The magic of honey

“Hi, honey!” That happy greeting may also apply to the yellowcapped squeezie bear in your pantry, because the contents are good for so much more than sweetening your tea. Honey is a natural antiseptic, moisturiser, and — thanks to all its antioxidants — an age-fighter, too.

The high concentration of sugar gives honey germ-killing power, which is why it’s been used for thousands of years to encourage wound healing. Honey’s thick, sticky consistency also makes it a natural, protective salve, sealing out infection and creating a moist, healing environment within. Use it in a pinch if you develop blisters on a camping trip.

Honey is a terrific moisturiser for the face and body, too. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws ‘free water’ from interior tissues to the surface layers of the skin. That subtle fluid shift creates a plumping effect that temporarily improves the appearance of wrinkles — handy before a morning presentation or a big night out.

To see for yourself, try this moisturising honey mask, which also soothes dry, sensitive, or irritated skin:

Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of whole milk. Warm slightly in the microwave. Smooth the mixture onto your face and lie down for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm — not hot — water. As for the age-fighting effects, all types of honey contain antioxidants that appear to block skin-cell-damaging free radicals, though dark honeys — particularly the honeydew and buckwheat varieties —have more of them than paler clover honeys. While there’s still a debate on how effective antioxidants are when applied to the skin, have swirling dark honey with your yogurt every morning. It’s a simple way to nourish your skin from the inside.