As colder weather blows in, consider a new beauty regime that protects against the bite of chilly temperatures. To beat the winter beauty blues, use 100 percent pure honey for soft, smooth and glowing skin.

Pure honey, nature’s moisturizer, helps prevent dry skin and dull, lifeless hair. Honey is a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. It easily produces spa-like skin care results, but without the spa-like premium prices.

Christopher Watt, owner of Christopher Watt Esthetics in West Hollywood, Calif., and skin care expert to celebrity A-listers, including Halle Berry and Ricky Martin, uses pure honey in most of his skin and beauty treatments.

“I recommend using 100 percent pure honey as part of your regular beauty routine,” said Watt. “Winter is especially harsh on skin, lips and hair, and honey is an easy and inexpensive way to get spa-like results at home. Whether your skin is dry and flaky or oily and acne-prone, pure honey can help you get beautiful, radiant skin.”

Watt teamed up with the National Honey Board to create easy honey-based skin treatments you can make at home. He recommends using honey at least twice a week to soften and exfoliate the skin.

Oily Skin: Zesty Lemon Honey Gommage

• 4 tablespoons powdered Bentonite or Kaolin clay*
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons pure honey
• 1/4 teaspoon powdered lemon balm* (optional)
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil* (optional)

*Items are available in most health food stores or herb shops or by going online.

In glass or rubber bowl mix powdered clay and water until creamy. Mix in lemon balm and honey until completely blended. Slowly stir in lavender essential oil until all ingredients are combined in a thick creamy texture. It may be necessary to add more powder. Store in covered container away from direct sunlight or heat for up to one week.

To Use: Apply with clean fingertips to clean skin. Leave on for 10 minutes or until dry. Remove in short “rolling” motion until completely removed from skin. Rinse well and apply appropriate moisturizer.

Benefits: Clean and polished skin that is soft and smooth.

Dry Skin: Green Tea and Honey Hydrating Mask

• 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel*
• 1 tablespoon pure honey
• 2 teaspoons brewed green tea - cooled
• 2 teaspoons brewed chamomile tea - cooled
• 2 drops lavender essential oil* (optional)

*Items are available in most health food stores or herb shops or by going online.

Mix all ingredients together and apply to clean skin.

To Use: Allow mask to remain on skin for at least 20 minutes. Place any remaining mask in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Benefits: Hydrates dry, dehydrated skin and soothes sensitive skin.

Wind-burned or Dehydrated Skin: Soothing Honey Balancing Balm

• 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
• 1 teaspoon pure honey
• 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil* (optional)
• 1 drop bergamot essential oil* (optional)
• 1 drop tea tree essential oil* (optional)
• 1 drop lavender essential oil* (optional)

*Items are available in most health food stores or herb shops or by going online.

In small double boiler or microwave, melt cocoa butter until liquefied. Remove from heat and pour into small glass dish. Add honey, essential oils and jojoba oil. Stir well. Let mixture stand before use. Store in covered container in cool place away from sun or heat.

To Use: Apply to face and neck as final step in facial process. Remove from skin after 30 minutes using tepid or cool water.

Benefits: Protects skin from wind, cold and soothes dry irritated skin.

The National Honey Board provides a full collection of beauty tips and recipes including luscious body scrubs and sweet hair conditioners in the Pure Honey Beauty Brochure. To receive a free copy of the brochure send your mailing address to Pure Honey Beauty Brochure, PO Box 14635, Madison, WI 53708.

Courtesy: ARA Content

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