Mix and Mask: DIY Honey Face Masks for Every Skin Type
Bee-autiful in just a few steps! These DIY honey face masks will have you feeling as sweet as honey, with ingredient combinations for every skin type and concern.
February 27, 2023 9 minutes readIn This Post
Honey face masks are the perfect way to treat your skin with an extra dose of TLC whenever you like, and honestly, what's more amazing than a face mask made with nature's true gift – honey?
Honey, aka the golden liquid, dates back centuries ago when it was used by the Greeks and Egyptians to heal skin wounds and burns, owing to its healing and therapeutic benefits.
However, its amazing gifts do not end there. Honey is a natural humectant packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a great addition to your skincare regimen.
This age-old beauty secret remains a common staple, especially in DIY skincare practices, as one of the most sought-after ingredients for DIY face masks due to its ability to work well with other ingredients whilst providing nourishment to the skin.
So, in today's article, we'll share DIY recipes for a variety of honey face masks for all skin concerns and skin types. So, whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin or want to target wrinkles or hyperpigmentation, there's a honey face mask here for you!
Honey and Lemon Face Mask Recipe
The honey and lemon face mask combo makes a perfect face mask for acne-prone skin. Honey contains antibacterial properties to ward off acne-causing bacteria, while lemon contains astringent properties to help decrease excess sebum production. It also works as a natural brightening agent to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation for brighter and clearer skin.
You'll need:
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon (or organic lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2-3 drops tea tree oil (*optional)
Preparation:
- Wash and slice your fresh lemon into halves.
- Squeeze a tablespoon into a bowl and remember to strain the seeds.
- Then, add your honey and tea tree oil, if using, and stir till it's blended, and your face mask is ready!
- You can apply this face mask once a week or once every two weeks.
Note: Due to its natural acidity, lemon can irritate the skin and increase sensitivity to the sun. Always carry out a patch test, and if your skin doesn't react to it, be sure to follow up with sunscreen after use. However, if you have sensitive skin, then this mask isn't recommended.
Honey and Coffee Face Mask Recipe
This mask blends the soothing and antibacterial functions of honey with the texture of coffee grounds, which aids in exfoliation, to help get rid of dead skin cells while boosting blood circulation in the skin. It's also super moisturizing thanks to the almond milk, sweet almond oil, and honey's humectant properties and is suitable for all skin types.
You'll need:
- 1 tablespoon coffee grounds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon almond milk
- 1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
Preparation:
- Add your coffee and honey in a bowl, mix until fully blended.
- Then add the almond milk and sweet almond oil, stir well, and there you have it!
- To use, spread evenly on your face and massage gently in circular motions to exfoliate.
- Sit back and relax for 15-20 minutes, then rinse off properly and follow up with your moisturizer.
- Use once a week or less frequently.
Note: If your skin is too sensitive to mechanical exfoliation, you can simply apply this face mask without massaging it into your skin. This way, you'll get all the skin benefits from the ingredients used without damaging your skin.
Honey, Yogurt, and Turmeric Face Mask Recipe
A great combination for reducing dark spots, dealing with inflammations like acne, and reducing wrinkles. Turmeric is an excellent natural brightening agent, while yogurt is moisturizing and rich in probiotics, offering anti-aging benefits. With the addition of honey, this face mask is ideal for oily, mature skin, with other skin types not being left out!
You'll need:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
Preparation:
- In a bowl, mix turmeric powder and yogurt to create a smooth blend.
- Then add honey and stir until a fine paste is formed.
- You can use this face mask once a week.
Note: When seeking out the best yogurt to use, plain and organically produced yogurts are your best bet to enjoy the nutrients it contains. Also, choose those with a thicker consistency, like Greek yogurt, as these are easier to apply to your face.
However, if you are allergic to dairy products or feel a tingling or burning sensation after use, it's best to avoid and discontinue usage.
Honey and Egg White Face Mask Recipe
Honey combined with egg white makes a great anti-aging face mask. Egg whites are rich in protein that promote elasticity in the skin, and honey is packed with antioxidants for protection against free radicals that could break down the skin's collagen. This face mask also hydrates and is suitable for dry skin.
You'll need:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Argan oil
Preparation:
- Start by separating the egg white from the yolk.
- In a bowl, beat the egg white with a fork or a mixer until stiff and foamy consistency forms.
- Add the honey and Argan oil to the egg white and mix until well combined, and your face mask is ready to use!
- You can use this face mask once or twice a week.
Note: Avoid using this face mask if you're allergic to eggs. Also, if you're a vegan, you can use flaxseed gel instead of egg whites.
Honey, Cinnamon, and Lemon Face Mask Recipe
This combination is packed with natural acne-fighting ingredients for healthier and clearer skin. Cinnamon and lemon both contain astringent properties that help cleanse the skin of impurities, tackle acne, and tighten pores. When combined with honey's soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, it makes a killer face mask great for oily to combination skin.
You'll need:
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Preparation:
- Add the cinnamon powder and lemon juice in a bowl and stir.
- Then add the honey and mix till properly blended.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained from stones and other chunky pieces.
- Use once a week or less frequently.
Note: Don't forget lemon can be irritating on the skin, so try not to use too much and too frequently. Also, do a patch test to check if you have an allergic reaction to it before applying it to your face.
Honey and Banana Face Mask Recipe
The honey and banana face mask is an excellent way to restore moisture to your skin, especially during the dry winter months. Banana is filled with a lot of beneficial nutrients for the skin, like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and silica, aiding in collagen production to reduce wrinkles and sagging.
You'll need:
- ½ ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rosehip oil
Preparation:
- Slice the banana into two and chop it into little pieces.
- Mash the sliced banana pieces with a fork, and add honey and rosehip oil.
- Then, mix all ingredients properly till blended into a smooth paste.
- You can use this face mask 2-3 times a week.
Note: Re-using leftovers from this face mask may not be a good idea, as it could most likely get rancid within the next hour without use. So, making a fresh batch before use is a great way to go, plus it's super simple to make!
Pineapple Face Mask With Honey Recipe
The pineapple and honey face mask is a natural way to exfoliate and brighten your skin. Pineapple is an excellent addition to homemade face masks because it's rich in antioxidants and contains a powerful enzyme known as bromelain, which wipes away dead skin cells.
You'll need:
- 1 tablespoon pineapple puree
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons jojoba oil
Preparation:
- Prepare your pineapple by washing it, then cut out four small pieces.
- Put the cutout pieces in a blender or food processor to make a fine paste/puree. Remember not to add water during this process.
- In a bowl, add a tablespoon of pineapple puree, honey, and jojoba oil, then mix well.
- Apply the mask to cleansed skin, leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse it off with water.
- Use once a week or every two weeks.
Note: Do not leave the mask on longer than 5 minutes, as it may give off a stinging sensation due to the high acidity levels found in pineapples. Also, be sure to carry out a patch test before use to test your skin's sensitivity to it.
Honey, Oatmeal, and Yogurt Face Mask Recipe
The honey, oatmeal, and yogurt face mask is a great option for sensitive skin owing to the combination of soothing and moisturizing ingredients. Yogurt and honey restore moisture to the skin. Oatmeal, on the other hand, is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties alongside honey, making this face mask perfect for soothing dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
You'll need:
- 1 tablespoon oatmeal (roughly or finely ground oats)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
Preparation:
- In a bowl, add ground oats, honey, and yogurt and mix well to form a smooth paste.
- If you find the consistency too thin, add more oatmeal; and if it's too thick, add more yogurt and honey.
- You can use this face mask twice a week for smoother and softer skin.
Note: It would be best not to store this face mask for later use; you can easily make a fresh batch each time. That way, it can't go bad, and you can always use it fresh with all the nutrients intact.
How to Use a DIY Honey Face Mask
Once you've found the perfect honey face mask suitable for your skin type and concern, it's time to put it to use. With this simple step-by-step guide, rest assured of an easy and smooth application process:
Step 1. Cleanse first. Your skin needs to be free from dirt, excess oil, makeup, and impurities to prep it for better absorption of the facial mask's beneficial nutrients and to guarantee its effectiveness. Do so with a gentle cleanser to eliminate dirt on your skin without being too stripping. After cleansing, gently pat dry with a clean towel.
Step 2. Apply the face mask evenly with a soft bristle brush, a spatula, or clean fingertips on your face and neck. It's essential to avoid your eyes and lips when doing so due to the skin surrounding them being very delicate and very likely to get irritated.
However, if you use an exfoliating honey mask, massage it onto your skin for a few minutes after application. If not, let it sit for about 10-20 minutes, and use the waiting time as a great opportunity to sit back and relax while it does its magic.
Step 3. After the 20 minutes expire, rinse off with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the face mask left on the skin. Be mindful not to use hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils, dry it out, and even damage your natural skin barrier.
Step 4. Once your face mask has been thoroughly rinsed off, go ahead with your regular skincare routine. And seal the deal with your favorite moisturizer or facial oil to lock in all the skin-loving nutrients of the honey mask.
If you're applying any honey face mask during the day, don't forget to apply your sunscreen too, as some ingredients used may cause increased skin sensitivity to the sun.
Benefits of Honey for the Skin
A quick reminder before getting into all the benefits of honey for the skin – when seeking out the perfect honey for your face mask, be sure to get one in its raw, unfiltered form to get the most out of it, or unpasteurized honey like Manuka honey, for its unique properties on the skin as well.
Be mindful: Also, it's essential to remember not to cuddle with your youngsters, younger than one year old, while having a honey face mask on, and make sure to have it thoroughly rinsed off after use. This is because honey often contains toxins from Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can cause infant botulism if ingested, the disease of the large intestine.
Now for the goodies...
Honey is more than just your natural sweetener for tea, coffee, or pancakes. According to studies, honey combines many skin-benefitting properties to transform the skin's appearance and health. Here's a look at some of them:
#1: It's Anti-aging
Honey is rich in antioxidants, protecting the skin against free radicals, which can potentially destroy the skin's collagen, thus leading to visible wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, its nutrients and enzymes also improve the overall skin's appearance.
#2: It's Hydrating
Honey is a natural humectant that helps lock moisture in the skin. So, if you have dry or combination skin, honey is a great addition to your skincare regimen for hydrated, glowing, and supple skin.
#3: Helps With Acne
Honey possesses antibacterial properties, which allows it to ward off acne-causing bacteria and whatnots on the skin. If you're dealing with fungal acne, you're not left out, as honey also contains antifungal properties to stave off fungal infections on the skin.
#4: It Has Healing Properties
Honey has been used for centuries for its healing and therapeutic benefits. It accelerates the healing process by promoting new tissue growth for wound healing.
#5: It Has Anti-inflammatory Properties
Honey provides relief to inflammations on the skin caused by certain skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, helping with redness, flushing, bumps, and other related discomforts. Combined with its antibacterial and antifungal properties, honey can improve the skin's overall health and reduce the risk of infection, which is vital for people with rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions, who often have compromised skin barriers.
Takeaway...
Honey is a natural yet effective ingredient, a favorite among skincare DIYers, as it can be easily combined with other natural ingredients to target skin-specific concerns.
So, find a perfect combination of ingredients, and use DIY face masks suited for your skin type. This gives you some control over what goes on your skin while allowing you to reap the benefits this natural gift has to offer!
However, just as honey packs a lot of good rep on its advantages for the skin, it may be irritating or cause an allergic reaction when used. So, before use, it's essential to test the ingredients you want to use in your face mask on a small patch of your skin to know how it reacts to them.
FAQs
What can I mix with honey for my face?
It will depend on what you want the face mask to do. So, for an anti-aging honey face mask, mix honey and turmeric or egg whites: for an exfoliating face mask, mix honey and ground coffee: for a brightening face mask, mix honey, yogurt, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is a honey mask good for your face?
Yes, honey has potent hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, offering many benefits for the skin. It's anti-aging, moisturizing, and healing, and it can help with inflammations on the skin, like acne.
How do you make a honey face mask for glowing skin?
Honey is very versatile, and you can mix it with many diferent ingredients to create a honey face mask for glowing skin. Some of the ingredients to mix it with include lemon juice, Greek yogurt, mashed banana and avovado, aloe vera gel, ground oatmeal, and others.
Can I put raw honey on my face?
Yes, you can apply raw honey to your face as it offers a plethora of skincare benefits, such as healing, anti-aging, and hydrating. However, make sure to use unpasteurized honey, free from additives.
Does honey clear dark spots?
Regularly applying pure honey or a face mask with honey mixed with other ingredients to your skin may help you clear dark spots. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, helping with acne scars and giving you a clear, smooth complexion.