Honey, DIY Skincare & Saving the Bees

bee on a white flower with pink

Did you know that every third mouthful of food we eat has been pollinated by bees? They are truly remarkable creatures and without them, the human race would be extinct! They are responsible for pollinating around 85 percent of the worlds food crops. Another fantastic thing about them is that they produce honey, wax and propolis. They have many uses and one of the main uses is for skincare. Humans have been using honey to heal the skin for thousands of years. Honey, wax and propolis have been used for their antiseptic and moisturising properties. They are a well known beauty staple and a great skin conditioner. Honey can be used to heal wounds and treat various skin conditions.

Here is a list of skincare uses:

HONEY

Healing cuts and scrapes.It has natural antiseptic and anti fungal properties. It also works as an antibacterial, therefore eating it is also recommended .

Scalds/burns and blisters. It has soothing and healing factors that speed up the recovery process and help reduce scarring.

Skin ulcers. Anti-inflammatory and all of the above.

Acne healer. Traditionally honey is used as a spot treatment or facemask to treat acne. It is an antiseptic so can be applied topically for healing and eaten for clearer skin

Skin protector. It helps retain moisture naturally and doesn’t irritate the skin, therefore suitable for sensitive skin types

Improves skin tone. Honey contains natural hydrogen peroxide and is known to lighten the skin and hair. It can be applied in its natural form but more commonly it is added to products like shampoo, conditioner, face masks, body lotions and moisturisers

BEESWAX

Used to heal cuts, burns, bruises and inflammation. Used in skin balms and salves.

Soothes and moisturises. It contains a waterproof barrier on the skin as well as moisturising and healing. Ideal for skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.

Protects and repairs. It is a natural hydrating agent, perfect for chapped lips and dry skin.

Antibacterial agent. Helps with fungal infections such as candida due to its healing qualities. Also found to be an antibacterial against the bacteria staphylococcus.

PROPOLIS

Antiseptic properties. Skin creams containing propolis are effective on wounds, burns and other skin lesions.

Acne treatment. Helps remove bacteria from the skin.

Repairs and protects. It has caffein acid which is more potent than vitamins C and E. This makes it a good component for creams treating sunburn and scalds. It is known to enhance skin growth, increase circulation and prevent scars.

honey jars

Here is a list of Heath Benefits obtained by eating honey:

Prevent cancer and heart disease due to containing flavonoids and other antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease

Antibacterial and anti fungal properties help fight infection

Reduce ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders.

Reduce throat irritation and coughs

Known to improve eyesight

Urinary tract disorders and impotence are treated

Bronchial asthma and nausea helped

Blood sugar regulation

It works as a probiotic due to large amounts of friendly bacteria

Strengthens the immune system by stimulating the production of immune cells

Manuka honey from New Zealand is known to be one of the most powerful and is world renowned for its healing properties.

It also tastes yummy and works well as a sugar substitute in baking.

bees on a hive

Gotta love honey, Winnie the Pooh was on to something. I use it on my face a lot and it helps reduce my pores and clear any spots and redness.

This is one of my fave masks: 

I tsp Honey

1/2 tsp Cinnamon

A dash of Nutmeg

Mix them all together in your hand and apply all over the face avoiding the delicate eye area and eyebrows

Leave on for 10 mins and use a large cotton pad with water to remove. That way the cinnamon gets into the pores and then you can wash your face with warm water.

Simple but highly effective!

That is definitely a great mask and it is so cheap and easy to make.

honey and cinnamon

Here is another DIY favourite of mine –

Cleansing Balm with Beeswax:

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tsp coconut oil

1/2 Tsp Beeswax

1 Tbsp Kaolin

6 drops Geranium essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Heat the beeswax and oils in a metal bowl placed on top of a pot of boiling water, about 2″ deep

Once melted, remove from the heat

Add in the kaolin and stir to mix well

As it begins to cool down, add in the essential oil

Pour into a thoroughly clean jar and leave to cool before replacing the lid

Store in a cool dark place

This lasts for up to 3 months

 

APPLICATION:

Massage into the skin with small, circular movements. Remove with a muslin or flannel cloth with warm water.

For certified essential oils and organic coconut oil shop here > SHOP

I just love the feel of a nice balm on my skin and I normally use this product Bee Lovely All-over Balm here > bee-lovely-all-over-balm also available below;

There is a whole range of wonderful products and by purchasing and click here to see how you can help save the bees > bee-lovely-infographic

Some more info > bee-lovely-information-poster

The Bee Lovely Range > bee-lovely-range available for purchase here > SHOP

Where the organic honey in these products originates from bee-lovely-provenance-honey and bee-lovely-development and

bee-lovely-provenance-honey

bee lovely supporting 500 bees per purch

 

And just for good measure, here is a recipe to include > bee-lovely-fibre-mask

Honey is a brilliant all-rounder and I will always have it as part of my beauty regime no matter what.

Hope you enjoy making my DIY Masks and feel free to ask me about any products from the Bee Lovely range as I am more than happy to help.

Help save the bees xxx

Ciara 🙂

Check out more DIY facemasks here

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7 Comments

  1. This is an awesome post! We are thinking about getting bees and this is so interesting to know! Definitely need to keep this on hand to use all parts of the hives later!

    1. Hi Antonia, thats really nice of you to say. That is really so fantastic that you are going to become a beekeeper! Awesome, hope it goes well and yes there are so many uses, well done for doing that.

  2. I love love love honey! Honey with my tea, with my oatmeal every morning, and with my mask and DIY hair treatment! Manuka is my favourite! I love your mask recipe.

    1. I love it too! I have it in my greek yoghurt for breakfast and love it as a hair product too. Glad you like the mask its prob my fave one 🙂