This article was co-authored by Diana Yerkes. Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 145,119 times.
Honey is one of the best things that you can put on your face. Its humectant properties make it ultra-moisturizing, while its antimicrobial properties make it an excellent acne-buster.[1] It is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin, and if you add other ingredients to it, it can help with other skin ailments too, such as excessive oiliness or discoloration.
Steps
Making Masks for Dry Skin
-
1Make a simple mask with honey and almond oil.[2] In a small dish, mix together 1 tablespoon of honey and ½ tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area. Wait 30 to 40 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.[3]
- Almond oil absorbs easily into your skin. Because it is light, it won't clog your pores and lead to acne. If you can't get almond oil, however, you can use another type of oil.[4]
- For a more hydrating mask, use 2 tablespoons of plain, whole fat yogurt instead of almond oil. Leave the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- For a more moisturizing mask, switch out the almond oil for 1/2 of a ripe, mashed avocado. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
-
2Hydrate your dry skin with honey, avocado, and yogurt. Mix together 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of mashed avocado, and 1 teaspoon of plain, whole fat yogurt. Apply the mask over your face, wait 20 to 30 minutes, then wash it off with warm water.[5]
- Because of how gentle this mask is, you can use it a few times per week.
Advertisement -
3Exfoliate your skin with honey, avocado, and ground almonds. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 tablespoons of finely-ground almonds and 1/4 of a mashed avocado. Massage the mask over your face, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.[6]
- For even more exfoliation, gently massage the mask into your face using small, circular motions as you rinse it off.
-
4Brighten up dull skin with a simple honey and lemon mask. Place 1 tablespoon of honey into a bowl. Stir in 2 to 3 drops of pure lemon essential oil. Spread the mask over your face, wait 15 to 20 minutes, then remove it with a damp, warm, washcloth.[7]
- Avoid this mask if you have sensitive skin.
- Make sure that you use pure essential oil, not fragrance oil meant for diffusers or soap-making. If you can't find any, try 1 teaspoon of lemon juice instead.
- Lemon can make your skin photosensitive. Avoid sunlight for 24 hours after using the mask, or apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
Creating Masks for Acne-Prone or Oily Skin
-
1Bust acne with a honey and cinnamon mask. In a small dish, mix together 3 teaspoons of raw honey and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Spread the mask over your face, avoiding the eye area. Wait 10 to 30 minutes, then rinse the mask off with warm water.[8]
- Use this mask no more than once per week.
- Cinnamon can be harsh on sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, test the mask on the back of your hand first.
- If you don't have cinnamon, you can use ground nutmeg instead.[9]
-
2Try a honey, lemon, and baking soda mask as an alternative. Mix together 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Apply the mask to your face, then wait 15 minutes. Rinse the mask off with warm water, then splash your face with cool water to close your pores.[10]
- Do not use baking powder; it is not the same thing.
- This mask may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
- Lemon juice can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid going outside after using this mask, or apply a 30 SPF sunscreen instead.
-
3Make a gentler mask with honey and turmeric powder.[11] Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder. Apply the mask over your face, wait 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.[12]
- You can use this mask up to 2 to 3 times per week.
- Turmeric not only helps treat acne, but it can also absorb excess oil from your skin and lighten discoloration.
- Because turmeric is gentler than cinnamon or lemon, it is suitable for sensitive skin.
-
4Fade scars and dark spots with honey and lemon. Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice. Spread the mask all over your face, wait 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.[13]
- This mask can be harsh, so don't use it more than once or twice per week.
- Because of the lemon juice, this mask may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
- Lemon can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid going outdoors after using this mask, or use a 30 SPF sunscreen instead.
Doing Masks for Sensitive Skin
-
1Make a super-simple mask with just honey.[14] Pour out 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply it over your face, taking care to avoid the eye area, and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe the mask off with a damp, warm washcloth. This mask is gentle and simple enough to use daily.[15]
- Because this mask doesn't contain any other ingredients, it is perfect for all skin types and conditions.
-
2Try a honey and aloe vera mask to soothe irritated skin. Stir together 2 teaspoons honey and 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel. Apply the mask over your face, wait 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off. This mask is gentle enough for daily use.[16]
- This mask can treat other conditions too, such as rashes or eczema.
-
3Treat inflammation with a honey, green tea, and almond oil mask. Pour 1 tablespoon of honey into a small dish. Stir in 1 teaspoon of matcha powder and 1 teaspoon of sweet almond oil. Apply the mask over your face, wait 15 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.[17]
- If you can't find sweet almond oil, try jojoba oil instead.
- If you can't find matcha powder, cut open a bag of green tea, and use the leaves instead.
- This mask is suitable for sensitive skin as well!
-
4Nourish your skin with honey and cooked oatmeal. Cook 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, then stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Let the mask cool to room temperature, then apply it to your face. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then remove it with a damp, warm washcloth.[18]
- You can cook a larger batch of oatmeal, use 2 tablespoons for the mask, and eat the rest.
- Do not cook the honey with the oatmeal, or you risk ruining its beneficial properties.
- For something more exfoliating, use 1 tablespoon of finely-ground, uncooked oatmeal instead.
Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article?
Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow
-
QuestionWhat is the best type of honey to use on your skin?Diana YerkesDiana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
Skincare Professional -
QuestionHow much lemon juice do I use? Also how do I make a peel-off mask out of this?Community AnswerYou can use about 3 teaspoons of lemon juice, and if you want to make it a peel-off, just add some lotion onto your face and wait a few minutes, then put the mask on.
-
QuestionCan I use it on my neck as well?Community AnswerYes, you can use it anywhere you want.
Warnings
- Avoid your eyes when applying the mask.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Honey may help with acne, but there are no proven studies to confirm whether or not it actually helps.[19]⧼thumbs_response⧽
Things You'll Need
- Small dish
- Fork or spoon
- Washcloth (optional)
References
- ↑ https://crunchybetty.com/food-on-your-face-honey/
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ http://www.faithfulwiththelittle.com/2016/02/rejuvenating-honey-and-almond-oil-face.html
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ https://livingthenourishedlife.com/4-honey-face-masks/
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/best-honey-face-masks/slide/6
- ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/ways-use-honey-pamper-your-skin-and-hair-4858664
- ↑ https://livingthenourishedlife.com/4-honey-face-masks/
- ↑ http://alluringsoul.com/12-honey-face-mask-naturally-clear-glowing-skin/
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/best-honey-face-masks/slide/2
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ http://alluringsoul.com/12-honey-face-mask-naturally-clear-glowing-skin/
- ↑ https://livingthenourishedlife.com/4-honey-face-masks/
- ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
- ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/ways-use-honey-pamper-your-skin-and-hair-4858664
- ↑ https://livingthenourishedlife.com/4-honey-face-masks/
- ↑ https://helloglow.co/best-honey-face-masks/slide/4
- ↑ https://dailymom.com/shine/4-reasons-oatmeal-face-mask-health-benefits/
- ↑ https://www.allure.com/story/honey-acne-treatment