Some of the world’s top beauty ingredients aren’t made in a lab — they’re found in nature in plants, fruits, and herbs.
Many natural ingredients are packed with healing properties and healthy benefits. But even natural ingredients can have side effects. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean that it can’t harm you.
Honey and lemon are both popular natural ingredients that can be found in various beauty and health products. But are they safe to use on your face?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits and possible risks of using honey and lemon on your face, and when it may be best to use alternate ingredients in your skin care routine.
What are the benefits of using honey on your face?
Cultures around the world have used honey on their skin for thousands of years. According to research on honey, this natural ingredient has several beneficial properties:
- Antibacterial. A 2016 study found that honey can kill a number of different types of bacteria. Because bacteria in your skin can cause pimples, using honey on your face may help reduce breakouts.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. A 2014 study showed honey contains flavonoid and polyphenol compounds that help it act as an antioxidant. When applied to the skin, honey has been shown to reduce the activity of inflammatory compounds. This may help to lessen skin redness and irritation.
- Exfoliating. Honey contains natural enzymes that may help remove dead cells on the skin. This is one reason honey may be a good choice as a natural exfoliator for your skin.
There are many types of honey you can buy. Some of the best options for your skin include:
- Raw honey, which is honey that hasn’t been processed or pasteurized. It has higher levels of nutrients and minerals than processed honey, but may not be as safe to eat.
- Manuka honey, which is derived from a Manuka bush that grows in New Zealand. This type of honey is especially high in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat acne.
Although honey is usually safe to use on your face, some people may be allergic to it or its components. You may be more likely to develop a reaction to honey if you have a known allergy to pollen or celery.
If you’re unsure about your sensitivity to honey, you may want to do a patch test on your skin before using it on your face. To do a patch test, follow these steps:
- Apply a drop of honey to a small patch of skin.
- Wait 24 hours.
- Check your skin carefully after 24 hours for signs of redness, irritation, swelling, or itching. If your skin doesn’t show any of these signs, it’s probably safe to use honey on your face.
Due to its stickiness, honey can be more difficult to get off your skin compared to other ingredients. Be sure to wash your face thoroughly, without rubbing or pulling your skin. Be gentle and wash your face several times with lukewarm water to get all the honey off your face.
