Ingredients 101: Honey and its Buzzworthy Skin Benefits!

Honey is the queen bee (excuse the pun!) of natural skin care, especially in the Korean beauty world!

Not just great for drizzling on pancakes, honey is the overachieving all-rounder that also has boundless benefits for your complexion. Dating way back to Ancient Egyptian times, honey was commended for its healing capabilities, and even the beautiful Cleopatra allegedly used honey and milk face masks! Now, as natural skin care is becoming more and more popular, and as individuals experience a multitude of contradictory skin concerns, honey has become an increasingly buzz-worthy ingredient in skin care routines. In Korean skin care, the most popular types of honey include: propolis extract, royal jelly and manuka. But, what is all this excitement for this sweet enticement? Well, keep on reading for all the gooey goodness!

Benefits of Honey for Skin:

1. Anti-bacterial: Acne be gone! Honey fights acne-causing bacteria, helping to keep your skin clear and pimple-free!
2. Anti-inflammatory: When you’ve reacted horribly to a new skin care product or, you’ve gone too hard on the acids and retinoids, honey can soothe sensitivity and reduce redness and irritation.
3. Anti-ageing: Packed full of antioxidants, honey combats free radical damage to delay skin ageing. Additionally, honey boosts the production of collagen!
4. Gentle exfoliator: If you’re experiencing dull, patchy skin, honey contains enzymes that work to mildly remove dead skin cells to reveal a glowing complexion!
5. Wound-healing: Honey is an antiseptic that provides infection and wound protection. It is also used to treat burn victims.

Best Korean Honey Products

Here is a list of the best K-Beauty honey products for your skin type and concern:

Honey for Oily Skin

Many people with oily skin want to reap the benefits of honey, yet they are hesitant of the potential greasy stickiness. If you feel like every moisturiser out there makes you produce more oil than an oil well, then the honey baby below may be your hydration saviour!

Though, if you’re wanting even more tips on how to make your skin less oily then read on here!

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel

What is it?

A lightweight, cooling, gel moisturiser that soothes, reduces redness and fights acne.

What’s in it?

• 80% Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: An antibacterial gold-standard ingredient for sensitised skin that will help to alleviate irritation and redness.
• 10% Propolis: This superstar is one of Korea’s most popular ingredients in skin care. A byproduct of honeybees, propolis is packed full of antioxidants, fights acne, soothes irritated skin, brightens uneven skin tone (especially acne marks) and boosts hydration! Now, are you starting to see why Koreans love this ingredient so much?
• Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, AKA Chamomile: An antihistamine that is a godsend for sensitive skin types! Chamomile prevents the production of histamines, which is the really bothersome chemical that is produced when you have an allergic reaction causing you to have redness, swelling and itchiness.

Texture, look and smell?

• Texture & Look: Lightweight, transparent gel that absorbs instantly without leaving a greasy film.
• Scent: None.

Who’s it for?

For oilier skin types that is looking for a non-greasy, cooling hydrator that can also alleviate sensitivity. Those with dryer skin types may want to top this gel with the Benton Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream for added moisture!

 

Honey for Acne

Pimples, pimples and more pimples, when will they go away?! As self-assured as we may be, breakouts can sometimes be a real bummer that stops us from living our best life. And, at Nudie glow, we say no more! Hence, with its strong antibacterial power, honey is here to the rescue!

To find out what type of acne you have then continue browsing here!

By Wishtrend Polyphenol in Propolis 15% Ampoule

What is it?

An ambitious serum that aims to combat acne, soothe inflammation, balance oil production and treat pigmentation.

What’s in it?

• 15% Propolis Extract: This superstar is one of Korea’s most popular ingredients in skin care. A byproduct of honeybees, propolis is packed full of antioxidants, fights acne, soothes irritated skin, brightens uneven skin tone (especially acne marks) and boosts hydration!
• Houttuynia Cordata Extract (59%) and Zinc PCA: Sebum-controlling, antibacterial ingredient that also has soothing properties.
• Sodium Hyaluronate Panthenol, and Betaine: These humectants will draw moisture from your environment into your skin for an intense all-day hydration!
• Polyphenols: Wishtrend has also included a powerful blend of antioxidant rich polyphenols including Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil, Tulsi), Corallina Officinalis (Algae) and Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), just to name a few. As well as fighting free radical damage, these polyphenols are antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory!

Texture, look and smell?

• Texture & Look: Golden, viscous liquid.
• Scent: None.

Who’s it for?

Acne-prone skin that is looking for a gentle yet effective and hydrating way to combat breakouts and pigmentation.

 

Honey for Combination Skin

You’re a little oily here, and a little dry there, what skin type are you? Combination! You need a product that will provide sufficient non-greasy hydration that will satisfy both your dry and oily areas, and, boy, do we have the honey goodness for you!

But, if you are looking an entire Korean Skin Care Routine for Combination Skin then keep reading here!

COSRX Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream

What is it?

A lightweight, nutrient-rich cream that is formulated with minimal yet high performing ingredients that will deliver intense hydration, plump skin elasticity, and calm sensitivity!

What’s in it?

• Manuka Honey: Hailed as one of the most beneficial types of honey out there, especially for acne-prone skin. This sweet dream of an ingredient has strong antibacterial properties that will prevent acne, hydrate and firm your skin!
• Beeswax: prevents moisture loss and protects skin from irritation.
• Ceramides: These are lipids (fats) that are naturally produced by the skin and makes up 50% of your skin’s composition! It protects your skin’s moisture barrier and is responsible for preventing dehydration and damage caused by environmental stressors.

Texture, look and smell?

• Texture & Look: A lightweight, silky, and fast absorbing cream that leaves a matte finish.
• Scent: None.

Who’s it for?

This can be used by all skin types, but especially for combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin! This cream will hydrate your skin without feeling greasy, help relieve irritation and fortify a compromised barrier!

 

Honey for Dry & Ageing Skin

For those of you wanting to combat flaky, dry patches and fine lines, get excited, because we’ve got the mask that’s got all the buzz!

To find out the best 5-Step Korean Skin Care Routine for Dry Skin - click here!

I'm From Honey Mask

Photo: gracefulface.com

What is it?

Made with 38.7% Jirisan honey, this is a luxurious wash-off face mask that will brighten, hydrate, soothe and improve skin’s elasticity.

What’s in it?

• 38.7% Jirisan Honey: A natural antimicrobial humectant that provides lasting hydration whilst preventing acne by clearing out any dirt, bacteria, and oil.
• Propolis: A byproduct of honeybees, propolis is packed full of antioxidants, fights acne, soothes irritated skin, brightens uneven skin tone (especially acne marks) and boosts hydration!
• Macadamia Nut Oil: A nutrient-rich oil that delivers deep moisturisation and is ideal for drier skin types.
• Bentonite: Absorbs excess sebum, unclogs pores, and firms elasticity.
• Bee Venom: Another byproduct of bees, bee venom facilitates an oil-water balance and skin firmness!

Texture, look and smell?

• Texture & Look: Thick, glossy, non-sticky caramel-like cream that maintains its soft, creamy texture without hardening or melting even after being applied on the face for long periods.
• Scent: Natural honey.

Who’s it for?

This is particularly great for dry, sensitive and ageing skin types. This mask will not only smooth out flaky dry patches but also relieve irritation!

Do you have a favourite honey skin care product? Let us know in the comments section below!