Honey is surely the best for your oatmeal and morning toasts. Do you know what else it is good for? For skin inflammation!
Honey has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, particularly for treating wounds and skin inflammation. The sweet, sticky substance is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, making it an effective natural remedy for various skin conditions.
What Is Skin Inflammation?
Skin inflammation, or dermatitis, is when the skin becomes red, swollen, and itchy. It can occur due to various factors, such as allergies, irritation, infection, or autoimmune disorders.
Skin inflammation can be acute or chronic and occur in different body areas, including the face, hands, and feet. Symptoms of skin inflammation may vary but often include redness, itching, swelling, blistering, and pain.
While many conventional treatments are available for skin inflammation, natural remedies like honey can be just as effective and have fewer side effects.
Honey As Natural Remedy For Skin Inflammation
Honey is a centuries-old skincare ingredient owing to its properties. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and moisturizing effects on the skin.
Anti-Microbial Properties
One of the main ways honey helps cure skin inflammation is its antibacterial properties. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, a natural antiseptic that can kill bacteria on the skin. When applied to inflamed skin, honey can help to prevent infection and reduce the severity of symptoms. Also, honey contains high levels of sugar, which can help draw moisture out of bacteria, causing them to die.
Rich In Antioxidants
Honey also contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the skin. It is particularly beneficial for those with skin inflammation caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure or pollution. The antioxidants in honey can help to reduce redness and swelling and promote the healing of damaged skin cells.
Contains Anti-Inflammatory Compounds
Honey contains various compounds that can help reduce inflammation, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteins that contribute to the inflammatory response. The anti-inflammatory properties also help with conditions like acne and psoriasis.
Moisturizing Properties
Honey can also help moisturize and soothe inflamed skin. The thick, syrupy texture of honey helps create a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping and locking in hydration. It can help to alleviate dryness and itchiness associated with skin inflammation.
How To Use Honey For Skin Inflammation?
Honey is one of the best supplements for inflammation. You can try several methods for using honey to heal your skin.
Apply Directly To The Skin
The easiest way is to apply raw honey directly to the affected area. To do this, clean the area with mild soap and water, then apply a thin layer of honey to the skin. Leave it for at least 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water. You can repeat this process several times a day as needed.
Mix With Other Ingredients
You can also use honey by mixing it with other natural ingredients.
For example, you can create a soothing face mask by mixing honey with aloe vera gel and turmeric powder. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, and turmeric is a natural antiseptic that can help reduce redness and swelling. To make the mask:
- Mix equal parts honey, aloe vera gel, and turmeric powder until you have a smooth paste.
- Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water.
Make Honey Scrub
If you have particularly dry or irritated skin, create a moisturizing body scrub using honey and sugar. Sugar is a natural exfoliant, helping remove dead skin cells and reveal smoother and softer skin.
To make the scrub:
- Mix equal parts honey and sugar until you have a thick paste.
- Massage the scrub onto your skin in circular motions, focusing on particularly dry or inflamed areas.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
Risks And Precautions
It’s important to patch-test the honey on a small skin area before applying it to a larger area, as some people may be allergic to honey. Avoid using honey on your skin if you are allergic to honey pollen or bees.
For people with allergies, choose high-quality, raw honey that hasn’t been processed or heated when used for skin inflammation. Raw honey contains more enzymes and nutrients than processed honey, making it more effective as a natural remedy for skin inflammation.
Conclusion
Honey is not only good for sweetening your dishes, teas, and toasts, but it is also great for skincare. The anti-inflammatory properties heal acne blemishes and scars, while the moisturizing effect makes your skin shiny and plump. However, be careful while using honey; always patch-test first. Also, consult your doctor first if you have severe inflammation.
