5 honey-based DIY masks that are great for your skin and hair

Honey is an excellent natural source of antioxidants that help control the free radicals in your body and stop the signs of ageing and cell damage in their tracks. Its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties can help alleviate mild skin conditions, aid scar healing and also hydrate your skin at the same time. Plus, if it works for Kareena Kapoor Khan, it works for us. The actor counts honey as her favourite home remedy, as she revealed to Vogue back in 2015. “I don’t rely on facials; for me the best home remedy is honey—it cleans and softens my skin. I apply a light layer [of honey] to my skin, massage it for a few minutes and then wash it off,” she’d said. Even Madhuri Dixit Nene told us in 2012, “Besan, honey and lemon juice works amazingly for your skin.” Honey is a humectant, so it draws moisture from the air and its enzymes will go deep in your skin to make it soft from within. Here are five DIY skin and hair masks that will make honey a sweet deal for your health.

A dandruff-fighting hair mask

Honey is a pH balancer, plus it has antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, a study showed that people with seborrheic dermatitis showed a significant reduction in flakes, irritation and itchiness after applying a honey-based mask. For best results, mix half a cup of warm water, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and three tablespoons of raw honey. Massage this mix on your scalp and hair, and leave it on for 30-60 minutes. The apple cider vinegar will restore the natural pH balance of your skin and hence calm it as well. Like honey, it is a natural cleanser, so when used regularly, it will help remove product build-up, treat clogged pores and cleanse the scalp.

A hydrating mask for dry strands

India’s hot summers, combined with pollution and chemical hair treatments, can suck the moisture out of your hair. A good way to condition your tresses naturally is with honey. For long hair, pick two ripe bananas, a tablespoon of olive oil and half a cup of raw honey. Blend all of them together to make a fine paste (till the banana chunks disappear) and apply it on your scalp and hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap to let the goodness soak in and rinse it off with a mild shampoo after 25 minutes. (Change proportions according to your length to DIY your own mask.) Olive oil will provide essential fats to your hair, the banana will help reduce frizziness while providing natural vitamins and minerals to your skin, and the honey will work as an antiseptic for your scalp and cool it down to leave you with softer, shinier hair.

A quick-fix sunburn salve

Honey is anti-inflammatory and hence, it helps to reduce the redness and heat from a sunburn. It also provides nutrition to the skin, and helps repair the tissues that have been damaged by sun exposure. Mix half a tablespoon of honey with an equal amount of natural aloe vera gel and a teaspoon of rose water. Mix it well and apply it on the concerned area when required. When used regularly, the honey will treat your burn, the aloe vera will provide extra hydration to hasten the healing process, and the rose water will cool down your skin.

A calming mask for inflammatory pimples

Honey makes inflammatory acne look less angry and red. It has an osmotic effect on the skin, so it can help to draw out excess fluid (essentially working like the popular pimple patches). It can also help reduce redness and minimise hyperpigmentation after the pimple has been flattened. To improve the anti-inflammatory benefits, mix honey with brewed tea to aid the healing process and reduce puffiness.

A moisturising mask for dry, flaky skin

Both avocado and yoghurt have healthy fats that can provide moisture to your skin and make it supple. Mix a teaspoon each of honey, yoghurt and avocado, blend well and apply on your face. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Yoghurt’s lactic acid will smooth and lightly exfoliate the skin also hydrating it. This is ideal for post-procedure skin, which can be dry, irritated and inflamed.

Also read:

All the ways honey benefits your skin, hair and health

The DIY coconut oil-based skincare and haircare elixirs you need to try

5 DIY haircare and skincare masks you can make with aloe vera