Herbal Infused Honey Mask Recipe for a Natural Glow
Let’s glow! We’re all aware that the true glow comes from within, but all little exterior polish never hurts, right?
Honey is not like an oil, though it shares some similar properties when it comes to skincare. Below we’ll learn about honey by comparing it to oil to deeper our understanding of how honey works on the skin.
Honey vs. Oil: Key Differences
Composition:
Honey: Water-based, with natural sugars, enzymes, and bioactive compounds. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment or deeper layers of the skin.
Oil: Fat-based, containing lipids and fatty acids. Oils act as emollients, meaning they soften and smooth the skin by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Moisture Interaction:
Honey: Actively attracts and binds water to the skin, hydrating it.
Oil: Does not hydrate but locks in existing moisture by preventing water loss.
Absorption:
Honey: Sits on the skin's surface but penetrates slightly due to its smaller molecules and enzymatic properties.
Oil: Absorbs into the outer layers of the skin, depending on the oil’s composition and molecular weight.
Skin Benefits:
Honey: Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and soothing. Great for hydration and wound healing.
Oil: Nourishing, softening, and protective. Oils can also deliver fat-soluble vitamins like A and E.
How They Complement Each Other
Honey and oils are different, but they work beautifully together in skincare. In skincare, we can start with an herbal honey mask (recipe below) and end with a facial oil.
Honey hydrates by drawing water into the skin.
Oil locks in moisture to prevent dehydration and keep the skin soft.
Honey hydrates, while oils seal that hydration in.
Herbal Honey Mask Recipe
This herbal honey face mask is infused with the following herbs:
Sage: stimulates blood, closes pores, and restores elasticity. Great for wrinkled, saggy complexions.
Lemon balm: provides cleansing of pores, and soothing and astringent effects to help tone and balance the skin.
Lavender: stimulates the growth of new cells, increases blood circulation, and balances oil production.
Yarrow: strengthens the skin tone for aging skin, clears and soothes problem oily and congested skin, and soothes inflammed skin.
Honey: Possesses antimicrobial and antioxidants, aiding in skin tissue repair and soothing inflammed skin conditions.
Ingredients: I used about a tbsp of each dried herb and 1 cup of warmed honey
How to do it: Combine the ingredients; this recipe can be tailored to meet your skincare goals. (Learn about herbs for face care here.) Mix well. Seal jar and let set for 2 weeks. During those two weeks, I like to make a little hot water bath in an old pot and place my jar in it to rewarm the honey mask. Once the jar is warm on the outside, stir to keep the herbs macerating into the honey. I do this a handful of times during the 2 weeks.
To use: When ready to use, rewarm and stir to distribute.
Then, on a clean, semi-damp face (spray with a toner: here + here or hydrosol + here), apply honey mask. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Eating a little bit is okay!
This recipe isn’t recommended for sensitive skin. Do a patch test first if you aren’t familiar with the topical effects of these herbs.
Favorite EOs: Click here to purchase the essential oils you’re missing.
Favorite Home Herbalism Store: Click here to purchase the home herbalism ingredients you’re missing.
