If you’re like most people, you probably think of honey as a delicious topping on your morning toast or oatmeal. But what you may not know is that honey has many other uses. If you ever wonder if is honey good for your skin, the answer is yes. Thousand times yes! Manuka honey, in particular, is known for its therapeutic benefits when applied to the skin. Keep reading to learn more.
What is manuka honey?
Manuka honey comes from bees that pollinate the manuka bush, also known as the tea tree. The bees collect the nectar from the flowers, which they transform into honey. The resulting honey contains higher levels of antioxidants than typical honey.
Difference between manuka honey and any other honey
While all honey has antibacterial properties, manuka honey is unique in that it contains an additional ingredient called Methylglyoxal. Methylglyoxal is a compound found in manuka honey that makes it more beneficial for wound care. It also gives the honey a distinctively bitter flavor.
What does honey do for your skin?
Natural honey is the solution to many skin issues. Whether you’re looking for manuka honey benefits or other honey benefits, you should know that it contains antibacterial properties that make it good for warding off infection. Honey can also reduce swelling and redness when used topically. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, sugar cane also helps to minimize dark circles under the eyes.
Manuka honey benefits for skin
Manuka honey and dry skin
Manuka honey is an excellent natural moisturizer. It increases the water content in your skin, while also locking in moisture to prevent further drying. This is why it’s so beneficial for treating dry skin.
Manuka honey and aging skin
Another great benefit of manuka honey is that it reduces the signs of aging, particularly on the face. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while also reducing under-eye bags and dark circles.
Manuka honey and acne
As with dry skin, manuka honey can also help treat acne because it helps your skin retain moisture. It does this by preventing the overproduction of sebum, which is what causes this pesky problem in the first place. Also, honey has long been used in the treatment of acne, due to its antibacterial properties. But manuka honey is particularly beneficial because it also contains Methylglyoxal (MG). Its antibiotic properties can help reduce swelling and redness of existing acne.
Manuka honey and eczema
Another skin condition that can be treated with manuka honey is eczema. One of the main causes of eczema is a lack of moisture in your skin. Because honey increases your skin’s water content, it will help give you relief from the itching and irritation associated with this condition.
Manuka honey and wound healing
A study from The Cochrane Database, which tracks medical research, found that honey was just as effective in treating infected wounds as standard antibiotic creams. It can help prevent infection and keep wounds from getting worse, while at the same time nourishing your skin. It will also help reduce the pain you’re feeling.
Manuka honey will help give you relief from the itching and irritation.
How to use manuka honey in your skincare routine?
There are a variety of ways to use manuka honey in your skincare routine. Manuka honey can be applied to your skin either directly or by mixing it with different products. In terms of direct application, you can simply apply a thin layer to clean skin and let it sink in for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse it off with water.
Mix it with other products
When mixing it with other products, you can use honey as an effective substitute for glycerin. Glycerin is a common ingredient in many skincare products because it absorbs water and helps your skin retain moisture. Honey has the same effect on your skin but without the extra chemicals. You can also mix manuka honey with different cleansers, moisturizers, and masks for added benefits.
DIY manuka honey face mask recipe
If you’re a skincare junkie, then you probably have a few favorite recipes that mix manuka honey with other ingredients. We’ll give you one. Namely, a good and effective way to give yourself a nice manuka honey facial treatment is by making your own homemade face mask. Here’s what you’re going to need:
- 1 tablespoon of manuka honey
- 1 teaspoon of avocado oil or olive oil
- 5 drops of vitamin E oil
Before you start, make sure that you cleanse and dry your skin. Then mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl until you get a nice, smooth paste. Apply this to your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing with cool water.
Also, very important! Before applying this mask to your face, test it on a small surface of your hand to see if you’ll have any allergy reactions.
Try Manuka Honey Sheet Mask
If you are more into skincare products that already contain manuka honey, then FOREO’s Manuka Honey Sheet Mask is perfect for you. Made with real manuka honey, this mask softens skin and enhances elasticity for a radiant and soft complexion in 20 minutes. Alternatively, pair with UFO for a radically revitalizing facial treatment that will leave your skin supple and younger-looking in just 2 minutes. This mask should be your pick if you are looking for a treatment that nourishes your skin leaving it softer, smoother, and more supple. Also, this nutrient-rich formula soothes dryness and promotes healthy and younger-looking skin.
