We hope you're mostly using honey to sweeten foods, replace sugar, or bake desserts.

But maybe that's not enough. Maybe you're craving even more ways to use honey.

Or just looking for an excuse to always have a bottle of honey on you.

Well, this might be just what you're looking for — at least during the summer: using honey on sunburns.

Honey has a long, quasi-medicinal history.

We know from archaeological data that humans have been beekeeping in some form or fashion for something like 9,000 years. Honey has even been found in ancient Egyptian tombs – still edible, in case you were wondering. 

But in those early days, prehistoric people weren't just looking for honey dessert recipes. Honey was a vital source of nutrition and a rare, naturally occurring antibacterial substance.

Honey is naturally moisturizing, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It helps your skin absorb and retain water.

So, it wasn't long before honey was being used to heal wounds, keep skin young and glowing, and keep lips plump.

Is honey nature's aloe vera?

We're pretty sure aloe vera is nature's aloe vera. It's great for hydrating and healing skin, and we can't deny that. But you probably don't have a bottle of aloe vera sitting in your pantry right now, and you definitely can't buy 23+ delicious kinds of aloe vera from all over the USA. 

Since honey is all-natural too, and has some scientific evidence for helping you skin behind it, we're confident in recommending honey for sunburn relief in a pinch.

Here's how to use honey for sunburn relief.

If you have honey on-hand after a long day in the sun, you can use it just like you would use aloe vera:

• Apply a thin layer of honey to the sunburned area. Rub in increasingly larger circles until covered.
• Sit still, relax, and allow your skin to absorb some of the honey.
• Keep in mind that honey is sticky, so you won't want to put clothing on the affected area.
• After 20-30 minutes, rinse the honey off with warm water. 
• Repeat the treatment as many times as you like.

100 Years of 100% U.S. Honey

This "honey do" is part of our #100waystousehoney series, celebrating 100 years of 100% U.S. honey with honey hacks, honey tips, and honey recipes.

Throughout 2024, you can shop our limited-edition 1924 Golden Age Wildflower honey blend. It's an exclusive, 100% U.S. wildflower honey blend with a mellow, but flowery taste.