Homemade Honey Face Mask & Cleanser Recipe

I’ve shared before how I wash my face with oil and how that has been the best skin care routine I’ve ever used. Some readers commented that they still hadn’t found the right combination of oils for their skin type, so I wanted to share another natural face wash I recently found …

Honey …

Sound strange? So does cleansing your face with oil, but it turns out that they are both natural and effective ways to cleanse skin naturally.

Honey Face Mask (or Wash)

For this method, raw honey must be used. Raw honey has natural antibacterial properties and contains enzymes and probiotics that are good for skin. This method can be especially good for acne-prone skin as it doesn’t stop moisture from the skin but does reduce oils and bacteria. (Acne is usually in internal problem though, so it is important to look at diet too!)

Honey is gentler than soaps, which strip the skin of beneficial oils, and it gently nourishes skin. I know a local vet who has even used raw honey to speed skin healing on animals as it helps reduce bacteria and speed healing while protecting the skin from outside disturbances. This idea appears to have some scientific backing, as there are now medical-grade ointments (like this one) that use honey for wound and burn healing in humans.

What Kind of Honey

I’ve personally tried two different types of honey for facial cleansing:

• Manuka honey
• Raw organic honey

Both seem to work really well. Manuka honey is considered more cleansing and antibacterial (and has health benefits when used internally) but from what I found, either one works great for skin care (and raw honey is cheaper). I normally use a slightly lesser quality honey for face cleansing than I use with food. As long as a honey is raw and preferably organic, it is great for skin use.

Typically, I wash my face at night with the oil cleansing method since it also removes makeup, and use the honey face mask in the morning before showering. I keep a small jar of honey and a spoon on my bathroom counter for this purpose.

Bonus Ingredients

A friend of mine also recommended adding a tiny bit of vitamin C powder (which is also great for skin) to the honey face mask, along with some essential oils for extra antibacterial and acne-fighting power.

Since then, I’ve been experimenting with variations of this honey face mask and cleanser. Different variations seem to work for different skin types.

Personally, I mix a few drops of lavender and frankincense oils into the honey I keep in my bathroom. I also sometimes add a dash of cinnamon or vitamin C. I just spot test on my inner arm before trying anything new on my face and I recommend the same for anyone trying these DIY methods.

Some “bonus” ingredients to try:

• Cinnamon – For oily or inflamed skin, add a tiny amount (less than 1/2 teaspoon) of cinnamon powder to the honey before massaging onto your face. (This is too strong for some skin types as it may be drying.)
• Lemon – For age spots or dark patches on skin, try lemon. Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to honey before massaging onto skin helps clean pores and lighten dark spots. Vitamin C powder also works for this.
• Lavender – To balance skin, try lavender! Add 2 drops of organic lavender essential oil to a teaspoon of honey and massage into skin.

How to Use Honey as a Face Mask

Creating a natural face mask using honey is incredibly easy (and works amazing too!).

1. Wet face with warm water.
2. Place a small amount of honey in your hands (usually less than a teaspoon is plenty) and rub your hands together. I use this honey.
3. Massage into skin in a circular motion to get all areas.
4. Leave on for 10-15 minutes for deep pore cleansing.
5. Wash off with warm water and pat dry.
6. Enjoy soft, balanced skin!

How to Use Honey as a Facial Cleanser

To cleanse with honey without doing a face mask, just massage a teaspoon of honey into damp skin using circular movements. Wash well with warm water and pat dry.

Have you ever washed your face with an unusual ingredient? Tell me below!