You should definitely try manuka honey for skin care. This well-known ingredient is generating quite a stir in the world of skin care. According to anecdotal claims and scientific studies, it offers some wonderful skin benefits. Manuka honey appears to solve many skin problems, from supposedly healing acne to serving as a hydrating facial cleanser.
If you want to get in on the manuka honey beauty craze, this article is for you. We discuss everything about this potent substance that you need to know. Keep reading!
Manuka honey is produced by bees from the nectar of the Manuka bush. It is native to New Zealand and Southeast Australia. Manuka honey possesses excellent storage properties without the need for refrigeration. It is typically mustard-colored and more opaque than its counterparts. It contains sugars, water, enzymes, and vitamins. Manuka honey should contain at least 70% pollen to be called as such (1).
Trivia
The New Zealand government stipulates that all manuka honey made in the country must undergo rigorous standard testing called the Mānuka Honey Science Definition test to be suitable for sale and export.
Let us now look at the benefits of manuka honey for the skin.
Manuka honey comes with all the known honey benefits and is a powerhouse for your skin as it is packed with natural antibacterial and healing properties. So, it can help soothe irritation and promote a healthy glow. Scroll down to read more about Manuka honey and discover how this golden wonder can elevate your skincare routine!
Manuka honey has notable antibacterial properties due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide – a natural antibacterial that helps treat wounds and cleanses the skin (2),(3). Honey can effectively make the wound environment less favorable for bacteria (2). Manuka honey can also help treat sore throat, burns, infections, gum issues, Propionibacterium acne (a kind of bacteria associated with acne), indigestion, and gastroesophageal reflux (4),(5).
Manuka honey contains antimicrobial ingredients such as methylglyoxal (MGO) and leptosin (2). This inhibits bacterial growth and can enhance wound healing as well as tissue regeneration (6).
Manuka honey contains propolis, another component of honey, which includes flavonoids and phenolic acids. These contribute to its antioxidant and immuno-stimulant properties (6).
Manuka honey soothes the skin and reduces redness. It can also control the activity of neutrophils, which are white blood cells that produce inflammatory proteins (7).
Manuka honey is a natural humectant. It may help draw in and retain moisture, making it an ultra-useful ingredient for moisturizers as well as emollients. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Let us now look at how you can use manuka honey on your face.
Step 1
: Make sure your skin is clean before you use manuka as a natural cleanser. This will ensure the manuka honey face mask works better.
Step 2: Post cleansing, gently spread about 1 tablespoon of high-quality manuka honey over your face.
Step 3: Let the manuka honey face mask sit for at least 20-30 minutes to ensure it seeps into your skin.
Note: Your body heat might cause the honey to drip a little. Hence, make sure to wear something that can be washed easily.
Step 4: Rinse off the face mask after 30 minutes. You can use a soft microfiber cloth dipped in warm water to remove the honey.
Step 5: Follow up with a high-quality face serum or moisturizer.
Step 6: Repeat this process at least twice a week for best results.
Trivia
Manuka bushes bloom for only a few weeks each year, resulting in a limited harvest season. This scarcity plays a significant role establishing the exclusivity of manuka honey.
In the next section, we will look at the top manuka honey recipes that can boost your skin health and glow.
As A Face Mask
As A DIY Face Wash
As A Spot Treatment
Renata, a blogger, has tried various DIY face masks with honey and clay and shared her experience in a blog post. She says, “I find pure clay masks much too drying on my skin, so mixing it with manuka honey is like pure heaven to me, not only my skin detoxes but it hydrates at the same time (i).”
Perform a patch test with the honey to see if you are allergic to it. People with sensitive skin may need to take extra care. Apply a small amount to your skin. If you experience any kind of rash or redness, stop use immediately. If you do not experience any kind of irritation, the honey is safe to use.
In terms of the ideal frequency, speak to your dermatologist for proper guidance and care.
Pro Tip: Make sure you purchase raw and unpasteurized manuka honey. Look for an MGO of at least 250, UMF of at least 16+, or K-factor of at least 16. Remember that the higher the rating, the better the quality of the honey.
While manuka honey has many benefits, it is important to be aware of its side effects too. Keep reading to know more.
Manuka honey is a wonderful solution to several skin care woes. You may use manuka honey for skin-related issues like dryness, acne, and blemishes. Manuka honey’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties help treat wounds, cleanse the skin, and reduce redness. There are several DIY manuka honey face masks you can prepare by mixing them with other ingredients like lemon, lavender, aloe vera, or avocado.
You may consult your dermatologist to know how much manuka honey you can use. However, people with sensitive skin should take extra care.
Try this all-purpose ingredient and take your skincare game to the next level. Make sure to consult your dermatologist to understand the right frequency of application depending on your skin type and underlying concerns, if any.
Does Manuka honey make you look younger?
Manuka honey may reduce the signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and under-eye bags, to give you a youthful appearance.
Does Manuka honey increase collagen?
Manuka honey is rich in methylglyoxal which is known to promote collagen production in skin cells (8).
Can I put Manuka honey in warm milk or hot tea?
No. The nutrients and bio-ingredients in Manuka honey may get denatured when mixed in warm milk because of the high temperature. So instead, you may take the honey in lukewarm or room-temperature milk, tea, or water.
In the following video, discover various DIY Manuka honey mask recipes. The video also details the benefits of honey for addressing acne and other skin issues. Check out the video for a step-by-step guide.