Body Wraps At Home: Honey Cream For Soft, Glowy Skin

Picture yourself smeared in honey and tightly wrapped up like a mummy. Sounds a bit awkward, right? Fact is, at home body wraps are an affordable and easy way to get glowing, soft skin without spending big bucks at a spa. And honey is up there with other science-backed skincare superstars that can do wonders for your skin. Should you dash off to the grocery store for a jar of honey? Not just yet. Here’s what you need to know about making your own honey cream body wrap at home, including what science says about honey on your skin, which honey to use, and the best way to apply it.

Is A Honey Cream Body Wrap The Answer To All Your Skin Woes?

Honey has long been lauded for its beauty benefits in cultural practices around the world. Some of the most ancient civilisations, such as the Greeks and Egyptians, used honey in their beauty treatments.

 Practices such as these laid the groundwork for modern-day skincare, and science has recently been investigating honey’s potential skin benefits. Studies have shown the following ways a honey body wrap may improve your skin health:

Relieve Dry Skin

Raw honey is a natural humectant (1). A humectant is a substance that helps your skin retain moisture. This means it can help lock in hydration and improve dry, dull skin. When used as a body wrap, honey helps to keep your skin looking deeply hydrated and glowing. Even after washing off the wrap, you may notice that your skin feels smoother and softer.

Gentle Exfoliation

Exfoliation is one of the necessities of a good skincare routine. However, most store-bought exfoliators contain harsh ingredients that might be too abrasive for sensitive skin.

Fortunately, honey is a gentle exfoliant and can help remove dead skin cells from your body and reveal a brighter, more even complexion (3). When applied on your skin, it crystalizes and forms small grains that give your body a gentle massage.

Healing And Soothing Properties

Honey is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness (3). Additionally, its hygroscopic nature helps to bind moisture to the skin and prevent dryness. This can be especially beneficial if you have an itchy rash or sunburn.

Brighten And Rejuvenate Skin

The antioxidants found in honey have been linked to helping to slow down the signs of aging (2). Applying a honey body wrap can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, as well as give you a youthful glow. Raw honey infused with propolis is especially helpful for toning down the appearance of dark spots, scars from blemishes, and stretch marks.

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Manage Lesions Caused By Skin Conditions

Certain skin conditions like psoriasis (a chronic autoimmune skin condition) and eczema (an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by dry, itchy patches of skin) are often associated with rough bumps and lesions on the skin (4).

Honey body wraps can help reduce these lesions, improve hydration, and maintain healthy skin. Note that it’s still important to see a doctor for chronic skin conditions (1). These treatments will help keep your skin in good condition between visits, but shouldn’t replace medical advice. 

Skin pH Regulation

Naturally, your skin is quite acidic and has a pH of about 5.5. When the pH balance of your skin shifts (usually due to environmental factors), it can lead to dryness, breakouts, and sensitivity. Honey has a natural pH of around 3.5 – 4, which makes it slightly acidic and close to the natural pH of your skin.

When used as a body wrap, it can help regulate your skin’s pH balance and restore its natural, healthy state (2) .A balanced, natural pH is also essential for maintaining healthy bacteria on your skin, which helps to keep it free from blemishes and inflammation.

Anti-Wrinkle Properties

Honey is packed with antioxidants and other compounds that help fight free radicals – molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate the signs of aging (1). By applying a honey wrap regularly, you can give your skin the anti-wrinkle protection it needs to stay looking young and healthy. 

Are There Any Risks To Consider When Doing A Honey Body Wrap?

Using honey topically on your skin is generally considered safe. However, it’s important to know that there are some risks and side effects associated with honey body wraps you should be aware of.

Allergic Reaction

Honey is a natural product, and it’s possible to develop an allergic reaction to it. If you have an allergy to bees or pollen, it’s best to proceed with caution or avoid honey body wraps altogether. If you’re unsure, do a patch test on an area of your skin to see if there’s a reaction before doing the full body wrap.

Risk For Infection

Honey should not be applied to broken skin, as it can lead to an infection.This is especially true if the honey is not pasteurized, as the bacteria in unpasteurized honey can cause skin irritation or infection.

If you have any open cuts, scrapes, or lesions on your skin, avoid using honey as a body wrap until the area has healed. Additionally, it’s important to be sure that you are using pure, raw honey for the wrap, as any added preservatives or sugar could worsen your skin issues.

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How To Make Honey Cream Body Wrap For At-Home Use

First, know the types of honey you can use. There are at least 300 different types of honey that fall under one of these three categories:

• Raw honey – bottled straight from the hive, unpasteurized and free of added sugar or preservatives. It has a cloudy, viscous texture and a dark yellow hue. It may contain small debris like bits of wax and bee parts.

It’s the best for body wraps because it has the highest concentration of antioxidants, enzymes and other beneficial compounds. However, it should never be used on broken skin because of the potential for bacteria growth.

• Pasteurized honey – filtered and treated to remove unwanted impurities like pollen, bacteria, and wax. It has a clear, golden color and is often used in commercial products like body lotions and scrubs. It may contain added sugar or preservatives, so it’s best to read the label before using this type of honey for your body wrap.
• Pure pasteurized honey – filtered and pasteurized, but with nothing added. It has a clearer color and texture than raw honey, making it easier to spread on the skin without sticking. It is a good choice for those with sensitive skin, as it does not contain any added elements. It also has a longer shelf life than other types of honey.

After deciding which type of honey you want to use, prepare your supplies. You’ll need the following items:

• A container of raw or pure pasteurized honey
• An old towel or blanket
• Plastic wrap
• A pair of scissors
• A brush (optional)

1. Start by heating the honey to make it easier to spread. You can do this in a double boiler or microwave, or simply leave the container of honey in a warm place for a few minutes.
2. Next, spread the honey thinly and evenly over your body using either a brush or your hands. Make sure to cover all areas, including your neck, chest and back.
3. Once your body is covered, wrap yourself in the old towel or blanket, followed by the plastic wrap. Use the scissors to cut off any excess plastic wrap. You don’t have to wrap in so many layers; depending on the texture of the honey and the area of the body, you may opt for just one layer of plastic. The wrap should be snug but not too tight, as it will constrict your movement and circulation. The plastic wrap will act as a heating pad, helping the honey penetrate deeper into your skin.
4. You can leave the honey body wrap on for up to an hour, but it’s best to start with just 15 minutes and work your way up. When you’re done, wash off the honey with warm water and a mild soap. You can repeat the wrap once a week for best results.

What Can You Put In A Honey Cream Body Wrap?

There are some ingredients that go well with honey in a body wrap, including:

• Yogurt – contains lactic acid, which helps to exfoliate and brighten the skin
• Coconut oil – nourishes and moisturizes dry skin
• Ground coffee – helps to reduce cellulite and firm up the skin
• Cinnamon – boosts circulation and reduces inflammation
• Aloe vera – soothes and hydrates the skin
• Essential oils – can be used to customize the body wrap for your skin type

Using these ingredients in combination with the honey can help to nourish and moisturize your skin, while also providing antioxidant benefits.

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How Often You Should Get A Honey Cream Body Wrap?

There are no hard and fast rules for how often to get a honey wrap. However, it is recommended to have one at least once a month for the best results. You can increase or decrease the frequency depending on how your skin feels and what type of treatment you need.  

How Long Do Body Wrap Results Last?

The results of a honey cream body wrap can last up to a week. However, to maintain the results you will need to continue with regular body wraps and healthy lifestyle habits like drinking plenty of water and getting adequate exercise.

Additionally, make sure to moisturize your skin after each wrap with a good quality body lotion. With this routine, you can enjoy the benefits of a honey cream body wrap for weeks to come! 

What Does A Body Wrap Do For You?

There are some misconceptions about what a body wrap can and can’t do for you. In the case of honey cream body wraps, consistent use guarantees hydrated, silky, soft skin. It can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, invigorate your senses and help you relax.

However, no amount of body wraps will help you lose weight – for this, you’ll need to focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. Neither will a body wrap help you to tone or firm up your body – for this, you’ll need to focus on strength training and resistance exercises.

the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks can be slightly reduced with honey cream body wraps, they are definitely not a miracle cure.

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What Should You Not Do Before A Body Wrap?

Before performing a honey cream body wrap, it is important to avoid any activities that could cause overheating or dehydrate the skin. This includes avoiding hot showers, saunas, steam rooms and excessive exercise.

Don’t apply any lotions, oils or makeup to your skin before you start the wrap either. That’s because the honey needs direct contact with your skin to be most effective.

It’s also important not to eat a heavy meal before the wrap as this could cause you to feel sluggish and uncomfortable during the process. Last thing you need with a full belly is to be wrapped up in plastic wrap!

Additionally, you should make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, caffeine or nicotine in the 12 hours before the wrap. Lastly, it’s important to exfoliate your skin the day before the wrap to ensure maximum absorption of the honey. 

The Bottom Line

A honey cream body wrap can be a great way to transform your skin from dull and dry to soft, bright and healthy. It is also a much more affordable treatment than going to the spa, allowing you to enjoy all the same skincare benefits at the comfort of your own home.

Before trying a honey wrap, be sure to do some research on which type of raw honey best suits your skin type, as well as the best way to apply it. With just a few simple steps and a few natural ingredients, you can give your skin the boost it needs.