Cleopatra was said to bathe in it, the Ancient Greeks valued it as currency and the Chinese have regarded it as a disease-buster since the 14th century. Today, honey is showing up in a slew of skin-care products and spa treatments. “Honey has been used for thousands of years as an all-natural skin-care treatment—and for good reason: It has a ton of health-benefiting nutrients,” says formulator Petra Stone of honey-based BeeAlive Spa Essentials line. “Plus, it’s suitable for pretty much any skin type.”
Made of about 80 percent sugar, the remaining percent of honey consists of minerals and trace elements such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, amino acids, vitamins and water. So what are the advantages of incorporating honey into your beauty routine?
Moisturizer
Honey is a natural humectant that draws moisture from the air, which is why “adding it to creams and serums helps the skin stay hydrated,” explains Stone.
Antioxidant
Just like the flowers it originally came from, when used both topically and internally, honey contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Anti-Irritant
According to Stone, honey is especially helpful at calming irritation, thanks in part to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. “It’s incredibly nourishing and very gentle.”
