Why you need to include honey into your beauty regime
From acne-fighting to skin and hair salves – here's the best of the honey bunch
When it comes to acne, scientific studies are suggesting it's an excellent alternative to over-the-counter potions and can be as effective as the medicated version.
Dr. Surbhi, MD, Dermatologist, blogger and skincare counsellor, says, "raw honey is rich in anti-inflammatory factors that soothes sensitive skin, reduces angry, red pimples due to its anti-bacterial properties, while the gluconic acid accelerates the shedding of dead skin cells - it's just like a scrub but without mechanical rubbing. Hence, honey helps in improving the dull, patchy look of your skin."
While the beautifully haired Dutch-Iranian blogger, Negin Mirsalehi and owner of Gisou, (a honey-centric hair care range), heralds from a six-generation beekeeping family and is in no doubt about the power of bees. She started by using her mother's homemade honey recipes and then went on to launch her brand. Her latest release is the Honey-Infused Hair Wash and Conditioner that cleanses and conditions without stripping the hair of natural oils.
The key ingredient is honey derived from the Mirsalehi Bee Garden, which contains a blend of minerals, vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants. Plus it's in shelfie-appealing packaging – that is bound to please her 5.4 million Insta following too.
HONEY-BASED BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO TRY NOW
GISOU Hair range, from £26
Give hair a halo of shine with the glossy posse's preferred line by blogger Negin Mirsalehi. There's the new Honey Infused Hair Wash and Conditioner along with a Hair Fragrance, Mask and the iconic Hair Oil, plus some propolis-infused styling products. The Shampoo is free from sulphates, but lathers up well and smells like a jar of your favourite floral sweet stuff.
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THE HONEY FACE & BODY CLEANSERS
L'Occitane Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, £19
Soothing organic honey sourced from Provence helps to cleanse away make-up, impurities and pollution while leaving skin soft and cocooned.
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Shiseido Waso Cleanser at Lookfantastic, £26
This foams without water and doesn't strip away moisture - it just leaves the skin feeling supremely clean.
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Saint Iris Adriatica Every Body Energy Cleanse, £29
A non-foaming face & body skin cleanser that detoxes reduces inflammation, an uplifts the spirits in one or two pumps. The perfect way to start your day.
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THE SKIN CARE LINE-UP
Kiehl's Pure Vitality Skin Renewing Cream at John Lewis, £52
Formulated with 99.6 percent naturally derived ingredients, this New Zealand Manuka Honey and Ginseng-loaded cream helps to reinforce the skin's barrier – meaning you look less crepey and have a renewed radiance and vitality. 91 percent of testers said skin looked moisturised, replenished and nourished after using the concoction for eight weeks.
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BeeYü Firming & Regenerating Mask, £61.60
This includes stimulating bee venom, nutrient-dense Manuka honey, clover flower & swertia chirata extract, and can tingle a little on application. However, it refines and hydrates in a mere twenty minutes, or leave on overnight for an intensive treatment.
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Manuka Doctor Oils, from £16
Budget-friendly but hardworking – these oils give a lift to face and lips. Plus they also offer Manuka jars of honey and supplements too.
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Earth Tu Honey & Coconut Face Mask at Net-a-Porter, £43
If skin feels stressed or tired, then layer on this unguent recipe (with just five ingredients) it soothes, calms and is a powerful natural humectant.
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