Raw honey is a natural sweetener that has so many key benefits, including soothing coughs and sore throats, promoting wound healing, aiding in digestion, and more. It also offers myriad benefits to the skin. “Honey soothes and softens skin using broad-spectrum antibacterial properties to fight against various skin pathogens, and create a protective, anti-inflammatory barrier that reduces wrinkle formation, calms swelling and redness, and inhibits further skin injuries,” says Maria Puentes, education manager at DermaQuest Clinical.
Bee Mindful
Kylee Kintis, FarmHouse Fresh esthetician, discusses the best use of honey in the treatment room.
What are some top uses of honey-based products and treatments in a spa setting?
“I often see honey used in aftercare products post-spa treatments. With lasers, peels, and other resurfacing procedures, the skin is left sensitive and needs soothing ingredients to heal. Honey makes for a perfect option to hydrate, protect, and repair the skin post-treatment. I also love using honey-based products in everyday facials. After double cleansing, a deep exfoliation, and extractions, the skin needs hydration. Honey can also be found in serums to offer a lightweight feel, which hydrates without clogging pores.”
Are honey-based products safe for everyone?
“This universal ingredient is a great choice for almost everyone but there are a few exceptions. Those with significant pollen or bee allergies may not be able to use this product. This is where date honey makes for a great choice for those with allergies, as well as vegans. A patch test is always recommended when you are unsure if honey is the right option for you. Children under the age of 1 are also advised to avoid honey. Lastly, oily skin types will want to avoid rich honey-based balms. These may be too heavy on their skin, but they can always look for a lighter honey-based serum instead.”
Don’t Worry, Bee Happy
At some resorts, beekeeping is not only part of an overall sustainability initiative, but also a way for guests to discover the art of beekeeping through innovative offerings and experiences.
• Ojai Valley Inn (CA) offers a tour of a working hive and a tasting of Southern California’s cold-pressed honey, guided by the resident beekeeper.
• Guests at Carmel Valley Ranch (CA) are encouraged to visit the on-property apiary for a closer look at the bees, and enjoy a garden-infused honey tasting sampling that features honey infused with lavender, rosemary, and other garden aromatics.
• Get Buzzed at Carneros at Carneros Resort and Spa (Napa, CA) is a beekeeping program that features a collection of bee-centric wellness, culinary, and hands-on experiences. For example, Bee Mindful, which takes place in the Bee Cottage, is a sensory journey where guests can immerse themselves in sound healing through the calming buzz of bees. In addition to the soothing buzz of bees and low-frequency vibrations, guests breathe in air enriched with propolis and beeswax to support respiratory health and boost immunity. The space features live beehives nestled underneath the relaxation bed.