Ingredient Inventory: Honey

September is national honey month!

This sticky bee vomit is so much more than a just smooth, deliciously sweet pantry staple! It would be impossible for me to highlight all of honey's amazing benefits, so I've summed up some key points below.

Honey as an Humectant

Honey attracts and retains moisture by forming hydrogen bonds with molecules of water. This is a fancy way of saying that honey actively absorbs water from the air and can then use that moisture to hydrate your skin. Incorporating skincare products with honey into your daily routine will plump and soften your skin, ultimately improving elasticity and providing you with a gorgeous glow! Not to mention, honey is a natural source of alpha hydroxy acids, which help break the bonds holding old, dead cells to the surface of the skin, encouraging exfoliation.

Honey as an Antibacterial Agent

The healing properties of honey are due in part to its antibacterial activity, as well as its rich, viscous texture that helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection. In many honeys, the antimicrobial effects are from the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide. However, in non-peroxide honey, such as manuka honey, there are significant antibacterial properties that are believed to be related to its low pH level and high sugar content. These attributes also give honey the power to heal existing acne and prevent new breakouts from occurring.

Honey as a Probiotic Source

Raw honey was recently found to contain the probiotic Lactobacillus kunkeei. Probiotics are often referred to as ‘good bacteria’ because they are believed to aid in digestion and gut health.

Honey as an Antioxidant Source

The natural antioxidants in honey help the body fight off free radicals and combat other oxidative stresses that can lead to disease. The antioxidants in honey also make it a powerful anti-aging ingredient that will leave skin soft and supple!