Oily Skin? Use These 7 Honey Face Masks

Do you have oily skin? If so, you might be worried about acne. The two go hand-in-hand. Many products claim to control oil, but they can also make your skin dry. A natural remedy like honey might be your answer.

Oily skin is caused by overactive sebaceous glands. When sebum, dirt, and bacteria come together, they clog up pores, and cause acne. Regardless of your age, acne can be frustrating. They stop you from looking healthy, causing poor self-esteem. Even worse, sometimes acne hurts!

To control oil production, use honey. It’ll absorb the sebum without drying out your skin. After all, the goal is to manage oil – not remove it. Some sebum is needed for a healthy, supple complexion. Plus, honey also has anti-microbial activity, making it useful against acne-causing bacteria. Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the main culprits.¹

7 Face Masks For Oily Skin

1. Honey Face Mask

Honey is so powerful that you can use it by itself. For best results, opt for fresh and local honey. This will ensure top-notch quality.

• After cleansing your face, pat your skin dry.
• Apply a tablespoon of honey all over your face. Do not dip your fingers in the jar.
• Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse off and pat dry with a clean towel.

2. Green Tea Honey Face Mask

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which your skin will love. It’s also been shown to control sebum, inflammation, and bacteria.² For extra benefits, combine green tea with honey.

• Open bag of green tea.
• Mix with 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Continue stirring until it forms a thick and even paste.
• Apply on your face.
• After 15 to 20 minutes, wash off and pat dry.

3. Turmeric Honey Face Mask

To spice up your skin care routine, make a turmeric honey face mask. This earthy herb has major acne-fighting properties.³ It suppresses both bacteria and inflammation, making it the perfect accompaniment to honey.⁴

Turmeric can stain your skin, so don’t leave it on for too long. Consider wearing old clothing while using this mask.

• Add ¼ teaspoon of powdered turmeric to 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Mix well.
• Spread all over your face.
• After 10 minutes, rinse off. Pat dry.

4. Clay Honey Face Mask

Clay absorbs oil, making it a must for controlling greasiness.⁵ You can find it in store-bought products, but why spend a pretty penny? Loose clay powder is available at health food stores and online.

• Mix 1 tablespoon honey with ½ tablespoon clay powder of your choice.
• If you prefer a thinner mask, add a few drops of water.
• Apply on your face.
• Let sit for 15 minutes, or until the mask dries up.
• Rinse off and pat dry.

5. Corn Starch Honey Face Mask

For a cheaper alternative, use corn starch. It’ll soak up excess sebum just as well. After making a face mask, you can even brush it on as a translucent oil-controlling powder.

• Stir 1 tablespoon honey with ½ tablespoon corn starch.
• Mix until you have a paste.
• Slather on to clean skin.
• Wait for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Wash off and pat dry.

6. Papaya Honey Face Mask

Papaya controls oil production, and reduces acne. At the same time, it promotes hydration and decreases melanin, the natural pigment that causes discoloration. It’s the best remedy for a natural glow!⁶

• Mash up a bite’s worth of papaya.
• Mix with 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Spread onto clean skin, and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Wash off and pat dry.

7. Sugar Honey Exfoliating Face Mask

Want a sweet facial? Add sugar. This pantry staple removes dead skin cells and extra oil, so it’s an excellent exfoliator.

• Blend 1 teaspoon sugar with 1 tablespoon honey.
• Add more sugar for a coarser scrub.
• Massage onto the skin, moving in circular motions.
• Rinse away and dry.
• If you have long hair, throw it in a ponytail before trying these recipes. This will protect your strands from the sticky, gooey honey.

Always use an oil-free moisturizer after using these masks. Otherwise, your skin will become extremely dry, causing your sebaceous glands to overact.