Have you ever eaten six carrots a day for two weeks? I did. I was told it would clear my bad skin, but all it did was leave me with a cringe at the sight of the crunchy, orange vegetable. Like many, I had tried and was willing to try everything – expensive skin care products, vitamin A, Roaccutane and yes, even the carrot thing. But nothing. And just before I was about to reluctantly go on a second trial of Roaccutane, I decided to at least try one more suggestion that was cheaper, and that had no horrible side effects. Honey. See, I told you this was simple.
Honey Face Mask For Acne
Ingredients
- 300g Raw honey
- 5 tablespoons (60ml) Fresh lemon juice (or 1 tablespoon of lemon extract)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) Vitamin E oil (OR 1 soft-gel capsule)
- 5 drops Tea tree EO
- 5 drops Lavender EO
- 1 drop Cinnamon EO (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
Instructions
- Makes 250ml.
- Like many of my recipes, just mix it all up, and put into a pretty container. It's that simple folks!
- Pour into a container of your choice. Glass is always best, but recycling an old container is a good idea too.
Notes
1.) Use raw, untreated and unheated honey - not the processed stuff that's everywhere. Make sure the label says RAW honey.
2.) The face mask may separate into layers. Just shake / stir well before using if it does separate.
3.) If you add cinnamon, keep the face wash away from your eyes as cinnamon can be irritating/ burning if it gets into your eyes. Avoid using every day if the cinnamon irritates your skin – try only using once a week.
4.) Try keep it on for a minimum of 2 minutes before washing off, but the longer you leave it on, the better. I leave mine on for almost an hour every other night.
5.) This face wash doesn't wash off make-up very well, it's more of a skin treatment that works like a mask. You'll have to use my natural make-up remover/ toner for that, which is just as easy to make.
6.) Read how to use essential oils safely.
I used this face mask for five minutes every morning and about one hour each evening, and after two weeks my skin had radically cleared and had already appeared more smooth and vibrant. Long term, the honey has helped lighten my scars and has kept breakouts away indefinitely. I don’t even have to wear foundation to cover up! Since I’ve tackled my problem skin, I don’t need to use this mask every day anymore. Now, I only use this mask every other week as a beauty treatment.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
You can just use raw honey alone – no need for anything extra. Just make sure the label says “RAW” honey. The honey will work it’s magic by itself, but the added ingredients in this recipe are worthwhile.
Cost & Shelf Life
Cost price: R32.61 per 250ml recipe.
Lasted me about: 3 months using a teaspoon every day.
Estimated shelf life: 6 months if stored away from direct sunlight and moisture.
*Costs accurate at time of writing, and based on the best retail prices that I’ve found.
Challenge
It’s sticky, but at least honey dissolves very easily with water.
Cherry on top
Most times, I don’t feel like I need to moisturise afterwards.
Ingredient Benefits
- Raw honey: Antiseptic, antibacterial, soothing, healing, reduces scars, moisturises, anti-inflammatory. (Buy Here)
- Lemon juice: Diminishes scars, heals acne, gentle exfoliant, tones skin. (OR Buy Lemon Extract Here)
- Vitamin E oil: Diminishes scars, promotes intense healing of damaged tissue, moisturises. (Buy Here)
- Cinnamon EO: Helps dry out oily skin. (Buy Here)
- Tea tree EO: Reduces sebum production and fights off the acne causing bacteria (Buy Here).
- Lavender EO: Inhibits bacteria, regulates over secretion of sebum, reduces inflammation and reduces the signs of scarring (Buy Here).
Not sure which brand to buy, and where to buy it? My shopping guide may help you. Are you new to essential oils? Please read how to use them safely.
How has honey worked for your skin? I’d love to know, please share in the comments below.