Honey is one of those amazing things that nature and bees provide. The golden sweet-smelling stuff doesn’t just taste great, it also contains a wealth of health-promoting properties. Its minerals, vitamins and antioxidants make honey a wonderful topical treatment for healthy skin and hair. Check out some of these uses below. Whenever possible, purchase locally produced honey that is raw, meaning it hasn’t been heated, which can kill its active ingredients. Most farmers’ markets offer local, raw honey.

Pimples and acne. The naturally occurring antibacterial benefits of honey can help kill bacteria and work to quell inflammation. Apply raw honey to freshly washed pimples and leave on overnight.

Intense pimple treatment. The UK Honey Association offers this treatment for pimples: Blend 2 teaspoons honey, ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt and 1 teaspoon turmeric to a thick paste. Apply only to the pimple and leave overnight. Wash your face as usual.

Minor wounds. Honey actually emits bacteria-killing hydrogen peroxide and has other wound-healing properties. Try applying honey to clean cuts and scrapes and cover with a bandage.

Shiny hair. Mix ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey with 2 cups of water. Apply to clean hair and leave on for at least 5 minutes. Rinse. You can follow with conditioner if necessary.

Simple honey mask. Honey’s moisturizing and antioxidant properties make it a wonderful beauty mask. It also gently exfoliates. Apply a generous layer of raw honey to clean skin; relax for 30 minutes and rinse.

Honey bath. This is a luxurious treat that requires 1 cup of honey. Add the honey to bath water and enjoy the light scent while it gently moisturizes your skin. Take a shower first so that you don’t need to use soap.

Honey scrub. Mix a small amount of honey with ground almonds for a body and face scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes.

Lip moisturizing. Simply apply honey to your lips and the skin around them for a moisturizing effect that also tastes good. Leave on for 15 minutes or so and apply moisturizer after.

The Apple Crate offers a wide variety of honey options from regional honey to honey from as far away as New Zealand. Each one offers their own unique benefits, tastes and textures. The Apple Crate staff will be happy to help you choose the right honey for any beauty emergency.

Photo: There are many practical uses for honey that can make you look and feel better. Raw local honey is usually the best bet when it comes to choosing which type of honey to purchase.