Honey has been on my radar since I began swapping out my traditional skincare for nontoxic, safer options. Why? Because it’s incredible for use in DIY skincare! But if you really want the big bang for your buck, you should consider using Manuka honey (in your tea and in your at-home face masks).
Manuka honey is produced when bees feed on the nectar of the flowering Manuka bush native to New Zealand, Leptospermum scoparium. A cousin of the Australian Tea Tree plant, the qualities inherent in the Manuka bush are imparted into the honey when the bees create their liquid gold. This honey, when taken in its raw, authentic state, is chock-full of the beneficial health properties that differentiate even regular raw honey from raw Manuka honey.
Those benefits include it being a superfood, having antibacterial properties and is packed with vitamin B, C and live enzymes (partially because it hasn’t been processed like that golden, syrupy honey you can find in the bear-shaped tubes). So how can we use it at home, in the easiest way? Try these three recipes for DIY skincare with Manuka honey.
DIY At-Home Masks with Wedderspoon Manuka Honey
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Manuka Mask with Cinnamon
- 1 tsp. of Manuka (helps remove bacteria from the skin)
- ½ tsp. of high-quality cinnamon (improves circulation and is antimicrobial as well)
Mix all ingredients and apply the mixture over the face (or do a spot-treatment!). Leave on for 20 minutes to an hour then rinse.
*Make sure to do a spot test before doing this one, as it can be very potent and potentially cause a reaction.
Dry Skin: Manuka Mask with Yogurt (or Avocado for Vegans)
- 1 teaspoon of Manuka (soothing and hydrating)
- 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt (or half an avocado) (fatty acids help moisturize, and lactic acids in yogurt help clear away dead skin cells)
Mix all ingredients and apply the mixture over the face. Leave on for 20 minutes to an hour then rinse.
Normal Skin: Manuka Only Mask
Wet your face lightly and spread the Manuka on with your fingers (a teaspoon should suffice)—it’ll hydrate and cleanse skin thoroughly, with a balancing and healing effect! Let the mix sit on skin for anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour (apply and hop in the bath!). Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat skin dry.
Other Awesome Mask Partners
- Activated Charcoal: Use this add-in for breakouts.
- Matcha: Matcha acts as an antioxidant and protects skin with its polyphenols, so incorporate this for aging or mature skin.
- Spirulina: Sensitive skin will love this soothing, mineral-boosting ingredient.
