Let the bees help you maintain a beautiful complexion. Wildflower and clover honey already have the beneficial attributes of these herbs within the honey itself.
Honey is a natural humectant which means it retains moisture and plumps up skin cells. It helps to rebuild the moisture level in the skin without making it oily. The high sugar, low protein content create an acidic environment with limited availability of water therefore bacteria cannot thrive.
When you wash the honey off your skin, a small amount remains in the pores. As a result, the sugars in the honey attract water from the air, which keeps your skin hydrated.
Raw honey has a different look than pasteurized commercial honey. It has not been heated or filtered therefore it looks a bit cloudy and has flecks of the activities of the hive, such as honeycomb bits and pollen. Being the natural enzymes have not been destroyed by heat, raw honey is a much healthier product.
The raw honey used is a thick, creamed honey which is nice in that it won't drip down your face as readily as will regular honey.
This statement if from the supplier of the honey used for our masks:
"We strain the honey at extraction through a screen to get any foreign particles out (bee wings, legs etc).
We do not filter through a cheesecloth at bottling.
Crystallization has to due to the moisture content, forage type and temperature warmed to bottle.
We warm on average to 100 degrees for a short while to be able to bottle."
Glucose oxidase is an enzyme that when combined with water produces hydrogen peroxide, a mild antiseptic.
Honey all by itself is wonderful but also added are chamomile and tea tree essential oils. These two essential oils are strong, in scent and therapeutic value, so spot treat first to be sure your skin isn't sensitive.
*****The type of chamomile used is German Chamomile whose essential oil is blue in color. Combining the blue with the gold of the honey results in the honey mask having a tint of blue/green to its color.
If you really don't like the color change and prefer the usual gold color, just let me know and I'll use only the Roman Chamomile essential oil.******
Yes, being this is honey, expect it to be sticky.
How to use:
Ideally, if you have clogged pores, you should begin with a facial steam to open up your pores which will enable the mask to penetrate more deeply. You do that by bringing about two cups of water to a boil and adding that to a bowl (add a tea bag if you'd like (black tea or chamomile is good). Be sure to have a clean, washed face. Then cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl to trap the steam. Relax for about 10 minutes.
Dab away the moisture a bit and apply just a thin film of the honey mask over your face, avoid the eyes since the chamomile and tea tree essential oils can be strong. Again relax for about 30 minutes.
Wash off with warm water, dry and use a toner if you'd like to close the pores. Vinegar toners are great in that they balance the skin pH which help with breakouts. Then moisturize if you need.
Honey masks don't dry the skin like clay masks can so you can use it three or so times a week. You'll know if it's too often if your skin gets red and irritated from the potency of the essential oils.
Honey naturally crystallizes with time, which is normal, especially with raw honey which hasn't been heated and processed. You can then use as you would a sugar scrub, by applying a bit to finger tips or facial cloth and use gentle circular motions to cleanse. If you don't like the crystals, just microwave for a few seconds or gently heat in a warm water bath.
Another way to use a honey mask is to spot treat. Before going to bed, dab a bit on the spot and leave on while you sleep. Optional is to cover the spot with a band-aid.
First time users:
Please do a patch test on a small area before using all over your face to observe any signs of an allergic reaction to honey.
Blemish Care Raw Honey Mask comes in a choice of a 1/2 oz., 1 oz., 2 oz., or 4 oz. jar
For more information on these ingredients and the product itself visit my website:
www.meadowmuffingardens.com
For further information on the use of raw honey go to my blog post
http://meadowmuffingardens.blogspot.com/2012/09/changes-in-etsy-policy.html
Please note that due to changes in Etsy's policies and new FDA regulations, those of us who make handmade bath and body products are no longer allowed to mention medical conditions within our shops. Any detail about the true benefits of plants and/or essential oils used are not allowed as part of the descriptions