in your refrigerator, is one of the most powerful natural moisturisers –honey!

Actually, honey is a moisturiser and it attracts moisture to the skin from the atmosphere. It is one of the most versatile natural products, which has numerous beneficial properties, whether it is taken internally, or used in external applications.

Honey contains valuable vitamins and minerals, like iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, as well as Vitamins B and C. It also contains enzymes and amino acids. Taking honey, therefore, can provide the body with these essential nutrients. However, if you have any medical condition, consult your doctor before taking honey.

If you have dry skin, apply honey daily and wash it off with plain water after 20 minutes. You can also mix honey with a few drops of orange juice. Apply this on the face for 20 minutes and wash off with water. It will make the skin soft and add a healthy glow. For dry skin, you can also mix half a teaspoon honey, one teaspoon rose water and one teaspoon dried milk powder. Mix into a paste and apply on the face. Remove after 20 minutes with water.

Honey suits both oily and combination skin. For oily skin, mix honey with egg white and apply on the skin daily, washing it off after 20 minutes with plain water. Egg white has a cleansing effect, reducing oiliness, while honey will soften the skin and nourish it. If you have a combination skin, apply honey by itself on the entire face, as it would suit both oily and dry areas.

It is said that a mixture of cinnamon (dalchini) with honey has powerful healing powers. Mix honey and cinnamon-powder in equal quantities and apply on affected parts of the skin, on acne, ringworm and eczema.

Honey can be useful in face masks, for all skin types. Mix wheat bran (choker) or oatmeal with honey. Rose water can be also be added. Mix into a smooth paste and apply on the face. Wash off when it is dry or after 20 minutes.

This mask may be used two or three times a week to keep the skin soft, supple and youthful. For another face mask - To one teaspoon kaolin powder, add one teaspoon honey, one teaspoon carrot juice or one teaspoon curd and one egg white (optional). Apply on the face and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash off with water.

Add two tablespoon honey and two tablespoons rose water to one litre of water. Shake it well and store it in the refrigerator. Use this after cleansing or washing the face. It can be used as a last rinse or applied generously with cotton wool.

Today, honey is an important ingredient in the formulation of products for beauty care from moisturisers, skin toners and masks, to hand creams, body lotions and hair conditioners. So take advantage of nature’s gift.