Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Oh Hunnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaay

So with winter here, we all know our skin could use some TLC. Harsh artificial heat, wool sweaters, and lack of moisture in the hair probably has everyone’s skin on flake mode. So on a scale of 1 to Sahara, how dry is your skin? OK, you probably are closer to the dry side. And on a scale of 1 to MC Hammer, how broke are you? Me? I’m close to MC Hammer. So, give you skin some caring for right in your house, for a fraction of the coast of some spa services. The secret ingredient for this... .

HONEY!!!!
Yes girl honey! Not just a sweetners, but a real beauty secret. Honey is a potent natural anti-microbial and is actually very soothing and healing. You see a difference after the very first use. Its also said that honey pulls toxins right out of the skin and is amazing for acne prone skin.
Honey is also said to be good for anti aging. So for those of use at the age where we don’t have wrinkles but worried they are approaching (sad face), this is a handy little tool.  Cleopatra was said to use raw honey as part of her skin and hair care treatments to keep her looking youthful. This natural healing agent contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, that when combined with water, produces hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic. In addition to the glucose oxidase enzyme, honey also contains antioxidants and flavonoids that may function as antibacterial agents. Honey is also a great natural moisturizer for dry and parched skin. A humectant, it is able to attract and retain moisture, and rebuild the moisture level in the skin without making it oily. Honey provides a calming effect without irritating the skin, and helps replenish necessary skin moisture, especially during the winter months. And because it's so gentle, it is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

 
So, here are some quick at home remedies for skin maintenance with honey as an ingredient:

Oatmeal, Honey, and Egg White Mask: If you want a more intense mix, combine 1 cup of plain oatmeal and 1/2 cup of honey to one egg white. This will create more of a paste like texture, which will really help hydrate your skin.

Oats, Honey, and Apple Vinegar Exfoliant: If you’re feeling more adventurous, take 2-3 teaspoons of raw oats and pulverize them in a grinder. Take the ground oats and mix in honey (you can use your judgment on how thick you want it to be) and 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar until it creates a smooth texture. Add in 1 drop of basil oil or tea tree oil, which will help your skin heal faster. These can be found in health food stores or Korean groceries.  (tip- for regular exfoliation make large circular rotations. For places on your faces that need a bit my exfoliation or treatment, make smaller circles. The smaller the circles, the better the removal of dry skin. Don’t go crazy and make small circles all willy nilly though, you don’t want that pretty face irritated.)

Honey Exfoliator:  Combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Baking soda will help polish the skin while the sea salt exfoliates. Add honey to create paste.

Other Honey facts:

You know I have to through in a hair fact. Honey is actually a great addition on to regular deep conditioners. It ups the moisture and has a bit of protein in it. This is better for lighter hair colors though since it is also said to have lightening properties. For my dark hair homies, try molasses. Same concept, different product.
Fasting on honey and lemon-juice, , is highly beneficial in a weight loss regimen without the loss of energy and appetite. Mix one teaspoon of raw honey with the juice of two teaspoons of lime or lemon.  Add mix in a glass of room temperature or lukewarm water (not boiling water!). Take this remedy as a wake-up drink once in the morning on a empty stomach. Also commonly taken after a big and oily meal, this simple delicious tonic is an effective digestive and detox aide.
Hope this helps. Can’t have you cuddling with your boo feeling like an alligator!
Looks nice right?

Stay Cute!