Research has shown there is one beauty product which everyone, no matter what their age, should always have in the home. It’s been used for over 2,000 years to treat ailments by applying it to the skin and is deemed one of the most effective antimicrobial agents, in addition to acting as an antioxidant which when taken orally effectively works to zap those nasty free radicals – the molecules that roam around healthy cells causing damage.
What are we talking about? Honey. It is not only hailed for its healing power, but also works as a marvellous meal for the skin and over the centuries it has been the ingredient of choice for some of the world’s great beauties. Cleopatra regularly doused herself in milk and honey baths, and Jennifer Lopez claims her regular honey kissed facials are what gives her that wonderful clear glowing skin.
What is it supposed to do?
Honey contains rich deposits of amino acids along with vitamins B, C, D and E and is also an anti-irritant, making it OK for even the most sensitive of skins, even babies will benefit after application onto the skin (however babies should not eat honey until they are at least 18 months old).
Acne sufferers have long held the belief that regular applications of dark honey help rid the skin of spots. Hydrogen peroxide, one of the key agents in honey, is released when honey touches the skin, acting as an immensely effective anti-bacterial agent. Greek warriors when wounded in battle would dress their spear wounds with honey and until WWII, when manufactured battle dressings were introduced, honey was used by military doctors as the first line of defence against infection.
Today hospitals have returned to using special honey dressings to accelerate the healing of burns, ulcers and operation wounds.
In addition to the above, honey also helps eliminate fine facial wrinkles.
What is it like?
Bulgarian born Albena Vougaridou is a dedicated honey devotee, and, as a committed naturopath and therapist, has no doubts about its benefits. I was first asked to remove my shoes and lie down on the treatment table, hair in a plastic cap. I then closed my eyes for a delicious hour-long experience.
Albena will have checked your skin type and mixed her honey base accordingly with the required herbs and spices.
A couple of slices of cucumbers were placed on my eyes to give instant stress relief, a sticky but pleasantly smelling solution was spread across my face. It was a terrific sensation as she patted and pummelled the face with a wooden spatula. All my chins did felt absolutely great from their intense work out.
Is there any science behind it?
Yes and all absolutely solid stuff from both research scientists, specialists, surgeons, and even beauty product manufacturers. The only reason the latter don’t go all out and recommend you just pop out and buy a pot of honey, go home, mix it with the juice of a lemon, a whipped egg yolk and some yogurt then slap it on with a wooden spoon is obvious – they would lose billions on sales of expensive moisturisers, exfoliates, cleansers, and toners. Honey, after all, is nature’s true all in one beauty product.
Where and how much?
Poseidonio Health and Fitness club, 132 Democratis Avenue, Paphos. Tel 26 222234 or 26 952745. £30 for a one-hour session. If you book six sessions then you get one for free.
