Honey

Sunburn

Taro

HONEY

According to the The National Honey Board, many legendary beauties have used honey as part of their skin and hair care treatments. Cleopatra was famous for her milk and honey baths, and Poppea, wife of Roman Emperor Nero, used a honey and milk lotion on her face to keep her looking youthful. By the time cosmetics were beginning to be mass produced in the late 1800s, honey was a popular ingredient. Today, manufacturers are increasingly using honey in skin moisturizers, facial masks, hair conditioners and shower gels in response to consumer demand for more natural formulations.

All-natural honey is an effective skin care treatment for minor abrasions and burns. Medical research shows honey is an effective antimicrobial agent.

Honey is also a natural moisturizer. The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. Skin loses the ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. This is caused by continuous exposing our skin to nature's elements: rain, wind, heat, and other environmental stresses. People who are very active outdoors for prolong periods of time are more prone for skin injuries.

Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water. This makes honey a natural fit for a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners. As an anti-irritant, honey is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

Researchers are currently developing a process using honey to create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are an important ingredient in many skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin. Increased exfoliation, or renewal of the skin cells, gives skin a more vibrant and youthful look. Exfoliation can also cause skin irritation so honey’s natural moisturizing ability makes it a perfect fit for AHA products.

Honey has significant natural antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and in aiding in skin rejuvenation. Excess exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. Because chemical and physical barrier sunscreens can cause skin irritation, companies are researching the use of antioxidants, anti-irritants and moisturizers in their sun care products. The natural properties of honey make it ideal for these products.

Look for honey to appear in the ingredient statements of more and more cosmetics, sunscreens and skin care products.

Source: http://www.pioneerthinking.com/honeybeauty.html

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