natural skin care : Honey's A Sweet Treat for Skin

All-natural honey has been used a beauty product since the days of Cleopatra and it continues to be used today in manufactured and homemade products for skin care and hair care. Honey is naturally hydrating and non-irritating.

Here are a few honey facial and body scrubs recipes that you can make at home:

Honey Cleansing Scrub

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon honey
2 Tablespoons finely ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions:

Mix all ingredients. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water

Morning Buzz Body Scrub
- Makes 1-2 treatments -

Ingredients

1/4 cup freshly ground coffee
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp. wheat germ
2 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. grapeseed oil
1 egg white
Directions

In mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, honey, grapeseed oil and egg white, mix thoroughly. Slowly add coffee and wheat germ being careful not to clot or clump. Scrub should be smooth and creamy but with a slight grit. Allow to stand. Apply all over in shower or bath using a washcloth or body sponge to aid in exfoliation. Rinse completely. Towel dry and apply moisturizer. Chill remaining scrub if necessary.

Tips

Benefits: Rids the skin of dry patches and aids in circulation. Helps to reduce cellulite while it firms and tones. Leaves skin smooth and supple.


Simply Sweet Honey Face Scrub
- Makes 4 treatments -

Ingredients

4 medium-sized strawberries
1 small cactus fruit
1/4 cup oatmeal, uncooked
3 tsp. sugar
3 tsp. honey
2 tsp. green tea
Directions

Wash strawberries and remove stems. Peel cactus fruit and discard skin. Slice in quarters, set aside. Using food processor or blender combine oatmeal, strawberries, cactus fruit, green tea and honey. Mix until pureed. Place in glass or rubber mixing bowl. Stir in sugar until completely mixed. Apply small amount to cheeks, forehead, chin and neck. Using finger tips and circular motions work product into skin. Repeat. Apply more product as needed until entire face and neck are covered. May be left on skin for 10 minutes mask or removed immediately. Rinse completely using tepid or cool water. Store remaining scrub in covered container in refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips

Benefits: Exfoliates and softens while it moisturizes and brightens dull dry skin.


Sweethearts' Chocolate Honey Scrub
- Makes 2 treatments -

Ingredients

6 Tbsp. unsweetened chocolate, grated*
2 cups honey
2 cups kosher salt
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
Directions

In rubber mixing bowl, combine honey and grapeseed oil. Stir in chocolate and salt mixing completely. Consistency should be grainy and thick. Apply scrub to skin and gently massage all over the body. Remove with warm damp towels or rinse in shower.

Serving Suggestions

* Can be substituted for dry cocoa powder.

Tips

Benefits: Increases circulation and aids in ridding body of toxins. Honey provides moisturizing effect as well as fights damaging free radicals

By: National Honey Board