Honey Spa Treatments

Honey promotes healthy skin.

Honey boasts natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties making it beneficial for people with dry skin, acne or rosacea. Because honey's properties make it ideal for people with skin conditions, its use has been employed in the spa industry. Treatments such as manicures, pedicures, facials and exfoliation all take advantage of honey's medicinal properties. It is also widely available, making it easy for the average person to use in her home spa treatments.

Hair

Honey functions as a natural humectant when applied to dry or damaged hair, and allows your hair to retain revitalizing moisture. A hair mask is a combination of ingredients, smoothed through damp hair and rinsed after 30 to 60 minutes. This treatment is relaxing and rejuvenating in the spa, but can be accomplished as a home spa treatment for a fraction of the cost. A basic hair mask recipe would comprise equal parts of high quality honey and extra virgin olive oil, blended until well combined. Smooth onto damp hair, wrap your hair in a plastic grocery bag and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual.

Exfoliation

Honey's natural properties moisturize and make it a great choice for dry skin. With the addition of oatmeal, ground almonds or natural sea salts you create a therapeutic exfoliating scrub, effective in removing dry, flaky skin. Combine ¾ cup honey, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup sea salt, 1 tablespoon almond oil and 1 tablespoon essential oil of your choice. Blend ingredients until smooth. Massage on skin for two to three minutes, then rinse.

Facial

A honey mask rejuvenates dry skin.

Honey's skin-soothing qualities make it a logical ingredient for use in facials. Additional skin-nourishing ingredients typically combined with honey in the spa facial might include aloe, green tea extract, oatmeal and yogurt. To create a simple do-it-yourself at-home spa facial, combine ¼ cup plain full-fat yogurt, ½ cup oatmeal and 2 tablespoons honey. Stir ingredients until a thick paste consistency is achieved. Spread mixture on your face; allow mask to sit for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove with a warm damp washcloth.

Manicure

Our hands take so much abuse they often show the signs of aging before the rest of our skin. Honey firms the skin and reduces the fine lines and wrinkles associated with the aging process. It is commonly used to soak and exfoliate during a manicure. For a moisturizing at-home hand soak, warm ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup coconut oil and 4 drops of essential oil of your choice. Microwave this combination until warm. Soak hands for 15 to 20 minutes. This same blend could also be used to soak tired feet.

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is now being touted as a treatment for a wide range of skin problems including eczema, ringworm and rosacea. Originating in New Zealand, Manuka honey is minimally processed and gently heated to avoid damaging its antibacterial and medicinal properties. Available in luxury spa treatments and to the home spa enthusiast, Manuka honey is one of the highest quality honeys available.

References

• EHerbal Remedies: What Are the Health Benefits of Honey?
• Rosacea Cures: An Alternative Treatment Rosacea - Honey
• Birthday Party Ideas 4 Kids: Homemade Spa Recipes
• Natural Home Remedies for Life: Homemade Sugar Scrub
• NB Community: Natural Nail Care Recipes
• Manuka Honey: About Our Honey -- Strict Quality Controls