Manuka Honey for Skin: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More

  • What Is Manuka Honey?
  • Benefits Of Manuka Honey For Your Skin
  • How To Use Manuka Honey On Your Face
  • Manuka Honey At Home: DIY Recipes
  • How Often Should You Use Manuka Honey On Your Face?
  • Risks And Warnings

What Is Manuka Honey?

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).

Let us now look at the benefits of manuka honey for the skin.

Benefits Of Manuka Honey For Your Skin

1. Has Antibacterial Properties

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).

2. Works As An Antimicrobial Agent

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).

3. Has Antioxidant properties

Manuka honey contains propolis, another component of honey, which includes flavonoids and phenolic acids. These contribute to its antioxidant and immuno- stimulant properties (6).

4. Helps Fight Inflammation

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).

5. May Work As A Natural Humectant

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.

How To 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.

In the next section, we will look at the top manuka honey recipes that can boost your skin health and glow.

Recipe 4: Manuka Honey And Almond Oil/Aloe Vera Gel

As A DIY Face Wash

  • Mix 1 tablespoon of manuka honey with a few drops of water or witch hazel.
  • Massage gently onto your face, in circular motions.
  • Gently wash off and pat dry.

As A Spot Treatment

  • Apply manuka honey on the blemish.
  • Cover it with a bandage and leave it on overnight.
  • Alternatively, you can wait until it dries and wash it off.

How Often Should You Use Manuka Honey On Your Face?

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use manuka honey on my face every day?

Yes, you can apply it every day if you are not sensitive to it. Make sure to do a patch test.

Does manuka honey remove scars?

Manuka honey can treat wounds. There is no clinical evidence on the honey’s ability to treat scars.

Can manuka honey hydrate my parched skin?

Yes, manuka honey acts as an excellent natural moisturizer due to its high sugar content.

Can manuka honey clog pores?

No, it is not known to clog pores.

Does manuka honey need to be refrigerated?

No, manuka honey does not need to be refrigerated.

How long will manuka honey last?

Natural, properly preserved manuka honey will not expire.

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