BEE-AUTIFUL!

The abundance of sugars, trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids found naturally in honey provide powerful moisturizing and anti-aging benefits for hair and skin. Honey contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as natural antioxidants that help to protect against bacteria and sun damage. Because it’s a natural antiseptic that soothes and heals skin, honey is also an ideal acne treatment. Acne is caused by the buildup of oil and dirt, and honey can absorb these impurities from the pores on the skin.

Honey’s stickiness allows it to attract and retain moisture, and this helps keep skin and hair hydrated. Honey helps retain moisture in your hair, turning dry, damaged, dull-looking hair lustrous and shiny. It can also rid your scalp of dry, itchy flakes.

But not all honey is the same. The antibacterial quality of honey depends on the flower nectar the bees feed on and where the honey is harvested. For example, Manuka honey, which is harvested in New Zealand, is packed with a tough antibacterial component called methylglyoxal, which is found in high concentration in the nectar of Manuka flowers. Manuka honey is available at most vitamin and health food stores.

EOChamomile & Honey Restorative Shampoo and Chamomile & Honey Restorative Conditioner Treat dry, damaged hair with an earth-friendly, moisturizing blend of nourishing honey and herbal ingredients. Quinoa protein is added to repair and fortify hair.

ANDALOU NATURALS Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask Organic pumpkin, Manuka honey, and citrus glycolic AHA gently dissolve and lift away dull surface cells to give skin an even tone and smooth texture.

100% PURE Honey Almond Body Scrub This delicious-smelling exfoliator softens, revitalizes, and feeds your skin nutrients for a healthy glow. Made with only quality, organic nutrients, it’s truly 100% pure.

NUBIAN HERITAGEHoney & Black Seed Body Wash Reportedly used by Queen Nefertiti to maintain her complexion, organic black seed oil joins Arabian honey in this luxe body cleanser that helps repair and heal skin. Plus, it’s cruelty free.

Sherrie Strausfogel is the author of Hawaii’s Spa Experience: Rejuvenating Secrets of the Islands. Writing about beauty, spas, health, cuisine, and travel, Strausfogel’s work has appeared in more than 100 magazines, newspapers, guidebooks, and websites. She is based in Honolulu.

SAVE THE HONEY BEES

Honey bees have been called the angels of agriculture for good reason. One of every three mouthfuls of food we eat depends on their pollination of crops, including nuts and many fruits and vegetables, according to the Agricultural Research Service of the federal government. Since 2006, the United States has lost billions of honey bees—and pesticides are a major killer. One class of pesticides, neonicotinoids, is especially harmful to bees, but continues to be used. To find out how you can help stop the damage, search for “honey bees” at ecowatch.org. —Vera Tweed

Hydrating and Blemish-Fighting Facial Mask

With antibacterial and hydrating honey, pore-tightening egg white, and exfoliating egg yolks, this facial mask will ensure your skin stays moisturized and supple while kicking breakouts to the curb. Egg yolks, with their fat, cholesterol, and retinols, are also great for helping to reduce the appearance of acne scars, making this ideal for post-pimple skin, too. Recipe by Alexis Wolfer*

1 egg

1 Tbs. raw honey

1. Whisk the egg to fully combine the yolk and the white before stirring in the honey

2. Use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer of the mixture to your face, neck, and décolleté, avoiding your eye area

3. Let dry for 20 minutes to tighten pores, tone the skin, and kill bacteria, without drying out your skin.

4. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

*Excerpted from The Recipe for Radiance: Discover Beauty’s Best-Kept Secrets in Your Kitchen by Alexis Wolfer. Visit TheRecipeForRadiance.com for more information.

Try:Dr. Mercola

Pure Gold Raw Honey This honey is packed with antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in their most potent raw form.

Restoring and Nourishing Coconut Milk and Honey Hair Mask

Recipe by Jane Paik

This mask will work wonders for anyone suffering from brittle, dry ends. It makes a great weekly pick-me-up to maintain the moisture and softness of hair. This creamy, nourishing coconut milk and honey mask smells delicious and will leave your hair silky and shiny.

1/2 can coconut milk

4–6 Tbs. organic honey

1 empty hand soap container or squirt bottle

1. Combine coconut milk and organic honey in a glass bowl.

2. Whisk the ingredients together until frothy and pour into an empty hand soap
container or squirt bottle.

3. Apply it to your hair, starting at the scalp and working your way to the ends.

4. After hair is thoroughly drenched, massage into scalp for 2 minutes.

5. Let treatment soak into hair for 30 minutes to one hour. Rinse and shampoo as normal.