The benefits of honey cleansing

Raw honey (also called unpasteurized honey)  provides a gentle and affordable alternative to your facial cleanser.

• Honey gently removes dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of natural oils. Foaming cleansers and soaps frequently strip the skin of these protective oils and cause the skin to overproduce oil.
• The natural antibacterial and probiotic properties of raw honey effectively reduce breakouts and prevent new acne.
• Raw honey also contains natural enzymes which may refine the skins texture.
• Since it is so gentle and nurturing to the skin, it is ideal for very sensitive skin, rosacea, and eczema.
• It works well on all skin types. It balances oily skin and moisturizes dry skin.
• Unlike foaming cleansers, honey does not strip the skin of its protective sebum, which causes irritation and dryness. Additionally, foaming cleansers are usually too alkaline for the skin and imbalance the skins naturally acidic pH.
• As far as excellent facial cleansers go, it is much cheaper than store bought options. 
• Although any raw honey works excellently, manuka honey boasts superior antibacterial and healing properties. It is recommended for acne-prone skin.

How to wash your face with honey

1. Use raw honey. If you need a source for raw honey, use the link above to get your free jar. Look for raw honey at your farmer’s market. If you can’t find it, here’s the raw honey I recommend available online. If you want to splurge, try the potent manuka honey, which contains vastly higher levels of antibacterial properties to heal acne.
2. Remove your makeup first. Use honey cleansing in the morning (and evening, if you don’t wear makeup). For removing makeup, I recommend The Oil Cleansing Method or my 2 Ingredient DIY Makeup Remover.
3. Take about 1/2 teaspoon of the honey on your fingers. Warm it between your fingers. Add just a few drops of water if necessary to make a spreadable consistency. Smooth it gently on your face.
4. Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry. If you have time, you’ll get the best results by leaving the thin layer of honey on for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
5. Finish with patting a toner on your face for best results. You can make your own by mixing 2 Tbs. raw apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup of water or aloe vera and putting this in a jar or spray bottle.

Get a free jar of raw honey

Raw honey makes all the difference in the honey cleansing method. It may also be labeled as “unpasteurized” or “unfiltered.” That supermarket honey in the clear bear is literally processed to death, destroying the enzymatic and probiotic properties.

Thrive Market is my favorite online health food store, and I’ve taken advantage of the steep discounts and the occasional free products they offer members.  I can pass on one of those freebies to you today:  Thrive is offering a FREE jar of raw honey, with orders over $50 here.  

Like Costco, Thrive offers wholesale prices to their members, and this gift is available to both new and returning members. Membership starts with a month-long free trial. The membership fee is worth every penny – I saved so much on my first Thrive order that it canceled out the cost of my yearly membership.

Click here to get your free raw honey at Thrive. 

Do you use any DIY skin care and if so, what? Have you tried honey cleansing before?