This sticky elixir is just as good on your face as in your mouth

Bees aren’t alone in buzzin’ about honey, an all-natural ingredient that’s led a double life as a superfood and beautifying agent since Cleopatra sang its praise back in the day. Here are 4 benefits of honey that explain why we’re still stuck on the sweet stuff:

1. It’s rich in skin-nurturing nutrients.

While primarily composed of natural sugars and water, honey also contains a full spectrum of nutrients for the skin, including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. When eaten, honey also hosts a pack of potent antioxidants including caffeic acid (one of the main cell-protecting compounds found in über-healing argan oil) and catechins (the same age-defying complex renowned in green tea) that guard the body and skin against oxidative and environmental damage.

2. It regulates and retains the skin’s moisture.

Honey is a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture from the air into the skin for long-lasting hydration. The oil-free ingredient regulates and retains the skin’s hydration, making it a is a prime pick for all skin types—especially oily and combination skin.

3. It can ward off inflammation and bacteria.

When honey is diluted, its natural components react and form hydrogen peroxide. This byproduct acts as an antiseptic to bolster your skin’s immunity and ward off bacteria that can lead to acne. Better yet, honey’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can also help reduce the appearance of scars and imperfections and help your skin heal faster.

4. It packs acne-fighting, prebiotic power.

You may have heard of probiotics (the healthy bacteria found in yogurt, miso and kombucha tea), but prebiotics are the next big thing in skin care. Honey is chock-full of these specialized complex carbohydrates, which nurture the growth of healthy probiotic bacteria in the digestive system when eaten, and also help balance and restore a healthy bacteria balance in the skin when applied to it. Healthy skin bacteria are constantly under siege due to environmental stressors and clogged pores. Clogged pores block oxygen and circulation, which in turn foster the growth of the unhealthy bacteria that feeds on the oil in our skin and can lead to breakouts and acne. Prebiotics found in honey thwart bad bacteria and rebalance friendly bacteria to promote healthy, radiant skin.

Get sweeter skin with these all-natural honey-infused skincare products:

Honey Girl Organics Face and Eye Cream (1.75 oz., $29.99)

This soothing balm is formulated with certified organic olive oil, honey, bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly to soften and repair even the most delicate skin. It’s simple and divine.

Medicine Mama’s Apothecary Sweet Bee Magic (4 oz., $29.99) 

This all-over skin cream is made with 100% certified organic ingredients to nourish, protect, and heal skin.

The Organic Pharmacy Honey and Jasmine Mask (30 mL, approx. $69)
 

This deeply moisturizing and nourishing mask is formulated with honey, aloe, rosehip, and evening primrose to rehydrate skin and restore elasticity, especially post sun exposure.

Pure Fiji Coconut Milk and Honey Body Butter (8 oz., $39.95)
 

This luxurious blend of coconut oil and milk, raw honey, and royal jelly revives, hydrates, and nourishes skin.

The Naked Bee Orange Blossom Honey Lotion (8 oz., $13)

This lotion combines organic aloe vera, nourishing oils, skin-softening honey, and conditioning hyaluronic acid to hydrate and restore skin naturally.

Burt’s Bees Honey, Almond, & Shea Sugar Scrub (8 oz., $13)
 

This delectable blend of honey, shea, ground almonds, and sugar can be used to exfoliate and polish dull skin for smooth, soft results.

 

Make Your Own Honey-Avocado Mask

BZZZ! For you DIY beauty aficionados, try this honey-rich face treatment for velvet smooth results.

What you’ll need:

½ avocado

1 tablespoon raw honey

2 teaspoons lemon juice

How to make it:

1. Mash the avocado meat.

2. In a small food processor or blender, blend avocado meat with honey and lemon juice until smooth.

 

How to use it:

1. Cleanse and dry your face.

2. Apply the mixture evenly and let stand 15 minutes.

3. Wash it off with warm water; then follow with a cool rinse.