How To Use Honey To Get Rid Of Acne Naturally

An estimate of 80% of people around the age of 11 to 30 experience acne at some time in their life.  As per American Academy of Dermatology, acne is caused by over active oil glands. When excess oil combines with dead skin cells and clogs the pores, bacteria multiplies in it causing acne lesions. Honey, lemon, apple cider vinegar and aloe vera are some good choices.

Quick Note: Do you know honey is one of the ingredients of many anti-acne products because of its acne benefiting properties? Read on to know the amazing benefits of honey for curing acne with scientific proofs.

Is Honey Really Effective in Treating Acne?

Here are the amazing benefits of honey for curing acne with science backed proofs.

1. 1. Antibacterial – Honey contains antibacterial properties. As per a study, honey manipulates the follicular microenvironment to control the P.acne bacteria. Propionibacterium is responsible for the bacterial action in the clogged pores leading to inflammation.
2. 2. Anti-Inflammatory – Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the swelling and redness associated with acne. As per a study, the results confirmed that honey has anti-inflammatory effect even in chronic inflammatory conditions.
3. 3. Has Osmotic Effect – Honey has an osmotic effect; it absorbs water in the wound and releases hydrogen peroxide, a great antiseptic which kills bacteria and clears acne.
4. 4. Acts as Antioxidant – Researchers state that honey contains polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants that reduce and prevent the damage caused by free radicals.
5. 5. Controls Sebum – Honey locks moisture in skin cells leaving them hydrated and supple. Dehydrated skin is one of the main reasons for excess sebum production.

Directions:

How to Use Honey for Acne

Honey can be used as a mask, scrub or pack to treat acne. Here are a few quick tips:

• Use raw honey. You should never use processed honey, as they can irritate your skin more. You should be able to find raw honey at your local food store.
• Wash your face first, but don’t use a towel or scrub as they can cause irritation.
• Some treatments should be applied to damp skin.

We have mentioned several methods of using honey for your convenience. You can try any one as per your preference…

Quick Tip: Cleansing the affected area before applying honey mask improves the effectiveness of treatment by opening the pores and removing impurities accumulated on the skin. Make sure to use a face wash which contains acne fighting ingredients for added advantage.

1. Honey

Honey can be either topically applied or internally consumed for treating acne. However, we recommend trying the both as topical application helps to treat external factors and internal consumption helps to treat the root cause.

For topical application…

• Use a cotton ball to apply a small amount of raw honey to the affected area.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water followed by cold water.
• Repeat the process regularly for best results.

Alternative: Apply honey on acne lesions and cover it with a bandage. Leave the honey application overnight and rinse off in the morning. Repeat the process daily before going to bed.

For internal consumption… Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into a glass of warm water. Stir well and drink it. This mixture also helps to detoxify the body and boost your metabolism.

2. Honey and Nutmeg Powder

Nutmeg contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are helpful to treat acne discomforts like swelling and redness.

• Mix equal quantities of honey and powdered nutmeg.
• Apply the mixture to pimples.
• Leave it on for 1 hour and rinse with water.
• Repeat regularly for best results.

Note: This process may not suit for sensitive people so it is better patch test before applying it on the affected area.

3. Honey and Strawberry

Strawberry contains natural salicylic acid which is very effective in treating acne.  The acidic nature of strawberries remove the excess oil from the skin.

• Cleanse your face and pat dry with a towel.
• Combine 3 mashed strawberries and 2 teaspoons of honey.
• Apply the paste to the affected area.
• Leave it on for 20 – 25 minutes and rinse with warm water.
• Apply any oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• Repeat twice weekly for a month or more until you notice the results.

4. Honey and Cinnamon

The cinnamaldehyde present in cinnamon contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which reduce the swelling and treat acne.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
• Apply the paste to the pimples.
• Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes (if possible, leave the mixture overnight)
• Rinse with warm water and apply toner of your choice.
• Repeat the process regularly for the best results.

5. Honey and Sugar Scrub

The gritty nature of sugar exfoliates the excess oil, dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin pores. Sugar is less harsh than other exfoliating ingredients as it quickly melts so you can over scrub with it.

• Combine 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
• Apply the scrub to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
• Rinse with water thoroughly and pat dry.
• Repeat the process regularly until you achieve the results.

6. Honey and Oatmeal

The saponins present in oatmeal contains cleansing properties which remove the impurities, oil and dead skin cells that clog the pores. It is also offers moisturizing, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Blend ½ cup of oatmeal, ¼ cup of warm water, and 2 teaspoons of honey.
• Apply the paste to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
• Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

7. Honey and Turmeric

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and disinfectant which kills bacteria and soothes pain and redness. Various studies have also confirmed that it removes excess sebum and regulates its production.

• Combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder.
• Apply the paste to the pimples.
• Leave it on for 20 – 25 minutes and rinse with warm water.
• Apply any non-comedogenic moisturizer.
• Follow the process regularly without fail.

8. Honey and Aspirin

Aspirin dries out the pimples, unclogs the pores and shrinks the open pores. It contains salicylic acid which cleanses pores and kills the bacteria causing acne.

• Crush 3 – 5 uncoated aspirin pills and mix it with a teaspoon each of water and honey.
• Apply the paste to the affected area.
• Leave it on for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse with water.
• Repeat the process regularly to achieve the desired results.

Note: If you can handle, leave the application overnight and rinse off in the morning.

9. Honey and Sea Salt

The gritty nature of sea salt exfoliates the impurities and dead skin cells. The mild alkaline nature help to reduce the oil production in the skin.

• Combine 2 teaspoon of hot water and 1 teaspoon each of honey and sea salt.
• Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
• Leave the application for 10 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Repeat the process regularly.

Note: This process may leave the skin very dry. A super dry skin can encourage excess oil production. So, apply moisturizer which doesn’t clog the pores after the following the process.

10. Honey and Coconut Oil

Coconut oil brings balance in the oil production of the skin. Apart from that, it fights with acne causing bacteria and moisturizes the skin without clogging the pores.

• Combine 1 teaspoon each of honey and coconut oil.
• Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
• Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
• Follow the process regularly.

11. Honey and Tea Tree Oil

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil kills the bacteria causing acne. It also speeds up the healing process.

• Add 1 – 3 drops of tea tree oil into a tablespoon of honey.
• Spread a thin layer of the mixture on the affected areas.
• Let it rest for 12 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water after 10 – 12 minutes.
• Repeat the process regularly.

Note: Avoid following this process, if you are allergic to tea tree oil.

12. Honey and Garlic

The allicin present in garlic contains antibacterial properties which kills the bacteria causing pimples. The antioxidant properties of garlic prevent the damage caused by free radicals.

• Crush 3 garlic cloves into paste.
• Combine garlic paste, 1 ½ teaspoons of honey and a pinch of turmeric.
• Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Follow the process regularly till you get rid of acne.

13. Honey and Green Tea

The antioxidants, tocopherols, carotenoids and ascorbic acid present in green tea prevent the excess oil production and hydrate your skin.

• Add 1 green tea bag into a cup of water and let it steep for few minutes.
• Take out the green tea bag and remove the content from it.
• Combine green tea leaves and 1 teaspoon of honey.
• Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
• Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes. Meanwhile you can drink the prepared green tea and relax.
• Rinse off the application with warm water and pat dry.
• Follow the process regularly.

14. Lemon and Honey

The acidic nature of lemon removes the dead skin cells, controls the oil production and unclogs the pores. The vitamin C present in it promotes healing process. It also contains anti-oxidant and antibacterial properties which helps in treating acne.

• Grate the skin of the lemon to get lemon zest.
• Combine 1/8th teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
• Apply the mixture on the affected areas and gently massage in circular motions.
• Leave the application for 15 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
• Note: You can use lime instead of lemon.

15. Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar

The mild acidic properties of apple cider vinegar balances the skin’s pH levels which helps to regulate oil production. The astringent properties of apple cider vinegar shrinks the open pores. It also contains antibacterial properties which helps to kill the acne causing bacteria.

• Combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water. Soak a cotton ball in this mixture.
• Wet your face and affected areas.
• Gently massage the honey for 5 minutes.
• Leave the application for 30 – 40 minutes.
• Rinse off the application with water and pat dry.
• Take out the soaked cotton ball from the acv – water mixture.
• Wring out the excess and gently swipe the cotton ball on the affected areas in upward direction.
• Let it dry completely and apply moisturizer meant for acne prone skin.
• Repeat the process once in a day.

16. Honey and Tomato

The antibacterial properties of tomato kill the bacteria causing acne. It also contains antioxidants which heal the skin damage.

• Combine 1 tablespoon tomato juice and 2 tablespoons of honey.
• Apply the mixture on the affected areas and massage for few minutes.
• Leave the application for 10 minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

17. Honey and Neem

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of neem help to treat acne effectively. Being a natural astringent, it helps to fade the acne scars and keep the skin smooth.

• Dry handful of neem leaves under the sun.
• Crush them into a fine powder.
• Combine enough amounts of neem powder and 1 – 2 tablespoons of honey.
• Apply the paste on the affected areas.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

18. Honey and Red Sandalwood Powder

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of red sandalwood powder reduces the inflammation and redness. This combination is effective in treating mild – moderate acne.

• Combine 2 teaspoons each of red sandalwood powder and honey.
• Add 1 teaspoon of water and mix well.
• Apply the mixture on the affected areas.
• Leave the application for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Rinse off the application with water and pat dry.
• Repeat the process regularly.

19. Honey and Milk

The lactic acid present in milk helps to exfoliate the dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin pores. This combination work well for treating mild acne.

• Combine 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 tablespoon of milk.
• Apply the mixture on the affected area.
• Gently massage in circular motions for few minutes.
• Let it rest for another 20 – 30 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Repeat the process daily.

20. Honey and Aloe Vera

Aloe vera contains healing and antimicrobial properties which help to treat acne. It also soothes the inflammation and reduces the redness.

• Mix 1 tablespoon each of aloe vera pulp and honey.
• Apply the mixture on the pimples.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
• Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a week.

21. Honey and Apple Mask

Apple contains acidic content which helps to balance the pH levels of the skin. This helps to restrict the excess oil secretion. Apart from that it also provides nutrients to the skin.

• Blend half an apple (without seeds) into a paste.
• Add 2 tablespoons of honey into the apple paste and mix well.
• Apply the paste to the affected areas.
• Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse with water.
• Repeat regularly for best results.

22. Manuka Honey and Parsley

Manuka honey is prepared by bees which gather it from only Manuka trees. It is considered as a non-peroxide because its enzymes will not generate hydrogen peroxide when applied to the skin. However, it is rich in antibacterial properties. This significant effects are contributed by low pH and high sugar levels.

• Into a blender, add 1 cup of fresh parsley leaves (remove the stems), lemon juice and manuka honey.
• Blend the ingredients to get a thick paste.
• Apply the paste on the affected areas.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse it off with water.
• Repeat the process regularly.

Side Effects of Honey

• If you are allergic to pollen grains then it is better to avoid it. As it may cause rashes, redness and irritation. If consumed, then it can cause swelling, asthma, coughing, wheezing, breathing troubles, difficulty in swallowing, and so on.
• Eating raw honey in large amounts can lead to abdominal discomfort and anaphylactic shock.
• People with diabetes should avoid its consumption as it can increase blood sugar levels.
• People having blood disorders or who take medications for it should avoid it as it can increase the internal bleeding.
• Honey should be taken with caution when taking other antibiotics like aspirin, ibuprofen, heart medications, weight loss supplementation and warfarin.
• Honey produced from Rhododendrons is known to contain some toxins that can lead to adverse reactions.
• If you have a weak system then it is better to avoid honey consumption as it can increase the risk of bacterial and fungal infections in the body.

General Tips and Precautions

• If the application of honey is causing breakouts then stop using it and try a different remedy.
• Make sure to patch test any application before trying out the process. If you observe any negative reactions, then avoid using it.
• Avoid squeezing, scratching, pricking or rubbing pimples as it can worsen and leave a scar behind.
• Avoid using greasy cosmetics or creams as they may clog the pores.
• Reduce the amount of exposure to the sunlight as it can worsen the acne.
• Always use a mild soap and warm water to wash your face. Avoid using soaps that contain harmful chemicals like paraben and laureth sulphate.
• Scrubbing harshly can damage your skin. So make sure to do it as gentle as you can.
• Take a shower as soon as you can after a workout.
• Make sure to remove the makeup before going to the bed.
• Consume nutritional food to strengthen your immune system.
• Do yoga or meditation to reduce the stress levels.

How long does It Take for Honey to Cure Yeast Infection?

Well, this is a quite difficult question to answer as the results vary from person to person depending on skin texture, healing capability, severity of acne and other factors. So, we recommend our readers to try any method for at least few weeks to judge whether the ingredient is helpful or not. If it is not showing even a slightest improvement then you can shift to another effective ingredient.

Can We Leave Honey Overnight on Skin?

Yes, you can safely leave it on the skin overnight. However, make sure to put on some old clothes and bedsheets to avoid stains.

What Kind of Honey is good for Treating Acne?

Do you know that there are almost 300 types of honey available in the market? Surprising isn’t it! Some of the popular one are buckwheat, Manuka, neem and Acacia. The composition of honey depends on the environmental condition in which they harvest.  Be it either for topical application or internal consumption, we recommend to try the raw darker varieties. The darker and denser versions of honey contains more amount of nutrients and enzymes than the lighter and processed ones. Processing strips off the essential nutrients and beneficial properties of honey.