The website World of Honey says honey has been used as a natural treatment for wounds and other skin conditions for thousands of years. A Sumerian clay tablet dating to 2500 B.C. is the first recording of honey being used on the skin. The Clinical Infectious Diseases journal reports that honey can combat drug-resistant strains of bacteria. Because of its natural antibacterial properties, honey can be considered useful in the treatment of acne.
What is Acne?
According to the website World of Honey, acne occurs when a hair follicle becomes blocked by oil (referred to as sebum). Sometimes bacteria can become trapped in the hair follicle and become infected, causing a red, inflamed bump. Because bacteria plays an integral part in the development of acne, an antibacterial agent such as honey is an obvious treatment.
How Honey Can Help Acne
The website Healthy Natural Remedies labels honey as a natural acne killer that helps reduce acne flareups. A study in the Journal of Antibacterial Chemotherapy revealed that honey (in concentrations of 2.5 percent to 5 percent) is effective against staphylococci, a harmful bacterium. Bees add an enzyme that creates hydrogen peroxide in honey, a bacteria-fighting agent. In addition to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents, honey contains humectants that help keep moisture in the skin.
What Kind of Honey to Use
According to the World of Honey website, the best type of honey to use is medical grade. If that can't be found, honey should be raw and unprocessed with no added ingredients. The website The Beauty Brains suggests the use of Manuka honey. Additional antibacterial agents are naturally added when the bee gets its nectar from the Manuka bush.
Using Honey on Acne
Unheated honey can be applied directly to infected areas, World of Honey advises. It can be left on for 15 minutes, then rinsed off. However, the website "Get Rid of Pimples Now" says that a mask is the most effective method of use. A mask can be created by mixing honey with cinnamon and leaving it on the face for 20 to 30 minutes. Honey can also be found in some over-the-counter acne products.
Disclaimers
As with any acne product, honey may not work for everyone in healing acne. As cautioned on World of Honey, some people may be allergic to honey or some of the components found in it.
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