Honey on Your Face? A Dermatologist Weighs the Potential Benefits and Important Cautions

As a board-certified dermatologist, I often encounter patients interested in natural remedies and ingredients for their skincare routines. Honey, with its long history in traditional medicine and wound care, frequently comes up in conversation. It's praised online and in wellness circles for a variety of purported benefits, from clearing acne to moisturizing dry skin. But what does the science actually say, and is putting honey on your face truly beneficial from a dermatological perspective?

While honey possesses some genuinely interesting properties, it's crucial to approach its use on the skin with realistic expectations and an understanding of its limitations and potential risks. Let's break down the science and separate fact from hype.

The Science Behind Honey's Potential Skin Benefits:

Honey isn't just sugar water; it's a complex substance containing enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Several properties contribute to its potential effects on the skin:

1. Antibacterial & Antimicrobial Activity: This is perhaps honey's most well-studied property. Its low water content, high acidity (low pH), enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide, and presence of other compounds (like methylglyoxal, especially high in Manuka honey) create an environment hostile to many bacteria and microbes. This is why medical-grade honey is used in specific wound care settings. Theoretically, this could help inhibit the growth of Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria implicated in acne vulgaris.

1. Humectant Properties: Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains water molecules. When applied topically, it can help draw moisture to the skin's surface, providing temporary hydration and potentially improving the look and feel of dry skin.

1. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Honey contains various phenolic compounds and flavonoids that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This may help soothe mild irritation and redness associated with inflammatory skin conditions, although the effect is likely modest compared to targeted medical treatments.

1. Wound Healing Support: Historically used for wound dressing, honey's properties (antibacterial action, moist environment maintenance, anti-inflammatory effects, potential stimulation of tissue growth) can support the healing process for minor cuts and burns under appropriate circumstances.

Also read: Think You Know Sun Protection? A Dermatologist Shares 17 Essential Tips

Potential (Limited) Applications in Skincare:

Based on these properties, where might honey fit into a skincare routine, keeping expectations realistic?

1. Mild Acne: The antibacterial properties might offer some mild benefit as an adjunct treatment for occasional, minor breakouts or as a gentle mask. However, it's unlikely to be effective for moderate to severe or cystic acne, which requires proven medical therapies like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or oral medications.
2. Dry or Dehydrated Skin: As a humectant, a honey mask can provide temporary surface hydration, leaving skin feeling softer and plumper immediately after use.
3. Minor Skin Irritation: The anti-inflammatory properties may help calm very mild redness or irritation, perhaps after minor sun exposure (though aloe vera is often preferred).

Crucial Cautions and Why Honey Isn't a Skincare Cure-All:

This is where a dermatologist's perspective is vital. Despite its potential, using honey on your face has significant caveats:

1. Allergy Risk: Honey contains pollen and bee proteins. Individuals with pollen allergies (especially ragweed, chrysanthemum, etc.) or bee allergies may experience allergic reactions ranging from mild rashes (contact dermatitis) to, rarely, more severe systemic reactions. Always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area (like the inner arm) before applying honey liberally to your face.
2. Not a Substitute for Proven Treatments: Honey is not a replacement for evidence-based dermatological treatments for established conditions like moderate/severe acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections. Relying solely on honey for these conditions can delay appropriate medical care and potentially worsen the issue.
3. Quality Matters (Manuka vs. Grocery Store): While all honey has some beneficial properties, medical-grade Manuka honey (rated by UMF or MGO levels) has significantly higher, more stable antibacterial activity. The honey from your pantry may have much lower and more variable potency.
4. Stickiness & Practicality: Let's be honest, applying honey can be messy and sticky. It's not always practical for everyday use compared to well-formulated skincare products.
5. Potential Contamination: Non-medical grade honey could potentially contain bacterial spores (like Clostridium botulinum). While generally safe topically for adults, it's why honey isn't recommended for infants under one year old (ingestion risk) and highlights the importance of using quality sources if applying topically.
6. Not for Open Wounds (Unless Medical Grade): While used in wound care, this involves specific, sterilized medical-grade honey under clinical supervision. Do not apply regular honey to significant cuts, burns, or broken skin due to infection risk.

Also read: Beyond the Hype: What Your Skin Actually Needs to Be Healthy (A Dermatologist Explains)

How to Use Honey Safely (If You Choose To):

If you decide to experiment with honey after considering the risks and performing a patch test:

1. Choose Quality Honey: Opt for raw, unprocessed honey, or consider Manuka honey (UMF 10+ or higher) for potentially greater antibacterial effect, though it's more expensive.
2. As a Mask: Apply a thin layer to clean, damp skin. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
3. As a Spot Treatment: Dab a tiny amount onto a minor blemish (on intact skin only).
4. Combined with Other Ingredients (Caution): Some mix honey with yogurt or oats for masks. Be mindful of the additional ingredients.
5. Frequency: Start with once or twice a week to assess tolerance.

Conclusion:

Honey possesses intriguing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties backed by some scientific evidence, particularly regarding wound healing. It may offer mild, temporary benefits for concerns like minor breakouts or surface dryness when used cautiously as a mask or spot treatment by individuals who are not allergic.

However, from a dermatologist's standpoint, honey is not a miracle cure and should never replace proven medical treatments for significant skin conditions. Its effects are generally modest compared to targeted therapies like retinoids, prescription topicals, or procedural interventions. Always prioritize safety, perform patch tests, manage your expectations, and consult a board-certified dermatologist for persistent or concerning skin issues.