Table of Contents
When it comes to natural beauty remedies, many of us have tried various DIY masks and pantry staples like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and chamomile. However, there’s another ingredient that might become your next skincare MVP: manuka honey.
Manuka honey is a raw, unpasteurized honey that offers numerous benefits for your skin. According to board-certified dermatologists, Dr. Ava Shamban and Dr. Kenneth Howe, this natural ingredient has the power to unclog pores, fade acne scars, and deeply hydrate dry skin. However, since manuka honey is typically used in the kitchen, you may have questions about how to use it for your skin and whether it’s safe to do so.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of manuka honey and explore how it can work wonders for your skin. We’ll discuss what manuka honey is, its chemical composition, and its main benefits. We’ll also provide expert tips on incorporating manuka honey into your skincare routine. So, let’s get started!
What Is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is a sweet and viscous substance produced by bees. It is derived from plant matter and contains plant enzymes and live bacteria. The chemical composition of manuka honey depends on the plant sources from which bees collect nectar.
Type of Ingredient: Humectant
Main Benefits: Antimicrobial, moisturizes and hydrates the skin, soothes inflammation, and clarifies pores
Who Should Use It: Suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for dry and sensitive skin
How Often Can You Use It: Usage frequency depends on the specific skin concern
Works Well With: Manuka honey can be used alone, but it should be unpasteurized, natural, and active
Don’t Use With: Lemon, baking soda, cayenne pepper, or other pantry items
The Benefits of Manuka Honey for Skin
Manuka honey offers a wide range of benefits for the skin. According to Dr. Howe, one of the key benefits is its antimicrobial activity, which helps kill bacteria on the skin. This explains why manuka honey has been traditionally used as a wound-healing agent in many cultures. Here are some of the benefits of manuka honey for your skin:
1. Cleanses Pores: Manuka honey has natural antibacterial properties, making it an excellent face wash. It can effectively remove dirt and debris when mixed with water.
2. Treats Acne: Due to its anti-fungal properties, manuka honey can be used as a cleanser to prevent certain types of breakouts. For more potent effects, you can leave manuka honey on breakouts to help them heal faster.
3. Exfoliates Skin: While manuka honey is better suited as a cleanser than an exfoliator due to its smooth consistency, it can still help gently cleanse the skin. However, it is not particularly granular like some other exfoliating ingredients.
4. Fades Scars: Manuka honey contains trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which gives it mild lightening properties. This makes it helpful in reducing post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation.
5. Hydrates Skin: As a natural humectant, manuka honey draws moisture into the skin from the air. Applying manuka honey on the face helps keep the skin hydrated, glowing, fresh, and supple.
6. Helps with Skin Conditions: Manuka honey has shown promise in treating seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. It can also soothe eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
If you want to target a specific blemish, you can try using raw manuka honey as a spot treatment. According to Dr. Shamban, manuka honey can be particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, as clinical studies have shown positive results in reducing the size and duration of blemishes.
Side Effects of Manuka Honey
While manuka honey is generally safe to use, it’s important to be aware of any potential allergies or sensitivities you may have. Some people may experience allergic reactions to honey if they are allergic to bees, pollen, or bee venom. If you notice any adverse reactions after a patch test, it’s best to discontinue using manuka honey.
How to Use Manuka Honey for Your Skin
To fully enjoy the benefits of manuka honey in your skincare routine, you can try using a serum or moisturizer that already contains manuka honey. This way, you can experience the soothing and nourishing properties without the mess of using raw honey. One popular product is the Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer.
If you prefer to use raw manuka honey, here are some tips for incorporating it into your skincare routine:
- Wet your face before applying raw honey to prevent stickiness. Once it mixes with water, the tackiness of honey will be neutralized.
- Avoid getting honey in or around your eyes to prevent irritation.
- Opt for a raw form of manuka honey from New Zealand, as it is antibacterial and resistant to bacteria, fungus, and mold. This ensures its freshness and effectiveness.
To create a raw manuka honey face mask, take a tablespoon of honey and spread a thin layer on damp skin. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off. You’ll notice an instant nourishing effect on your skin.
Can You Leave Manuka Honey on Overnight?
According to our experts, leaving manuka honey on your face overnight is not recommended. It can create a mess on your sheets and may attract dirt, dust, and debris that can irritate the skin or cause breakouts.
In conclusion, manuka honey offers numerous benefits for your skin, including its antimicrobial properties, ability to cleanse pores, treat acne, fade scars, hydrate the skin, and help with various skin conditions. It is generally safe to use, but it’s important to be aware of potential allergies or sensitivities. By incorporating manuka honey into your skincare routine, you can enjoy healthier, more radiant skin.
So why not give manuka honey a try? Unlock the power of this natural ingredient and say goodbye to wrinkles and hello to a youthful, rejuvenated complexion.
Bold tag: manuka honey for wrinkles
