Manuka Honey for Skin Care: Benefits and How to Use

Manuka Honey for Skin Care: Benefits and How to Use
Krista Bugden

Krista Bugden

5 minutes

Executive Summary:


Manuka Honey Skin Care: Natural Benefits and Usage

The skin is the largest organ in our body. It’s the first line of defense against disease, bacteria, viruses, and more. However, our skin also allows us to put our best look forward. It matters when it comes to first impressions and, often, our confidence, too. 

While many race to turn back time via invasive anti-aging and plastic surgery procedures, the world of skincare continues to evolve—with natural ingredients taking center stage. We’re quickly realizing that there’s no better nourishment for our skin than what Mother Nature has given us. 

Amongst the latest skincare trends, Manuka honey emerges as a natural alternative. Renowned for its beneficial nutrients, Manuka honey may support your skin health in various ways. So, what should you know? How can Manuka honey take your skincare routine to a whole other level?

 

The Natural Properties of Manuka Honey for Skin

As a gift from the pristine landscapes of New Zealand, Manuka honey contains antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients that provide plenty of support to the body’s largest organ.

In particular, Manuka honey stands out due to its high Methylglyoxal (MGO) content. MGO is well-known for its antibacterial properties, which means it may support proper hydration of the skin and maintain overall skin health.

Additionally, Manuka honey is rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals. In turn, this may support the skin in protecting itself from harsh environmental factors like UV rays and pollution. These antioxidants also give way to anti-inflammatory properties, which may support skin appearance.

The natural sugars in Manuka honey further act as humectants, drawing moisture into the skin, which is essential for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. This natural hydrating effect makes Manuka honey an excellent ingredient for promoting a smooth and radiant complexion.

Furthermore, the abundance of vitamins and minerals in Manuka honey may support the maintenance of healthy skin texture, contributing to a youthful and healthy appearance.

 

General Wellness Benefits for Skin

So, let’s dig a little deeper. Below, we explore the main three general wellness benefits of Manuka honey for the skin.

Hydration

One of the most notable benefits of incorporating Manuka honey into a skincare regimen is its ability to support adequate skin hydration. In fact, many popular skincare brands use Manuka honey as a primary hydration ingredient. 

As previously mentioned, the natural sugars in Manuka honey also act as humectants, meaning they help retain moisture in the skin. This property is crucial for maintaining skin's hydration levels, ensuring it remains supple, plump, and well-moisturized. 

Nourishment

Manuka honey contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support and nourish the skin at a cellular level. After all, the body, including the skin, can only do so much with the tools it's given. With adequate nutrients, which can be achieved through a balanced diet incorporating Manuka honey, this liquid gold can help you maintain good skin health for many years to come.

Gentle Antibacterial Properties

Manuka honey is recognized for its nutrients’ gentle antibacterial properties, primarily attributed to its MGO content. This may be particularly beneficial for sensitive skin that is prone to minor irritations or blemishes. The antibacterial nature of Manuka honey can help in maintaining a cleaner skin surface, which is an essential aspect of skin health. However, it's important to note that Manuka honey should not be seen as a medical treatment but as a complement to a balanced skincare routine.

 

How to Incorporate Manuka Honey in Skin Care

There are many safe and practical ways to add Manuka honey to your skincare routine. Not sure how to do that? Try these examples:

  • Make a homemade cleanser: Mix one tablespoon of Manuka honey with ½ a tablespoon of baking soda and a pinch of salt. Massage into a clean, wet face, then rinse with warm water.
  • Create spot treatment: Dab Manuka honey on blemishes or acne. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing off.
  • Try a homemade face mask: Create oat flour by blending or grinding ¼ a cup. Combine a tablespoon of Manuka honey, a tablespoon of olive oil, and the ground oats together until a paste forms. Place the mixture across dry and clean skin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse off thoroughly with warm water.
  • Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet: If you’re not eager to apply honey directly to your skin, try a heaping spoonful a day (or drizzle it on toast or oatmeal for a touch of sweetness!). After all, your diet is the foundation of your health and wellness, helping you glow from within.

  • Ensure for the topical applications above that you spot-test before applying the mixture to your entire face. This means applying about a quarter-sized patch to the back of your hand or forearm and leaving it on for 10-15 minutes. If you don’t notice any allergic reaction, it’s likely safe to use on your face. If you’re still unsure, ask your doctor or dermatologist before applying anything new to your skin.

     

    Manukora’s Approach to Natural Skin Care

    Understanding the profound connection between nature and wellness, Manukora places a strong emphasis on sourcing only the finest, purest Manuka honey—directly from the lush landscapes of New Zealand. 

    Manukora's focus further extends beyond the end product. We are deeply invested in sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices, ensuring that the extraction and production process respects and preserves the natural environment (and our buzzing friends who work hard to produce this precious nectar!). This responsible approach guarantees that every Manuka honey jar we produce contains ample beneficial nutrients and flavor!

    In fact, you can discover more about every Manukora jar you purchase simply by scanning the QR code. This will help you learn more about the beekeeper who attended to your honey batch, the third-party testing this batch of honey underwent, and more.

    By maintaining the highest standards of quality and purity, we ensure that our Manuka honey aligns with the values of consumers seeking authentic, environmentally conscious skincare solutions (and, of course, a tasty treat if you so choose!).

     

    Embrace All-Natural Skincare

    Selecting Manuka honey as a focal part of your skincare routine can help you maintain healthy and radiant skin for many years ahead. Not only that, but honey provides an all-natural ingredient that doesn’t compromise quality over quantity. 

    Furthermore, as we continue to embrace natural skin care solutions, it's important to do so with mindfulness and an understanding of the ingredients' origins and impacts. Manuka honey, with its rich history and beneficial nutrients, is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to integrate more natural, sustainable options into their daily skincare routine. Discover more about Manukora’s Manuka honey here.

     

     

    Sources:

    Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review 

    Humectants: How They Work, Where to Find Them, and More 

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