Can you use honey as moisturizer for your skin? Honey is good for a great many things, but it is not a moisturizing ingredient. It may be included with moisturizing oils, because of its other benefits to the skin's health. Here, you can learn a little about those benefits.

Since ancient times, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments. It may be applied topically to help heal injuries or taken orally to relieve sore throats or stomach problems.

All varieties have some antibacterial and antioxidant activity. But, the amount of activity varies greatly from one variety to the next. The primary determinant is the flowers from which the bees gathered the pollen to produce it.

Researchers have tested different varieties from around the world, the most active variety that has been identified to date, is made from pollen gathered from the Manuka, a flowering bush, native to New Zealand. You still can't use manuka honey as moisturizer, but it is a good ingredient for face creams and body lotions.

The medicinal activity of Manuka has received a great deal of attention. An institute was established to grade the medicinal value of products from different bee keepers. The most active ones come from bee hives that are relatively isolated. The only flowers that the bees have to feast on are those on the manuka bushes.

Researchers are looking in old places for new natural antibacterial agents, because many types of bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotic drugs. In addition, the antibacterial agent, triclosan, which is found in hand cleansers, body washes, dish detergents and other consumer goods, is not biodegradable. It builds up in our streams and is believed to contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistant "bugs".

One of the most common antibiotic resistant infections is called MRSA. One New Zealand research team believes that manuka may be effective for treating it.

The reason that you can't use honey as moisturizer is because of its low water content. It is the low water content that contributes to its antibacterial activity. It is effective for healing blemishes and preventing new ones from forming, which makes it beneficial for treating acne.

It is also recognized as an anti-aging agent, because of its antioxidant activity. Antioxidants neutralize free radical molecules. The damage that those molecules cause is one of the main reasons that we start to look older.

People recommending home remedies often suggest honey as moisturizer, but if you're looking for something to use from your kitchen, try olive oil. It is very similar to the skin's own oils. It does not cause greasiness, as it is readily and quickly absorbed.

One of the best body lotions combines dehydrated manuka (dehydration does not detract from its activity) with olive oil, jojoba, natural vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, vitamin B5, grape seed extract and wakame kelp. There is no lotion on the market that contains more active ingredients. Now that you know a little more about using honey as moisturizer, you might want to learn about the benefits of some of those other ingredients.