showing how to put honey on a wound dripping on barefoot toes

This Happened When I Put Honey on a Wound [5 Sweet Benefits]

Written by: Myah Brown

May 20, 2024

Time to read 6 min

As we celebrate World Bee Day on May 20, let's appreciate our buzzing friends and the golden treasure they produce: honey. Not only is honey a sweet delight, but it's also a fantastic natural skin care remedy for our skin. For those inevitable scrapes and blisters, the solution is simple—put honey on a wound!

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Written by a licensed esthetician with 17 years experience and a passion for skin care.

We believe in healthy skin care and non-toxic ingredients.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Honey on Wounds Ways We Can Protect Bees When I Put Honey on a Pimple Studies About Honey and Skin Types of Honey in Skin Care Honey in a Skin Care Routine Summary: Put Honey on It FAQs About Honey on Wounds

5 Benefits of Honey on Wounds

Honey is more than just a delicious treat; it's a powerful healer for wounds. Here's what happens when you put honey on a wound:

Antibacterial Properties: Honey contains hydrogen peroxide and other antibacterial agents that help prevent infection.
Moisture Retention: Honey creates a moist environment that promotes faster healing and prevents scarring.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and pain, making it ideal for treating minor cuts and abrasions.
Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, honey aids in tissue regeneration and repair.
Reduced Odor: Honey can help neutralize odors from wounds, making it a more pleasant treatment option.

Ways Skin Care Consumers Can Protect Bees

Before diving into my honey experiment, I want to share some ways we can all protect bees and support their crucial role in our ecosystems:

Support Local Beekeepers: Purchase honey and beeswax products from local beekeepers who practice sustainable beekeeping.
Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens: Include flowers like lavender, marigolds, and sunflowers in your garden to provide bees with pollen and nectar.

picked lavender on a white cloth in a basket with marigolds growing

Plant Bee-Friendly Gardens

Avoid Pesticides: Use organic or natural alternatives to chemical pesticides in your garden to keep bees safe.
Create Bee Habitats: Install bee hotels and leave some areas of your garden wild to offer bees a safe place to live and thrive.

a Bee hotel for wild bees to be established

Install Bee Hotels

Advocate for Bees: Support policies and initiatives that protect bee habitats and promote biodiversity.

The Day I Put Honey on a Pimple

When I put honey on a pimple, I was amazed by its powerful healing properties! Here’s how I did my honey spot treatment:

I used local, raw honey because that's what I had in my kitchen cabinet.

Local Raw Honey

First I washed my face with a gentle cleanser.
Then I continued my nightly skin care routine using hydrating products suitable for my skin type.
Next I applied a small amount of honey to my pimple with a cotton swab.
Finally, I covered the pimple with a spot bandage and went to bed.

It was that simple! These are the amazing benefits I experienced after I put honey on a pimple.

Increased Moisture: The dry, flaky skin disappeared, and the acne spot looked super hydrated.
Reduced Inflammation: The pimple shrank down to almost flat—so impressive!
Improved Texture: My skin felt smoother, with the dead skin gone and the fresh skin underneath revealed.
Calmed Irritation: My skin felt calmer and less irritated, with no more pain or discomfort around the acne spot.

a list of skincare benefit of honey on a pimple

Acne Spot: Before & After Photos

Before

After

Honey is a powerful natural exfoliant, cleanser, and moisturizer. Its remarkable healing properties make it perfect for treating acne. I’m definitely going to keep using honey in my skincare routine!

Studies About Honey & Skin Care

Scientific studies have reinforced what our ancestors knew: honey is a potent ally for skin care. Research has shown that honey can effectively treat wounds and burns, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

skincare laboratory research honey for wounds study

For instance, a study published in the Journal of Wound Care found that honey significantly improved wound healing and reduced infection rates. Another study highlighted in Phytotherapy Research confirmed honey's ability to combat bacteria and promote skin regeneration.

References:

Cooper, R.A. (2016). Honey for wound care in the 21st century. Journal of wound care, 25 9, 544-52.
Majtan, J., Bohova, J., Horniackova, M., Klaudiny, J. and Majtan, V. (2014), Anti-biofilm Effects of Honey Against Wound Pathogens Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae. Phytother. Res., 28: 69-75. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4957

Types of Honey Used in Skincare

Various Types of Honey for Skin Care

Not all honey is created equal when it comes to skin care. Here are a few types of honey that are particularly beneficial:

Manuka Honey: Originating from New Zealand, Manuka honey is renowned for its high antibacterial potency and healing properties. It's ideal for acne-prone skin and treating wounds.
Raw Honey: Unprocessed and unpasteurized, raw honey retains all its natural enzymes and nutrients. It's perfect for dry and dehydrated skin, providing deep moisture and nourishment.

Acacia Honey: Known for its gentle and soothing properties, it's great for sensitive skin, helping to calm irritation and redness.
Buckwheat Honey: Rich in antioxidants, it's excellent for mature or damaged skin, promoting skin repair and rejuvenation.

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Honey in a Skin Care Routine

Incorporating honey into your skin care routine is simple and rewarding. Here are some sweet skin care treatments you can do at home.

Honey Cleanser: Mix raw honey with a bit of water and gently massage it onto your face. Rinse off with warm water for a natural, moisturizing cleanse.
Honey Mask: Apply a thin layer of Manuka honey to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off. This mask helps to hydrate and heal your skin.

woman applying honey to her face as a skincare treatment

Manuka Honey Facial Mask

Honey Spot Treatment: Dab a small amount of honey directly onto pimples or wounds. Cover with a bandage and leave overnight for best results.
Honey Exfoliator: Combine honey with sugar or oats to create a gentle exfoliating scrub. Use once a week to keep your skin smooth and radiant.

natural ingredients for honey skincare routine

Honey Skin Care Routine Ingredients

Summary: Honey on a Wound

World Bee Day celebrates the importance of bees and promotes their conservation.

Honey is a natural remedy for wound care, offering antibacterial and healing benefits.

Protecting bees is essential for maintaining ecosystems and our skin care routines.

Studies support the efficacy of honey in skin care, highlighting its antibacterial and healing properties.

Different types of honey, such as Manuka, are particularly beneficial for skin care.

Incorporating honey into your skin care routine can be simple and effective.

honey bee flying to a sunflower to pollinate

Celebrate World Bee Day

Honey is truly a gift from nature that can transform your skin care routine. So next time you get a scrape from a misstep in rehearsal, remember to put honey on a wound. Celebrate World Bee Day by protecting these amazing insects and reaping the benefits of their hard work. Your skin will thank you!

Did You Put Honey on a Wound?

Have you ever tried putting honey on a wound? We'd love to hear how it worked for you! Drop a comment below and share your experience with us.

FAQs About Honey on Wounds

What are the cons of honey for skin?

While honey is generally safe, some people may experience allergic reactions, particularly if they are allergic to bee products.

Does honey clog pores?

No, honey does not clog pores. It actually helps to cleanse them by drawing out impurities.

Does honey actually clear skin?

Yes, honey's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne and clear skin.

Can I rub honey on my face every day?

Yes, you can use honey daily, but it's best to monitor your skin's reaction and adjust usage if necessary.

Does honey damage the skin barrier?

No, honey helps to repair and strengthen the skin barrier, thanks to its moisturizing and healing properties.

Does honey trigger acne?

For most people, honey helps to reduce acne due to its antibacterial properties. However, those allergic to honey might experience breakouts.

Why is honey drying out my skin?

If honey is drying out your skin, it might be due to an underlying allergy or sensitivity. Consider using a different type of honey or consulting with a dermatologist.

How long should I leave honey on my face?

For masks or treatments, 15-20 minutes is sufficient. For spot treatments, honey can be left on overnight.

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