Honey Youre A Natural Beauty.

You don't need to go and buy expensive facial masks. Great looking skin can be found simply by looking in your kitchen.

Throughout the centuries, legendary beauties have used honey as part of their skin and hair care treatments. Cleopatra was famous for her milk and honey baths, and Poppea, wife of Roman Emperor Nero, used a honey and milk lotion on her face to keep her looking youthful.

Most people make their own masks with honey alone. With this recipe honey is simply used as a base and you can can add with whatever fruit you prefer. This way you can make a variety of masks while gaining benefits from the fruit as well create different scents. Oatmeal is also an optional ingredient that benefits your skin as well.

By the time cosmetics were beginning to be mass produced in the late 1800s, honey was a popular ingredient. Today, manufacturers are increasingly using honey in skin moisturizers, facial masks, hair conditioners and shower gels in response to consumer demand for more natural formulations.

Did you know!

Start out your recipe with 3 - 4 tablespoons of honey then you can add to that:

• 1 medium sized grated apple -or-
• 12 mashed strawberries -or-
• 2 mashed peaches (cooked or uncooked) -or-
• 1 blended avocado -or-
• 2 mashed fresh apricots -or-
• 3 medium bananas -or-
• approx 15 in inch chunks of pineapple.

All-natural honey is an effective treatment for minor abrasions and burns. A recent review of medical research documents its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent.

A Natural Moisturizer.

The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses this ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water.

Then if you choose too add 2 to 4 tablespoons of oatmeal.

So honey is a natural fit for a variety of moisturizing products including cleansers, creams, shampoos and conditioners. Because honey is also an anti-irritant, it is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.

Rinse your face with warm water to open up your pores, apply your mask, wait 15 to 20 minutes and rinse off with warm water, then rinse again with cool water to close your pores.

Skin Softening Bath.

Add ¼ cup honey to bath water for a fragrant, silky bath.

Hair Shine.

Be sure and store any remaining in the refrigerator. Your facial masks should keep for about 5 to seven days.

Stir 1 teaspoon honey into 4 cups (1 quart) warm water. Blondes may wish to add a squeeze of lemon. After shampooing, pour mixture through hair. Do not rinse out. Dry as normal.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids.

Research is currently underway to develop a process using honey to create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are an important ingredient in many skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin. Increased exfoliation, or renewal of the skin cells, gives skin a younger, more vibrant look. Exfoliation can also cause skin irritation so honey’s natural moisturizing ability makes it a perfect fit for AHA products.

Use honey as a facial mask for moistuizing and tightening pores. You could warm it slightly in the microwave, but I don't. I just pat it on, leave on for about 10-15 minutes and rinse off. It smells good and you can lick your lips for a nice treat while you give yourself a facial.

Moisture Mask.

Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons milk. Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Smoothing Skin Lotion.

Mix 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and ¼ teaspoon lemon. Rub into hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that feels dry. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water.

Antioxidants.

Preliminary studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and in aiding in skin rejuvenation. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer. Because chemical and physical barrier sunscreens can cause skin irritation, companies are researching the use of antioxidants, anti-irritants and moisturizers in their sun care products. The natural properties of honey make it ideal for these products. Look for honey to appear in the ingredient statements of more and more cosmetics, sunscreens and skin care products.

Honey Cleansing Scrub.

Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon lemon juice. Rub gently onto face. Rinse off with warm water.

Firming Face Mask.

Whisk together 1 tablespoon honey, 1 egg white, 1 teaspoon glycerin and enough flour to form a paste. (Approximately ¼ cup). Smooth over face and throat. Leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Active Manuka Honey Research. (Article 5).

Apicare/Honey and Herbs is a New Zealand company that was founded in 1992. For many years prior to that the founder, Pam Reade, had been making skin care products using natural ingredients from her beehives.

Article 5: The use of honey in healing of multiply infected skin lesions following meningococcal septicaemia.

Introduction.

The development of haemorrhagic skin lesions following meningococcal septicaemia is described in detail by Thomas et al. (1998).

In 1992 Ms Reade attended the first of many trade shows with the original Apicare products - honey, beeswax candles, Gardner’s Handcream and two honey soaps. Shortly after that trade show, Reade’s husband Chas (the beekeeper) joined her in the business. From that original tradeshow and those few products, Apicare / Honey & Herbs (N.Z.) Ltd have developed an extensive range of natural skin care products using Active Manuka honey, which continues to be loved and enjoyed around the world.

Briefly, infection with Neisseria meningitidis can cause either or both meningitis and septicaemia. The purpuric eruptions which are a characteristic of meningococcal septicaemia are caused by the bacterial endotoxin in the circulation, which has a ten times greater potency against skin tissue than against other body tissues. In clinical sepsis, endotoxin derived from cell wall lipopolysaccharide is released during the phagocytosis of invading Neisseria meningitidis. It induces a complex response in macrophages which includes the production of elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a).

Apicare’s skin care products are based on the healing power of 100% Active Manuka honey. “Our Manuka honey is not heat treated, allowing all the goodness to be retained. All the Manuka honey we use in our skin care has been tested by an independent laboratory and passed as being active.”

This pro-inflammatory cytokine has multiple effects which culminate in tissue and organ damage as the result of disseminated intravascular coagulation and a suppurative inflammatory response. TNF-a promotes the release of nitric oxide from endothelial cells which leads to vasodilation, increased vascular permeability and hypotension, causing inadequate blood flow to meet tissue needs.

Apicare is proud of being the first company in the world to use Manuka honey in skin care - and then first again in using Active Manuka honey in skin care.

It also activates coagulation and impairs fibrinolysis, which allows the development of blood clots in small vessels throughout the body. TNF-a- mediated activation of leukocytes can additionally contribute to local tissue and organ damage during sepsis by producing reactive oxygen species and proteinases which indiscriminately attack host tissue (van der Poll & Lowry, 1995).

New Zealand Manuka honey is unique to New Zealand and is collected by the bees from the native Manuka tree.

There are many great things about Manuka honey:

• Active Manuka honey is a natural antioxidant and helps act as an anti-inflammatory agent for sensitive skin;
• Is highly moisturizing and helps improve cell regeneration;
• Has natural antibacterial ability;
• Has been proven to have thirty times the antibacterial ability as regular honey;
• Helps improve skin texture and retain moisture in the skin.

In severe cases areas of intradermal bleeding coalesce and become necrotic, leading to extensive tissue loss. The resultant oedema causes a rise in compartment pressure that restricts circulation and increases the extent of the damage, and gangrene and amputation are common consequences in severe cases. Thomas et al. (1998) refer to reports of such lesions being managed as full thickness burn wounds, with surgical excision of necrosis and application of silver sulfadiazine.

This paper reports an extreme case in which multiple, non-healing, infected lesions were particularly difficult to manage because of the pain experienced by the patient. Previous reports of the effectiveness of honey as a soothing antibacterial dressing for burn wounds (Subrahmanyam, 1993, 1998 and 1991) and of its potent antibacterial action against Pseudomonas (Cooper & Molan, 1999) and Staphylococcus aureus (Cooper et al 1999), indicated a possible role for honey in the management of this patient. An excellent outcome was achieved.

Case Study.

The Apicare Difference:

• Natural plant oils and antioxidant vitamins (All essential oils are certified organic);
• Hypo-allergenic and pH balanced;
• Never tested on animals;
• Active Manuka honey that has been tested and certified as Active at the UMF 16+ level;
• No mineral oils;
• No added colors in any of our skin care products;
• 10 different lines to choose from that smell and feel beautiful... [read more]

'Bernie' was 15 years old when in January 1999 he contracted meningococcal septicaemia, and required resuscitation on admission to hospital. He presented with multiple systemic ecchymoses of both lower limbs and many fingers, which progressed to necrosis. Amputations were performed on distal and middle phalanges on both hands and also below both knees; multiple skin grafts were harvested and applied.

After 2 months in ITU, Bernie was transferred to a Regional Burns and Plastics Department, by which time a pressure ulcer had developed on his left buttock and his nutrition was found to be compromised (albumin level of 23 g/L and haemoglobin of 6.7 g/dL).

Research undertaken by Dr Shona Blair, at Sydney University’s School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, has shed some light on the unusual antibacterial activity of certain types of honey, leading to a greater understanding of the ability of some honeys to kill pathogenic bacteria and promote wound healing.

A high protein, high calorie diet was commenced, supplemented by overnight naso-gastric feeding. Initially traditional dressings of paraffin gauze and bandages, with hydrocolloid to the pressure ulcer, were applied and changed under general anaesthetic to minimise trauma to Bernie. Amputation sites to all phalanges healed without incident.

In a study, the potent Leptospermum honey, commonly found in Australia and New Zealand and made from jelly bush flowers found in isolated parts of northern New South Wales and from a related plant known as Manuka from New Zealand, was effective against many different drug resistant clinical isolates, including the notorious Golden Staff bacteria.

In the following 6 months, 6 skin graft procedures were undertaken, but the success rate was variable and failed donor sites contributed to the numerous lesions on his legs. Heavy growth of Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus was reported from swabs of his leg lesions. Several treatment options were tried, including multi-layered dressing (Tenderwet 24), a silicone dressing (Mepitel), and topical silver sulfadiazine.

Selected Leptospermum honey attacked bacteria via several different mechanisms.

Although the lesions appeared cleaner with the multi-layered dressing, the frequency of changes made it impracticable.

A test organism, E. coli, was stressed with honey and the genes it used to cope with the attack were identified using microarrays. Microarrays are a relatively new tool in molecular biology that allows us to study the behaviour of thousands of genes at once. After E. coli was treated with Leptospermum honey it reacted in a unique way. Some of the genes E. coli turned on were the same as those it uses to deal with stresses such as exposure to acid, salt, or heat. However, the entire gene expression pattern after exposure to Leptospermum honey was unique when compared to any other known response. As honey “attacks” bacteria from several different angles they are overwhelmed and unable to develop resistance. This is extremely important as antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest problems faced by modern medicine, with little relief in sight.

Despite copious amounts of analgesia (Oromorph, dihydrocodeine and diazepam), soaking in a bath was insufficient to remove all dressings, which meant that wound debris began to accumulate, and the risk of infection increased. Dressing changes became traumatic for all concerned. After 9 months in hospital, there was little evidence of healing in Bernie's leg wounds.

It was at this point that a new approach was used. Combine dressings (Smith & Nephew) impregnated with 25-35g active manuka honey (activity rating "UMF 13", as descibed in Molan, 1999) and irradiated by gamma radiation were applied to lesions on Bernie's right leg. Again general anaesthetic was used to dress the lesions at 3-day intervals. Wound swabs and photographs were taken at the start of honey treatment and at regular intervals.

There has been evidence for the medical use of honey throughout the history of the human race. Almost every culture that had access to honey has utilised it as a therapeutic agent, with its use as a wound dressing being particularly popular and persistent across many different cultures. It is likely that the prevalence in the use of honey as a wound dressing stems from its antibacterial activity, usually due to the production of hydrogen peroxide. However, the Leptospermum honey used in these studies has considerable antimicrobial activity of unknown origin.

It became apparent within a few days that the legs showed signs of epithelialisation and corresponding reduction in wound pathogens. Both legs and the pressure ulcer were then treated with the honey dressings. Within a few weeks Pseudomonas and Enterococcus were eliminated from the wound bed, but Staphylococcus remained throughout the duration of the healing process, without appearing to hinder it. Within a few weeks of starting the honey treatment, general anaesthetic was discontinued at dressing changes; Bernie was able to manage his pain and anxiety with entinox.

Honey not only possesses significant antibacterial activity, it has also been shown to actively promote healing, regardless of the infection status of the wound. This study found that honey, but not sugar, directly stimulates human cells that are important in the immune response and in wound healing. Although further investigations are needed this stimulation begins to explain some of honeys therapeutic benefits.

The honey dressings did not adhere to the wounds, and a shower trolley was used in their removal. The increased rate of epithelialisation was maintained and Bernie received his last skin graft within 6 weeks of starting the honey dressings. As new areas of epithelial tissue developed, manuka honey ointment was applied, while honey impregnated dressings continued to be applied to broken areas. Complete healing of all lesions including the pressure ulcer occurred within 10 weeks of commencing the honey treatment.

Commenting on her findings, Dr Blair said that: ‘Despite the ancient and modern evidence suggesting an enormous potential for honey as a wound dressing, it is largely ignored. The broad aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of honey using various in vitro techniques. This work was undertaken to generate a greater understanding of the range and mode of action of honey and help to increase its acceptance and use as an economical and effective wound dressing.’... [read more]

Bernie was discharged from hospital before Christmas and is now attending a limb fitting centre and undergoing rehabilitation prior to starting college in 2000.

Discussion.

Honey, the most ancient wound dressing, has been "rediscovered" in recent times (Zumla, 1989). The numerous reports of its effectiveness have been reviewed (Molan, 1998, 1999), and include randomised controlled trials and controlled studies of experimental wounds in animal models. These reports include both clinical observation and experimental studies that have established that honey has an effective antibacterial action, a debriding action, an anti-inflammatory action that is not secondary to the removal of bacteria, and a stimulatory effect on the growth of new blood capillaries, fibroblasts, and epithelial cells. The rapid clearance of infection and achievement of clean healthy granulating tissue are the most noted features of the use of honey as a wound dressing. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that honey is more effective than silver sulfadiazine in controlling infection in burn wounds (Subrahmanyam, 1991 and 1998), and there are several reports of honey achieving healing of chronic infected wounds not responding to conventional treatment. This is the first reported case where honey is used on multiple meningococcal skin lesions.

The antibacterial action of the honey was evident in this case; the mixed infection of Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and Staphylococuss aureus was cleared from the lesions, leaving reduced numbers of colonising staphylococci. Thomas et al. (1998) refer to cases where skin grafting of meningococcal lesions was problematic, and cite one case where contamination was blamed. The initial failure of some skin grafts in this patient may be attributable to the presence of Pseudomonas, and the use of honey to inhibit these bacteria is thought to have contributed to the successful outcome with this patient.

There is another explanation of why honey promoted successful skin grafting in this case. The poor blood supply, the basic cause of the necrosis in meningococcal skin lesions, would normally limit the availability of oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the skin graft. Honey immediately alleviates this limitation, because it contains a mixture of vitamins, minerals and amino acids at similar levels to those in serum, as well as large amounts of glucose. Further to this, its high osmolarity induces an outflow of lymph which enhances nutrification and oxygenation, and its acidity favours release of oxygen from haemoglobin in the capillaries of adjacent tissues. Stimulation of angiogenesis also improves oxygenation, and decreased local oedema in turn increases blood flow and oxygenation. Further, the anti-inflammatory action of honey, coupled with the action of the antioxidants that are present in honey, decreases the formation of destructive free radicals which may be responsible for the problems normally experienced with getting skin grafts to take on meningococcal skin lesions.

Reduction of swelling also contributes to pain relief. One of the most immediately noticed effects on switching to honey dressings in the case reported here, was the diminution of pain at dressing changes. This would also be expected to be due to the anti-inflammatory action of honey, and an additional factor in the comfort of using honey is its non-adherence to the wound tissue - a layer of liquid forms between the wound and the dressing.

Thomas et al. (1998) have pointed out the lack of documented practical advice on conservative treatment of meningococcal skin lesions, and scarcity of evidence to support the use of modern dressing materials for moist wound healing. Hydrogel and hydrocolloid dressings were used successfully on their patient, and the advantages of preventing desiccation and of encouraging autolytic debridement, compared to the usual practice of demarcating purpural areas by drying prior to surgery were emphasised. They recognised that more extensive tissue damage could result from the development of an increased compartment pressure following wound desiccation. Because honey has a high osmolarity, it may be expected to cause desiccation of wound tissue, but in practice the osmotic flow of fluid out from the wound tissue is balanced by an inward flow from underlying tissues. Thus a layer of honey on the surface of a wound creates a moist environment for the wound tissues.

The case reported by Thomas et al. (1998) was less severe than Bernie, and in that patient the lesions produced slough. The rapid achievement of clean healthy granulating surfaces on lesions without slough observed in Bernie's case is typical of the observations reported by others dressing wounds with honey. Although no conclusions on the relative effectiveness of two different treatments can be drawn from comparison of two single cases, the results reported here are sufficiently encouraging to indicate further investigation into the usefulness of honey in managing meningococcal skin lesions. Whenever an antibacterial dressing is required, a honey of high antibacterial activity must be selected, as honeys can differ as much as 100-fold in their antibacterial potency. Other than in Australia and New Zealand, commercial brands of honey are currently neither irradiated nor assessed for antibacterial potency, and their suitability for topical wound therapy is not recommended.

Deterioration of purpuric skin lesions into necrotic areas is increased by oedema; honey is known to reduce oedema, therefore, it may be particularly advantageous to apply honey at an early stage in the development of meningococcal skin lesions. Additionally, reports of honey being effective in the treatment of gangrene suggest a role in reducing the number of amputations in meningococcal septicaemia. The disfigurement that results from meningococcal skin lesions may also be reduced by the use of honey at an early stage; when used on burns honey reduces the amount of scarring. Thomas et al. (1998) refer to the poor cosmetic results achieved with conventional dressing including silver sulfadiazine. As with burn wounds, contracture and hypertrophication are a problem in meningococcal skin lesions. However, even when used at such a late stage in the case reported here, the cosmetic results were good.

Acknowledgements.

The authors would like to thank the staff of Sarum ward and the Burns Unit for their help in treating this patient.