From acne to ageing, dry bits to itchy bits, a Manuka honey facemask could be your perfect-skin solution
Nature comes up with some incredible things, doesn’t she? Manuka honey is definitely one of them. It has antibacterial properties – helping clear spots and blemishes – and does so better than other honey types.
What’s more, properties in the honey mean it can prevent bacteria binding to irritated skin, aiding healing. And best of all it’s multifunctional. What other product can take you from cleanse to moisturise – and sweeten your tea?
So find a little me-time, cleanse your face thoroughly and get ready to reveal better skin in under 30 minutes.
The spot-clearing mask
Manuka honey has been used by Maori people for centuries as a soothing balm for sore skin, and beauty aficionados credit Manuka.
How to: Apply a thin, even layer of Manuka honey to affected areas, leave for 30 minutes then rinse. Honey is credited as a humectant, (humectants help bind moisture to the skin), so expect skin to feel softer, too.
The anti-ageing mask
Another awesome property of honey is its anti-ageing properties – and you can boost this with a mask that includes egg whites. Egg whites contain collagen and proteins, which can improve skin tone and elasticity, while the honey can moisturise.
How to: Crack open an egg and separate the whites from the yolk then add a tbsp of Manuka honey to the whites and mix. Avoid the eye area when you apply and once it’s on, sit back until the mask is dry before rinsing with warm water.
The soothing mask
Oats have been credited with anti-inflammatory properties and are recommended to relieve itching. When mixed with Manuka honey, oats are ideal for irritated skin that needs a little TLC.
How to: Mix up 1/2 cup of fairly hot water and 1/3 cup of oats and leave for a few minutes to cool. Add 2 tbsp of plain yoghurt, 2 tbsp of Manuka honey and a small egg white. Blend well, then apply a thin layer to your face for 15 minutes. Wipe away as much of the facemask as you can before rinsing with warm water.
The moisturising mask
This is a great post-brunch recipe for avocado fans… Fats and vitamin E in the avocado work well with honey’s humectant properties, leaving you fresh faced after 15 minutes.
How to: Combine half a small, ripe avocado with a tbsp of Manuka honey and either apply to your whole face or make a smaller batch and dollop onto areas which feel dry for a moisturising mix.
Handpicked article: 5 DIY Face Masks for Moisturising
The exfoliating mask
Being sticky means you can mix your Manuka with either salt or sugar to create an effective and eco-friendly exfoliator.
How to: Chose either salt or sugar and mix with a few spoons of manuka honey. Rub all over your face, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes and paying close attention to areas where dead skin cells can accumulate, such as around the nose. You could leave it on for half-an-hour and make it an exfoliator and mask all in one. Rinse when you’re done.
Handpicked article: Find more ways to get the most from this wonder product
Sources
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907013759.htm
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907013759.htm
www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/wellness-therapies/can-honey-heal/
www.advancedtissue.com/honey-can-help-wound-healing/
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429
www.dermatocare.com/blog/10-benefits-of-using-oats-for-skin–know-from-a-dermatologist
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24305429
www.thedermreview.com/egg-white-mask/
