Throughout the centuries, 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. So, what is the buzz about honey anyway?

All-natural honey is an effective treatment for minor abrasions and burns. A recent review of medical research documents its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent.The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses this ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water. So honey is a natural fit for a variety of our products like soaps,lotion bars, lip butters and more. Because honey is also an anti-irritant, it is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care. People with oily skin conditions especially find this helpful, moisture without oiliness.

Research is currently underway to develop 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 younger, more vibrant look. Exfoliation can also cause skin irritation so honey’s natural moisturizing ability makes it a perfect fit for AHA products. That is why we use natural ingredients like, honey, fruits and vegetables in our products that contain NATURAL anti-hydroxy acids and not synthetic chemical ones like alot of commercial products. Those products, over time can damage your skin and irritate it if your sensitive to them. Natural is always best! :)

Preliminary studies have also revealed that 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. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. The natural properties of honey make it ideal for our products. Look for honey to appear in the ingredient statements of many of our products.

Honey is a wonderful ingredient in facial masks and in other beauty products. Here are a few recipes to get you started and leave your skin feeling pampered and healthy.

Oatmeal and Honey Cleanser

Mix together:

1 tablespoon Honey

2 tablespoons Oatmeal (If you use Old Fashioned Oats, Whirr for a moment in coffee grinder or food processor

½ teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (I like Bragg's Organic)

Optional: ½ teaspoon Oil (Sweet Almond, Emu, Jojoba, Rice Bran, Grapeseed, Olive, etc) this is really nice if your skin is dry. Omit if you have oily skin.

Mix together and massage gently over face. If you desire, leave on for 5 minutes or so. Rinse with warm water. For a really delicious experience, warm the mixture slightly prior to massaging on face.


Honey and Blueberry Facial Mask

½ cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen)

½ cup Honey

½ cup Plain Yogurt

Rinse blueberries and place in blender or food processor. Add the honey and yogurt, blend until smooth. With fingertips and a light touch, smooth over face. Let remain for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and a damp cloth.

Visit Soaps 'N Suds Offical website for handmade olive oil and goats milk soaps, Oatmeal Milk and Honey Soaps, Handmade Soy Candles, and Natural Bath Bombs!
www.soaps-n-suds.com