How to Use Honey for Dry Skin

Genetics, harsh weather conditions, the wrong skincare products, diet… so many things can affect the moisture balance of our skin. For some, dry skin can be an issue all year long. For others, it may come and go as the seasons change.

You can’t always influence the factors that dry out your skin, but using honey for dry skin is an effective way to get instant and long term relief. Honey’s natural humectant properties and numerous beneficial ingredients make it an ideal natural remedy for dull, dehydrated skin.

At Gisou, we believe in the powers of honey to nurture and repair the skin and hair. Today we’re sharing what we've learned about the benefits of honey for dry skin and our favourite ways to use it.

Is Honey Good for Dry Skin?

Yes, honey is good for dry skin. Since ancient times, populations all over the world have enjoyed the therapeutic benefits of honey for health and beauty. Modern science has proven that honey is a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants that promote skin cell regeneration, reduce redness, and add moisture - making it especially beneficial for those with dry skin.

Where Do Honey’s Nurturing Properties Come From?

It takes a single honey bee its entire lifetime to produce just one teaspoon of honey. One bee colony contains as many as 60,000 bees who visit up to 50 million flowers each day. Now you understand why they’re called busy bees!

Every batch of honey is completely unique, depending on which flowers the bees have access to when they are collecting their nectar. In the Mirsalehi Bee Garden, our bees visit a variety of wildflowers native to the Netherlands throughout the season.

As the worker bees collect the nectar, it is stored in the hive’s honeycomb. Then, the house bees fan the nectar with their wings to dry it out. Over time, the warm breeze coming from the bees’ wings causes the nectar to thicken into the sweet, golden substance we call honey.

During this miraculous journey from the flower to becoming honey, the nectar undergoes a number of chemical changes. These changes give each batch of honey its own unique chemical composition of skin-loving nutrients and beneficial properties.

At Gisou, the Mirsalehi Honey Bees are treasured as a precious natural resource. Our honey is sustainably sourced from the Mirsalehi Bee Garden in a way that puts the bees' welfare first - we only ever take surpluses of honey. Mirsalehi Honey is the key ingredient in all of our honey infused hair and complexion products. 

The Benefits of Honey for Dry Skin

Now that you know where honey’s nourishing properties come from, let’s explore the various ways honey can benefit dry skin.

1. Honey Has Intensive Hydrating Properties

Dehydrated skin often has a dull appearance and lacks that natural glow we all crave. And while conventional moisturisers can give temporary relief, they often lack the ability to penetrate deeply into the skin. They’re more of a temporary fix, rather than a lasting solution.

Honey is a natural moisturiser and a humectant that binds moisture to the skin. It also contains enzymes that allow moisture to penetrate deeply into the skin, bringing much-needed hydration to the deeper layers. This can result in softer, plumper skin that’s naturally radiant all day long.

2. Honey Promotes Elasticity and Firmness

Honey has been shown to promote skin cell regeneration and healing. In medical settings, it is used to promote the healing of wounds and burns. It also promotes the production of collagen and elastin, which make up the support structure of our skin.

These healing properties are especially beneficial for dry skin because they help to restore the elasticity and firmness that dehydrated skin often lacks.

3. Honey Exfoliates Dry Skin Gently

Clogged pores and flakiness are a common issue for those with dry skin. This can often be caused by dry, dead skin cells that build up on the skin’s surface. Regular exfoliation is the key for keeping these issues under control.

Unfortunately, many scrubs and chemical exfoliators are too harsh for dry skin. However, the natural enzyme activity and glycolic acid found in honey make it especially useful as a natural exfoliator for sensitive skin, without causing irritation. It’s the perfect exfoliator to bring out your skin’s natural glow.

4. Honey is Naturally Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory

Skin issues like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis are common for people with inflamed, dry, and itchy skin. For some, the occasional acne breakout can also be a problem, especially at certain times of the month.

Honey has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are essential for treating many skin conditions. Not only does it promote healing and prevent infection, it reduces the redness that often goes hand in hand with these conditions.

5. Honey Combats the Signs of Premature Aging

Sadly, dry skin often shows the signs of aging sooner than other skin types. Honey is ideal for combatting the signs of aging naturally. It nurtures and protects the skin with vital nutrients, like vitamins and minerals. It also contains amino acids to promote healing at the cellular level.

Honey’s natural humectant properties hydrate the skin and provide a youthful glow and suppleness, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The natural antioxidants found in honey also fight free radicals, one of the leading contributors to premature aging.

How to Use Honey for Dry Skin

Consistent use is the key for providing the deep down hydration and nourishment dry skin needs. Incorporating honey-infused skincare products into your daily routine is the best way to receive the benefits of honey for dry skin every day. 

Gisou’s Honey Infused Face Oil deeply hydrates and nourishes dry skin with sustainably sourced Mirsalehi Honey and cold-pressed botanical oils from the Mirsalehi Bee Garden. Its vitamin E and antioxidant-rich formulation also help to even out the skin’s texture and strengthen the skin’s protective layer.

You can use our Honey Infused Face Oil every day in the morning, followed by SPF, and evening as the last step in your skincare routine. Two or three drops massaged into the skin is all you need to promote a deeply hydrated, glowing complexion.

Another quick and easy way to use honey for dry skin is to simply massage raw honey directly into your skin in a circular motion. To receive the benefits of a honey face pack, leave it on for up to 30 minutes. Or, rinse it off with warm water after a few seconds to gently cleanse and moisturise dry skin.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for a solution to dry, dull, or dehydrated skin, honey just might be the answer. This nutrient-rich natural ingredient offers numerous benefits for keeping your skin clear, hydrated, and promoting a natural glow. Gisou’s Honey Infused Face Oil is ultra-moisturising, rich in antioxidants, and the perfect place to start your honey-infused skincare journey!