Honey for Acne: Is Honey Good for Pimples?

A single internet search will reveal hundreds of natural home remedies for acne that go far beyond what you’ll find at your local drugstore. But recently, there’s been a lot of buzz about the benefits of honey for acne-prone skin. The question is, does it really work?

We’re happy to report that among all the natural ingredients for treating acne, honey is one that’s backed by science. Whether you’re looking to reduce flare-ups, heal existing breakouts faster, or limit scarring, honey’s unique properties make it a smart choice for acne-prone skin.

In this article, we’re exploring the benefits of honey for acne, why it works, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Let’s dive in!

Is Honey Good for Pimples?

Honey is an effective natural acne treatment. It has antibacterial and healing properties that can improve the appearance of pimples and reduce their frequency. Honey is beneficial for red, inflamed pimples, as well as blackheads and other types of acne caused by clogged pores. 

How Does Honey Help With Acne?

Acne can be tough to treat and many of us are willing to try almost anything to get rid of it. While there are many medical options for acne, a natural approach is often preferred when possible. Among all the natural ingredients for acne, honey is backed by the most scientific evidence. 

Honey can benefit most types of acne, due to its unique abilities to heal and soothe the skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective option for reducing breakouts without causing irritation, while its regenerative properties may also help to prevent and heal acne scars. 

Honey also contains a substance called glucuronic acid, which converts into glucose oxidase. When applied to the skin, glucose oxidase transforms into hydrogen peroxide, which plays a similar role to benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne.

Honey is an excellent remedy for red, inflamed acne due to its natural ability to soothe, calm, protect, and nourish the skin. It can also help to fade hyperpigmentation after the acne itself has healed. And the benefits of honey for acne don’t end there. Let’s explore them in detail!

The Benefits of Honey for Acne

There are many causes of acne, but most often, it develops when bacteria, dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and makeup clog the pores. This can lead to inflammatory, cystic acne and pimples, as well as non-inflammatory blackheads and whiteheads. 

Honey is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains numerous beneficial compounds that have a soothing, healing, and protective effect on all skin types, including antioxidants, amino acids, peptides, vitamin B, and fatty acids.

Here’s how these unique qualities can benefit acne-prone skin.

Honey Improves the Appearance of Acne-Prone Skin

Honey can improve the appearance of acne-prone skin by reducing the redness and inflammation that often go hand in hand with an acne flare-up. Its antibacterial properties may also reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts.

Honey Gently Cleanses and Exfoliates the Skin

Regular exfoliation is essential for keeping the pores clear of the build-up that often causes breakouts. Unfortunately, traditional scrubs and harsh exfoliators can sometimes lead to irritation, which can also contribute to new breakouts and slow the healing of existing pimples. 

Honey gently exfoliates to keep the skin clear of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, making it look smoother and clearer overall. Honey also helps to balance the skin’s pH levels, so it cleanses the skin without disrupting its natural moisture barrier. This reduces the likelihood of irritation that can contribute to acne flare-ups.

Honey Regulates Oil Production

Traditional cleansers often strip the skin of its natural oils. This can trigger excess oil production and breakouts in acne-prone skin. Honey helps to regulate oil production by maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier and pH balance.

Honey Acts as a Healing Agent for Acne

Honey has proven benefits for the healing of wounds in medical settings. It also contains compounds like hydrogen peroxide that kill bacteria and accelerate the healing process. 

Honey’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties reduce the pain and inflammation of a breakout, while also helping pimples to heal more quickly. Honey also has emollient properties and a high sugar content, which keeps the area moist and hydrated to further speed healing.

Honey Hydrates Acne-Prone Skin Without Clogging the Pores

Many people with acne avoid traditional moisturizers, but dry, dehydrated skin is more prone to irritation and excess oil production which can lead to more breakouts. Honey offers an effective way to hydrate skin without clogging pores.

How to Use Honey for Acne

Getting a handle on breakouts is about consistency. Using honey for acne daily can reduce the severity and frequency of your breakouts, improving skin health over time. It can also help to heal existing pimples more quickly, possibly reducing the likelihood of scarring. 

There are many easy ways to incorporate honey into a daily skincare routine. One of the most convenient ways is to choose skincare products that contain honey, like Gisou’s Honey Infused Face Oil.

Our Honey Infused Face Oil is made with sustainably sourced Mirasalehi Honey from our own Mirsalehi Bee Garden. It also contains 95.7% cold-pressed plant oils in a unique, non-comedogenic formula that balances sebum production and reduces acne caused by clogged pores.

This unique Honey Infused Face Oil can be applied to the skin daily in the morning and evening in place of a traditional moisturizer. A little goes a long way, so start with just a drop or two. Give it a few minutes to soak in completely before applying your SPF and makeup.

Honey can also be used as a spot treatment for acne by applying a small amount to a pimple and allowing it to sit on the skin and do its magic. Or, honey can be used as a soothing and gentle daily cleanser for acne-prone skin by simply massaging a small amount into the skin and rinsing off right away with warm water.

Honey can also be beneficial when used as a face mask for acne-prone skin. Simply apply a thin layer to the face and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Adding other natural ingredients like yogurt, aloe vera, and oatmeal to your DIY mask can provide additional benefits.

What Does the Research Say?

Research on the use of honey for acne is ongoing. However, this study highlights the effectiveness of raw honey against P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. There are also numerous studies supporting the benefits of raw honey for promoting healing and soothing in a variety of wounds, including burns, in a medical setting.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Honey can have nearly instant results for soothing redness and inflammation, but everyone’s skin is different. The amount of time it takes for your acne to heal will vary, depending on the severity and cause of your breakouts.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects to Consider?

Honey is generally considered safe and well tolerated by all skin types. However, you should avoid applying honey to your skin if you have had an allergic reaction to honey, propolis, or other bee products. Doing a patch test before applying any new ingredient to your face is always a good idea.

Parting Thoughts

If you have been struggling with acne related to clogged pores and excess oil production, incorporating our Honey Infused Face Oil into your daily skincare routine could be the answer. It can help to reduce the frequency and severity of your breakouts by regulating oil production and improve the health of your skin overall. It’s the secret to fresh, glowing, balanced skin!