People who like to watch their weight and improve digestion tend to drink honey and lemon water first thing in the morning. I am not one of them, but I do like to mix honey with lemon, and apply it to my face. It was when I was struggling to get rid of acne that my mother suggested me to use honey and lemon for face. According to her, it is a home remedy for acne that is safe to use. This combination may not do much for people with dry skin, but you can always use these ingredients separately too.

What are the benefits of honey for skin?

"Honey is a versatile natural ingredient that benefits various skin types due to its moisturising, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties," says dermatologist Dr Akriti Gupta.

Honey has many benefits. Image courtesy: Freepik

Here are some benefits of honey for skin:

• Honey has emollient, humectant, and soothing effects, according to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2013.
• For dry skin, honey acts as a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it well hydrated.
• Since it has soothing properties, it helps calm irritated or inflamed skin, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
• Honey is a natural antibiotic, so it can kill bacteria that causes acne, as per research published in the Scientia Pharmaceutica journal in 2017. So for oily and acne-prone skin, honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective remedy for treating acne.
• People with combination skin can benefit from honey's ability to balance the skin’s moisture levels. It hydrates dry areas without over-moisturising the oily zones.
• During a 2020 study published in Antioxidants, researchers found that honey extracts exhibited significant photoprotective and anti-ageing properties. Its antioxidants can support collagen production, and so reduce the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines.

What are the benefits of lemon for skin?

Lemon is a powerful natural astringent with numerous benefits for different skin types due to its rich vitamin C content. Hundred grams of lemon has 53 mg of vitamin C, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

• For oily skin, lemon helps control excess oil production, minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. Its astringent properties help tighten the skin, and reduce shine.
• Lemon has antibacterial properties, as per research published in the Journal of King Saud University - Science in 2020. For acne-prone skin, lemon’s antibacterial and exfoliating qualities help reduce acne-causing bacteria, lightening dark spots and reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• For combination skin, lemon can be used in targeted areas, primarily the oily zones, to help balance oil production and improve texture."People with dry or sensitive skin should be cautious, as lemon’s acidic nature can be harsh and irritating, potentially leading to redness, peeling, or further dryness," says Dr Gupta.

Lemon can help fight acne. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

What are the ways to use honey and lemon for face?

If you have dry skin, you can use only honey as a moisturising face mask. Here are other ways to use honey and lemon for face:

1. Honey and lemon for oily skin

To make honey and lemon face mask, mix equal parts of honey and juice of lemon then apply it to your face. "This combination can help control too much oil, and clear pores while preventing breakouts without drying your skin too much," says Dr Gupta.

2. Lemon and honey exfoliant for acne-prone skin

Mix honey and lemon juice with a small amount of sugar to create a gentle exfoliating scrub. This DIY scrub can remove dead skin cells and reduce acne while keeping the skin hydrated.

3. Honey and lemon spot treatment for combination skin

Apply a small amount of lemon and honey mixture on oily or acne-prone areas. "Honey will moisturise your skin while lemon will help to reduce oil and get rid of blemishes," says the expert.

4. Honey and lemon for brightening mature skin

Mix honey and lemon and apply to mature skin. "Regularly applying this combination can help reduce dark spots and improve skin elasticity," says the expert.

You can use honey and lemon face masks two to three times a week.

What are the side effects of honey and lemon for face?

Honey and lemon offer numerous skin benefits, but certain individuals should avoid using them due to potential side effects -

• People with extremely sensitive or dry skin should avoid lemon because of its high acidity, which can cause irritation, redness, or peeling. Lemon’s astringent nature can strip the skin of natural oils, worsening dryness.
• Those allergic to citrus fruits should avoid lemon entirely to prevent allergic reactions, which could include itching, swelling, or hives.
• Honey is generally safe, but should be avoided by those allergic to bee products. Applying honey can trigger allergic reactions such as rashes, swelling, or itching in people sensitive to anything related to bees.

Using honey and lemon for face may be a good idea. But consider your skin type before using honey and lemon on your face, as you can end up with rashes, itching or skin irritation.

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