Is Honey Good for Oily Skin? Here’s What You Should Know
Did you know that honey can be used in various natural remedies for your skincare woes? One such top example is using honey for oily skin, as this thick and rich ingredient helps balance the skin and minimize excess sebum production.
People with oily skin are more likely to develop clogged pores, acne, greasy skin, and blackheads. When the skin produces too much sebum, it attracts dirt and bacteria, causing additional skin issues.
Honey, due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, may help regulate oil production, minimize acne, and enhance overall skin health.
Read ahead this blog on: Is honey good for oily skin, and take a closer look at the properties or benefits that make honey an ideal choice for oily skin, and various ways to use it.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Causes Of Oily Skin
The top five causes of oily skin are genetics, hormonal changes, climate and environment, harsh or incorrect skincare products, and diet. These factors can increase the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil, leading to an oily complexion.
1. Genetics
- Your genes can determine your natural skin type, including whether you tend to have oily skin.
- Genetics can also influence the size of your pores, and larger pores tend to produce more oil.
2. Hormonal changes
- Fluctuations in hormones due to puberty, stress, pregnancy, or certain medications can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil.
- Androgens, in particular, are hormones that can increase sebum production.
3. Climate and environment
- Hot and humid weather can exacerbate skin oiliness.
- Seasonal changes can also affect how oily your skin is.
4. Skincare products and routine
- Using harsh or stripping products (like alcohol-based cleansers) can remove natural oils, causing the skin to overcompensate by producing more oil.
- Over-cleansing or over-exfoliating can have the same effect.
- Using products that are not suitable for your skin type can also lead to problems.
5. Diet
- A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar may lead to increased oil production.
- Consuming a diet rich in unhealthy fats can also contribute to oily skin.
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Honey For Oily Skin: How Does It Help?
Honey is beneficial for oily skin due to its versatile properties, as highlighted below:
- Anti-bacterial properties: Honey contains natural enzymes with antibacterial properties. These enzymes help kill harmful bacteria that may cause acne breakouts, which is a major issue for oily skin.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties soothe and reduce acne-related swelling and redness. It calms oily skin by stopping it from producing excess oil.
- Humectant qualities: Honey’s humectant qualities help attract moisture to the skin, preventing it from drying out and overcompensating by producing more oil. Humectants or moisturizing properties help reduce excess oiliness and enhance the overall texture of oily skin.
- Exfoliating properties: Honey contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which can help to exfoliate the oily skin and improve its texture.
Different Honey Benefits for Oily Skin Explained
Honey is a natural ingredient that may help people with oily skin. Below are the benefits of using honey to help control oil, soothe inflammation, and moisturise skin.
Skin whitening
Honey has brightening and regenerative effects and helps reduce sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring.
For treating acne
The natural enzymes in honey produce potent acne fighters like phenolic acid, flavonoids, and hydrogen peroxide that help keep the pores clear of oil and dirt. This is crucial for reducing blackheads and acne.
Hydrates the skin
Honey is good for hydrating oily skin as it is a natural humectant. It helps hydrate the skin by drawing moisture from the air. This leaves the skin supple, moist, and soft without clogging the pores.
Reduces excess oil production
You can apply honey to the face to promote a healthy moisture balance without oiliness. Honey promotes the PH balance of the skin and controls overactive sebaceous glands without leading to dryness that causes excess oil production.
Healing
Honey is loaded with powerful antioxidants that accelerate the healing of the skin to promote overall skin health and make the skin more resilient.
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6 Simple Ways To Use Honey For Oily Skin
The following is a complete breakdown of how to use honey for oily skin, as advised by the expert:
| How to use | What you will need | What you need to do | How often |
| As a moisturizer | ½ cup organic honey, ½ cup milk. | Whisk the honey and milk. Apply to the skin. | Once daily. |
| As a scrub | Two tablespoons of oatmeal, one tablespoon of honey. | Put the oatmeal in a blender and powder it. Mix honey and oatmeal powder. Gently scrub on your face and neck. |
Once a week. |
| As a regular face mask | ½ spoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of organic honey. | Mix the two ingredients. Apply to your face. Rinse with cold water after 20 minutes. | 2-3 times a week. |
| As a natural skin brightening agent | 1 tablespoon organic honey, ½ lemon. | Squeeze the lemon into the honey and mix well. Apply all over the face and leave for 10-15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. |
Twice or thrice a week. |
| For rejuvenating your skin | ½ cucumber cut into small pieces, 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 tablespoon of honey. | Make a cucumber paste. Add milk and honey to it. Apply to the face and neck. | Twice or thrice daily. |
| For treating acne | 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, 1 spoon of honey. | Mix cinnamon powder with honey. Apply to the face and rinse after 20 minutes. |
Twice a week. |
Precautionary Tips While Using Honey For Oily Skin
Honey is usually safe for individuals with oily skin, but a few tips need to be taken into consideration for most skin types, including oily skin:
- Allergies: People who are allergic to honey or bee-related products, regardless of their skin type, like oily skin, should avoid using honey on their skin.
- Individual skin sensitivity: Although honey is usually well-tolerated, each person has a unique skin tone. Like if you have sensitive skin, begin with small amounts and check how your skin reacts before including honey for oiliness or acne.
- Patch test: The above two factors necessitate the need for a patch test before applying honey to the larger area of your oily skin.
- Sun sensitivity: Honey does not provide adequate sun protection. So, if you want to use honey for oily skin during the day, or if you will be exposed to the sun, don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Miscellaneous: Individuals with cuts or open wounds on the skin or with eczema or rosacea should avoid using honey to treat oily skin issues.
- Professional advice: So, consult with your doctor before using honey for oily skin if dealing with any of the aforementioned concerns.
Conclusion
To conclude, the answer to: Is honey good for oily skin is yes. Honey for oily skin has been an integral part of skincare routines across different cultures since ancient times. Whether you use honey as a mask, cleanser, or skin brightening agent, honey can work to balance oil production and improve the appearance of your skin. For the best results, follow the precautionary tips to maximize honey’s benefits for oily skin.
FAQs
Is honey good for oily skin?
Yes, honey is excellent for oily skin. It helps balance oil production, deeply cleanses pores, and keeps the skin hydrated without making it greasy. Its antibacterial properties also help prevent acne.
Which is the best honey face pack for oily skin?
The best honey face packs for oily skin are those with oil-absorbing or astringent ingredients, such as a Besan and honey pack for deep cleansing, a lemon and honey pack to control oil, or a Multani mitti (fuller’s earth) and honey pack for thorough purification.
How to use honey for oily skin in winter?
To use honey for oily skin in winter, apply a mask made of raw honey mixed with ingredients like milk, coffee, or lemon juice for its hydrating and clarifying properties.
How does honey for oily skin acne work?
Honey helps oily, acne-prone skin by using its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to fight acne-causing bacteria, soothe redness, and reduce inflammation.
Is raw honey better for oily skin than processed honey?
Definitely. Raw or organic honey retains more nutrients, enzymes, and antioxidants compared to processed honey, making it more effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
Does honey make oily skin glow without making it greasy?
Yes! Honey gives the skin a natural, healthy glow by locking in moisture and improving texture without adding excess oil. It nourishes the skin deeply, leaving it soft, smooth, and radiant — not shiny or greasy.
Can honey clog pores on oily skin?
No, honey is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores. Instead, it helps remove dirt and impurities from pores, keeping your skin clean and clear.
How often should I apply honey to oily skin?
You can apply honey 2–3 times a week as a mask or cleanser. Using it regularly helps control oil and maintain soft, balanced skin.
Can honey be used with other ingredients for oily skin?
Yes, honey pairs well with ingredients like lemon juice, aloe vera, multani mitti, and turmeric — all of which enhance its oil-controlling and brightening benefits.
Are there any side effects of using honey on oily skin?
Honey is generally safe for all skin types, but it’s best to do a patch test first. Avoid using too much or mixing with harsh ingredients that could irritate sensitive, oily skin.
