Washing my face with HONEY

I don't use a traditional facial cleanser anymore. I spread raw honey on my face instead. No it's not vegan, but it is chemical-free and non-commercial.

It's unfiltered, unpasteurized, so thick that it doesn't even drip off the spoon or my face. I get it from Whole Foods in a large jar (for about $11) that has lasted me months. So first thing in the morning and last thing before bed, I will lightly wet my face, scoop out a generous serving of honey and massage it on. I keep it on while I brush and floss, so it has time to absorb the benefits of the honey:

• Cleanse pores: Honey opens up your pores, making them easy to unclog. It's naturally antibacterial. As you massage it into your skin, it helps removes dirt, bacteria and debris. Honey has a low pH level–4.5, and many bacteria need an environment with a pH of like 7 to live. So a lot of bacterias simply can't survive in honey!

• Treat acne: As a clarifying agent with antibacterial, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, it helps prevent breakouts. I am all about preventing breakouts.

• Youthful glow: Honey is full of antioxidants and it boosts collagen production. Now you see why I was quick to slather it on my face!

• Exfoliate skin: The enzymes in raw honey work as a gentle exfoliator, sloughing off dead skin cells without any harsh abrasives. (If you can see the particles in your exfoliant, they are too large and will be too abrasive on your delicate facial skin!)

• Moisturize: Honey is a natural humectant–it draws moisture into the skin.

• Fade scars: Honey has lightening properties. It fades skin discoloration like my post-acne marks and hyper-pigmented dark spots.

• Heal wounds: It nourishes damaged skin and aids in the healing process. I've put Manuka honey on cuts under a band-aid for this reason.

One more thing to keep in mind: YOU DON'T NEED TO USE TONER afterward! Like I mentioned, raw honey has a natural pH of 4.5. Your skin's pH range is between 4-7, but the ideal pH level is about a 5. You want your skincare products to be between 4.5-5.5. Because the less stress your skin endures from drying cleansers and toners, the more elastic it will remain over time. 

So as you can see, honey is like a superhero with many super abilities! Here's the honey I get and how I apply it:

Rinse off your scooping spoon really well, or it will attract...not bees, but....ANTS! Ew.

My next post will be on how I rinse this honey off. Yes, there's a trick to it, and you'll never guess what it is.