In recent times, one type of honey that has been making headlines is Manuka honey and its healing properties.
With its high levels of antioxidants and the presence of an additional active ingredient called Methylglyoxal (MGO), Manuka stands apart from other kinds of honey, making it a strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory—beneficial for wound care and skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
What puts it on top of the list of natural skincare ingredients is its strong skin nourishing powers and unique nutritional profile. Manuka is full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants, besides being antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal.
To top it off, its low pH levels of 4.4, make it a great addition to any skincare, especially if you’re looking for a natural alternative to a face cleanser, or to heal wounds or clear acne.
Skin care benefits of Manuka Honey
Strong moisturiser
The high sugar content in Manuka honey draws in moisture making it a strong humectant. This means that is keeps your skin moisturised and is a useful ingredient for moisturisers and emollients.
It is especially useful when you have dry, itchy skin or for irritable skin from conditions like eczema, psoriasis, burns, insect bites and hives.
Soothes inflammation
The anti-inflammatory property of Manuka is no match for inflammation caused by skin conditions like acne.
Manuka honey soothes inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and controls the production of inflammatory proteins.
Because it controls inflammation, Manuka reduces redness, and any associated pain, encouraging your skin to heal naturally.
Fights free radicals
Free radicals are unstable and leads to premature ageing of the skin and loss of elasticity. The natural compounds in Manuka honey neutralises free radicals and reduces oxidative stress, keeping your skin looking younger.
Controls bacteria
Manuka honey keeps bacterial growth in check, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) responsible for skin infections causing boils, blisters and redness of the skin, and secondary infections in eczema.
One study shows that Manuka honey can inhibit the growth of P. acnes, a bacterium that plays a key role in the inflammation and formation of acne.
Fades dark spots
Since dark spots are caused by inflammation, Manuka honey not only soothes inflamed skin but can also prevent and treats dark spots.
Manuka contains hydrogen peroxide, which not only kills harmful bacteria, but it can lighten up hyperpigmentation and discolouration of the skin. It can also be used to lighten scars and other blemishes.
Reduces wrinkles
Because Manuka honey is a natural humectant, it keeps your skin hydrated which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
In fact, a study found that Manuka oil inhibits the loss of collagen, which results in fewer wrinkles and reduces sagging of the skin.
How to use Manuka Honey for skin care?
You can use Manuka honey at home as a face mask, a face wash, a cleanser, or as a spot treatment for acne, minor burns, and cuts.
However, before putting Manuka honey on the skin, it is advisable to do a patch test for any allergic reactions or consult with a healthcare professional.
Also, check that you are using good quality Manuka honey with a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) rating above 10.
If you’re looking for high-quality Manuka honey skincare products, check out Nature’s Gold natural skincare range.
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