From skin-care multitasker to wellness elixir, honey is stepping out of the shadows from its sweet-stuff reputation to take the reins as one of the hottest total-health ingredients. You’ll want to incorporate this sweet ingredient into your diet and skin care to reap all it has to offer. Here’s how:
1. Buckwheat Honey: For a High-Dose of Vitamin C
Considered the antioxidant powerhouse, buckwheat honey is the darkest in color and has one of the highest concentrations of vitamins (it actually contains vitamin c).
Internal: Similar to molasses in taste and color, Bee Raw Buckwheat Honey’s($12) semisweet flavor lends an earthy, malt-like flavor that pairs perfectly with citrus fruits, mild cheese or greek yogurt.
Topical: Formulated with a blend of honey, coconut fruit extract, tonka beans and jasmine, Molton Brown Ultrasmooth Coco de Mer Body Lotion($30) offers serious hydration and a delicate, floral scent.
2. Manuka Honey: For Serious Skin Care
The antibacterial one in the bunch, manuka honey can be hard to come by (the true form is only found from New Zealand manuka plants and there are set measurement systems dedicated to verifying its authenticity), but its unique enzymes and compositions make it a potent multitasker.
Internal: With just one ingredient, Honeymark Manuka Honey Lozenges’ ($8) slightly sticky (but not overly sweet), pure honey drops can help relieve a sore throat while freshening breath.
Topical: Harnessing the hydrating power of manuka honey plus potent peptides, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Get Lifted ($44) claims to fight the signs of aging for a more contoured, youthful look.
3. Royal Jelly: For Overall Health and Aging
Not honey or bee pollen, royal jelly is a unique substance that is the food of the Queen Bee (who lives about four to six years, while the average worker bee only lives six weeks); Traditional Chinese Medicine considers it a key ingredient both internally and externally in the fight against aging and for overall health.
Internal: Unprocessed and sans additives, BeeAlive Pure & Natural Royale Jelly ($125 for a three-month supply) is said to help increase energy and vitality with just one-fifth teaspoon a day.
Topical: Just a few drops of Hey Honey Good Night Royal Honey Gel ($39) leave skin looking dewy, refreshed and radiant thanks to the powerful ingredient of CoQ10.
4. Wildflower Honey: For Fighting Allergies
Comprised of a wide variety of nectars, wildflower honey comes from undefined sources, typically during Spring. It is one of the most common types of honey and is usually the one associated with combating allergies.
Internal: Expertly blended to create a unique flavor balance, Honey Republic Organic Wildflower Honey ($11) is a healthy substitute for sugar in sauces and spreads.
Topical: Burt’s Bees’ star honey ingredient is beeswax, a potent nourisher that meets with shea, almond and aloe vera in its skin-perfecting Sugar Scrub ($13).
