Soothe Eczema Prone Skin with the Healing Power of Honey

Honey - A Sweet Solution for Eczema Prone Skin

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural healing and beautifying ingredient. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an intriguing option for eczema prone skin which is easily inflamed and vulnerable to infection. But can honey really soothe itchy flare-ups and restore a healthy complexion?

What Causes Eczema on the Face?

Eczema refers to a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation, dryness, cracking and itchiness. The most common type is atopic dermatitis which affects over 30 million Americans. Flare ups occur when environmental triggers like cold weather or irritating substances overwhelm the skin's protective barrier.

Common Triggers for Facial Eczema

• Stress and hormones
• Harsh soaps, detergents, chemicals
• Extreme weather - hot, cold, dryness
• Food allergies
• Dust mites, pollen, pet dander
• Bacteria like staph getting in cracked skin

Face Washing Cautions with Sensitive Skin

Many commercial cleansers contain fragrances, preservatives and foaming agents that further dry and irritate delicate eczema prone skin. Even products labeled "gentle" or "natural" can trigger stinging and inflammation.

The Healing Power of Honey for Eczema

Raw honey has natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties that make it uniquely suited to care for sensitive skin issues like eczema. It offers moisturizing benefits without irritating common triggers.

1. Soothes Inflammation

Research shows honey can decrease swelling and cellular damage associated with inflammatory conditions. This helps ease eczema related redness, pain and itching.

2. Moisturizes Without Irritation

Thick, sticky honey forms a protective barrier sealing in moisture. Unlike lotions and creams, it won't clog pores or cause additional inflammation for many eczema sufferers.

3. Antibacterial Properties

The enzymes in raw honey produce low levels of hydrogen peroxide and gluconic acid creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth. This helps protect eczema prone skin from infection.

4. Accelerates Healing

Several studies found honey wound dressings changed every 2-3 days revived healing and tissue regeneration in skin ulcers and abrasions. This can help eczema patches mend faster.

5. Rich in Skin Nutrients

Honey contains amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins that nourish skin. These building blocks improve elasticity and encourage new cell production.

How to Choose the Best Honey for Eczema

With so many types of honey to choose from, it can get confusing. Here's what to look for:

Raw Unfiltered Honey

Processing and heat remove beneficial enzymes and antioxidants. Choose raw, unheated honey.

Certified Organic

This ensures purity without pesticide contamination that could further aggravate skin.

Locally Sourced Varietals

Manuka from New Zealand, Sourwood from North Carolina mountains, and Wildflower honey have exceptional skin enhancing traits.

Avoid Added Ingredients

Many commercial honey skincare lines add in cheap fillers, fragrances and preservatives. Seek out products with the purest 100% honey.

How to Use Honey for Eczema Prone Facial Skin

Implementing raw honey into your skincare routine is easy. Just avoid getting it near your eyes. Here are some restorative ideas:

Cleanser

Mix 2 teaspoons honey with a bit of warm water. Gently massage onto damp face for 30 seconds avoiding eye area. Rinse and pat dry. Soothes inflammation while washing away dirt, oil and bacteria.

Spot Treatment

Dab a small amount of honey onto eczema patches, inflamed acne or skin irritations. Let sit for 5-10 minutes allowing the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory elements to penetrate. Rinse.

Mask

Stir 1 tablespoon honey with 1 mashed banana, avocado or yogurt. Apply to face for 10-15 minutes allowing nutrients to soak into skin, then rinse well with warm water. Or simply coat entire clean face with pure honey waiting 10 minutes before rinsing.

Overnight Treatment

Apply a thin layer of honey over clean dry skin focusing on eczema prone areas. Let the medicinal honey work its magic overnight as your sleep. Rinse well in the morning.

Body Care

Use honey facial cleansers, masks and treatments over whole body eczema patches like elbows and knees to reduce inflammation and deeply moisturize.

Other Natural Eczema Soothing Ingredients

While honey helps heal eczema prone skin, other natural substances offer additional relief. Look for skincare containing these elements:

Colloidal Oatmeal

Oats moisturize, calm inflammation and ease itchiness associated with eczema. A warm colloidal oatmeal soak softens skin allowing honey's nutrients to better absorb.

Aloe Vera Gel

This succulent plant has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects much like honey. Combining aloe vera and honey enhances healing capabilities bestowing a glowing complexion over time.

Coconut Oil

Known for its moisturizing fatty acids, coconut oil helps strengthen skin's protective barrier preventing moisture loss that triggers eczema flare ups. Its antibacterial lauric acid fights infection too.

Manuka Essential Oil

This potent honey varietal from New Zealand bushes has exceptional healing abilities. Look for skincare products that combine manuka honey with its concentrated essential oil.

Honey Offers Soothing Relief for Eczema Prone Skin

With its natural humectant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, raw unprocessed honey can help manage troublesome eczema prone skin. Choose high quality organic varieties and incorporate into gentle cleansing routines. Combine with other nourishing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, coconut oil or manuka for optimal relief. Be patient, it may take 4-6 weeks to see significant improvement.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.