Best Manuka Honey – New Zealand

Category: skincare products

  • Manuka Honey Face Mask: The Ultimate Guide

    Manuka Honey Face Mask: The Ultimate Guide

    Table of Contents

    Manuka Honey Face Mask: The Ultimate Guide

    Introduction

    In today’s beauty industry, there are countless skincare products available for various skin concerns. However, natural remedies are gaining popularity due to their effectiveness and minimal side effects. One such remedy is the Manuka honey face mask. Manuka honey, a unique type of honey produced in New Zealand, is said to have remarkable benefits for the skin. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the science behind Manuka honey, its benefits, and how to make and use a Manuka honey face mask.

    What is Manuka Honey?

    Manuka honey is a special type of honey sourced from the nectar of the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium), which is native to New Zealand. It is produced by bees that pollinate the Manuka flowers. What sets Manuka honey apart from other types of honey is its high concentration of bioactive compounds, particularly methylglyoxal (MGO). MGO is thought to be responsible for many of the honey’s unique properties, such as its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

    Scientific Studies on Manuka Honey

    Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to investigate the potential benefits of Manuka honey for the skin. These studies have uncovered promising results, supporting the use of Manuka honey in skincare products. For example, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that Manuka honey exhibited antimicrobial activity against various strains of bacteria commonly associated with skin infections. Another study published in the International Journal of Dermatology suggested that Manuka honey may have wound-healing properties.

    Benefits of Manuka Honey for the Skin

    1. Antibacterial Properties: Manuka honey has been shown to possess potent antibacterial properties, making it an excellent ingredient for combatting acne-causing bacteria.
    2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Manuka honey has anti-inflammatory effects that can help soothe irritation and redness in the skin.
    3. Moisturizing and Hydrating: Manuka honey is a natural humectant, meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and moisturized.
    4. Promotes Wound Healing: Manuka honey’s wound-healing properties can aid in the healing process of cuts, burns, and other skin injuries.
    5. Antioxidant Effects: The antioxidants present in Manuka honey help protect the skin from free radical damage, thereby reducing signs of aging.

    How to Make a Manuka Honey Face Mask

    Making your own Manuka honey face mask at home is simple and cost-effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make one:

    Ingredients:

    • 1 tablespoon Manuka honey (preferably with a high MGO rating)
    • 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightening effect)
    • 1 teaspoon plain yogurt (optional for soothing effect)
    • 1 teaspoon oatmeal (optional for exfoliation)

    Instructions:

    1. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt or makeup residue.
    2. In a small bowl, mix the Manuka honey with any additional optional ingredients you want to include. Coconut oil can provide extra moisturization, lemon juice can brighten the skin, plain yogurt can soothe irritation, and oatmeal can exfoliate dead skin cells.
    3. Once the ingredients are well-mixed, apply the mask evenly to your face using clean fingertips or a brush. Avoid the eye area.
    4. Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes to allow the honey’s beneficial properties to penetrate the skin.
    5. Gently rinse off the mask with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
    6. Follow up with your regular skincare routine, such as applying a moisturizer or serum.

    How to Use a Manuka Honey Face Mask

    Using a Manuka honey face mask is a simple and enjoyable process. Here are some tips to get the most out of your mask:

    1. Cleanse your face: Before applying the face mask, make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly using a gentle cleanser. This helps remove any dirt, oil, or makeup residue, allowing the mask to penetrate the skin more effectively.

    2. Apply the mask evenly: Use clean fingertips or a brush to apply the mask evenly to your face, avoiding the delicate eye area. This ensures that all areas of your skin receive the benefits of the mask.

    3. Relax and let it sit: Once you’ve applied the mask, take some time to relax and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This allows the Manuka honey and other ingredients to work their magic on your skin.

    4. Rinse off gently: After the recommended time has passed, rinse off the mask with lukewarm water. Be gentle while rinsing to avoid irritating the skin. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

    5. Follow up with skincare products: After removing the mask, continue with your regular skincare routine. Apply a moisturizer or serum to lock in the benefits of the mask and keep your skin hydrated.

    Where to Buy Manuka Honey

    When purchasing Manuka honey for your face mask or other skincare purposes, it’s important to choose a reputable source. Look for products that are labeled as genuine Manuka honey and specify the MGO rating. Online retailers like Amazon or https://aboutmanukahoney.com offer a variety of Manuka honey options to suit different budgets and preferences.

    Pro Tips for Buying Manuka Honey:

    • Check for a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) rating: The UMF rating indicates the purity and quality of Manuka honey. Look for products with a UMF rating of at least 10+ for therapeutic benefits.

    • Verify the MGO content: MGO is an important component of Manuka honey responsible for its antibacterial properties. Look for products that specify the MGO content on the label.

    • Read customer reviews: Before making a purchase, read customer reviews to gain insights into the quality and effectiveness of the Manuka honey product.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, a Manuka honey face mask can be a powerful addition to your skincare routine. With its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and wound-healing properties, Manuka honey offers a wide range of benefits for the skin. By incorporating a Manuka honey face mask into your weekly skincare regimen, you can enhance the health and appearance of your skin. Remember to select genuine Manuka honey from reputable sources and follow the recommended guidelines for making and using the mask. Your skin will thank you for it!

  • Is Manuka Honey Anti-Aging? Benefits and Uses for Skin

    Is Manuka Honey Anti-Aging? Benefits and Uses for Skin

    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    Ah, honey. It’s sweet, sticky, and delicious in herbal tea. No wonder why so many call it nature’s candy. But its perks don’t stop at your taste buds. Honey is also full of potential benefits for the skin, which is why it’s often used in makeup and skincare products such as lip balm, moisturizers, and masks.

    The Benefits of Eating Honey

    When it comes to skin, most studies on honey’s potential uses focus on its topical application, rather than eating it. But what about internally? When it comes to the benefits of eating honey for your skin, there is not much existing research. However, there are some other potential benefits of eating honey. Here we’ll tell you what the experts have to say.

    Honey contains a wide range of micro and macronutrients, including sugar, protein, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and polyphenols.¹ There are many varieties of honey, and it’s often used as a natural sweetener in everything from hot drinks to stir-fries. Besides nutrition, honey is used in traditional medicine and as an alternative treatment for some conditions. It has the potential to treat wounds, eczema, fatigue, dizziness, and much more.² Here are some of the potential benefits of honey:

    • Anti-inflammatory properties
    • Antioxidant activity
    • Impact on heart and lung health
    • Enhancement of memory

    Using Honey on the Skin

    If you’re interested in applying honey on your skin, opt for medical grade. Unlike most table honey—the type you’d pick up at the grocery store—medical-grade honey is sterilized and can be used as a dressing for wounds and infections.⁸ Some Manuka honey is medical-grade. Many people also prefer to use raw honey for the skin. An increasing number of studies advocate using honey as a remedy for several skin conditions. The potential benefits of applying honey on the skin include the following:

    • Wound healing
    • Treatment for rosacea
    • Antibacterial properties
    • Moisturizing effects

    Wondering how to use honey for your face? You can apply it to your skin as a spot treatment or mix it with other ingredients, like oats, to make a honey face mask. You can also use a skin or hair care product that contains honey as directed on the package.

    Possible Side Effects

    Using honey on your skin has some great potential benefits, but there could be drawbacks, too. The following are a few possible side effects to be aware of:

    • Allergic reactions
    • Bacterial contamination
    • Not suitable for vegans

    Beeswax has several properties that can be good for your skin, like moisturization and protection. For example, it contains , which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A delays the breakdown of collagen and increases skin cell division, which can help to regenerate your skin after damage.¹² Applying beeswax to the skin has the following benefits:

    • Moisturization
    • Protection

    Curology – Reliable Skincare Products

    Honey may not be able to prevent an acne breakout, but prescription ingredients can. Finding a reliable, research-backed skincare routine doesn’t always seem easy, which is why we founded Curology to offer accessible dermatology services. Our licensed dermatology providers help take the guesswork out of your skincare routine and treat skin concerns like acne, rosacea, and signs of aging. As a Curology patient, you’ll be paired with an in-house licensed dermatology provider. They’ll examine your skin and prescribe a personalized formula containing effective active ingredients, such as tretinoin and clindamycin, to help you achieve your skin goals. Ready to get started? ! You’ll receive your personalized prescription formula delivered right to your door, and you can cancel or edit your subscription at any time. Plus, our licensed dermatology providers are available to answer any skincare questions you have!

    Other Benefits of Honey

    Honey has anti-inflammatory properties and the consumption of honey has been shown to be effective at treating sore throat as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease.³ Honey is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids, and its phenolic content is correlated with antioxidant activities.⁴ Honey’s antioxidant activity has been linked to the prevention of acute and chronic disorders such as inflammatory, allergic, diabetic, and cardiovascular conditions.⁵ Honey regulates some cardiovascular risk factors, including blood glucose, cholesterol, CRP (C-reactive proteins), and body weight. One clinical trial found that people who enjoyed honey daily were less likely to experience acute respiratory symptoms.⁶ In a study of postmenopausal people, those who received honey showed improvement in their immediate memory compared to those who received estrogen and progestin instead.⁷

    Honey for Skin Conditions

    Studies suggest that honey has antimicrobial properties, which can help in the prevention and management of wound infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help with wound healing. According to a 2015 study, medical-grade New Zealand kanuka honey, which has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, is a potentially effective topical treatment for rosacea.⁹ More research is needed to confirm the link between honey and rosacea treatment. Research indicates that honey also has antibacterial properties when applied to the skin.¹⁰ Some studies report that honey has broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which, as we’ve mentioned, make it helpful in wound healing. Honey is a humectant,¹¹ which means that it helps dry, flaky skin. This quality makes it an excellent moisturizing ingredient in balms, , masks, creams, and more.

    Possible Side Effects of Honey

    Like any topical ingredient, honey may cause an allergic reaction. While most people find it easy to tolerate, take extra caution if you have a known allergy to bee venom or pollen. If you have any concerns when applying honey directly to your skin or trying out a new product containing honey, you may want to test it on a small area of your skin to see if you have an adverse reaction. Non-medical-grade honey doesn’t have the same kind of regulation, which means its effects are less predictable. It could contain bacterial spores or other contaminants that might negatively affect your skin. Honey is made by bees, and some vegans choose not to use it for that reason. There are many vegan alternatives to honey as a sweetener, including agave syrup and maple syrup, but these don’t have the same potential benefits for the body and skin. Ethically sourced honey is available if you prefer to shop cruelty-free, but it may be more challenging to locate. Try looking for small businesses that produce local honey.

    Beeswax for the Skin

    Topical application of beeswax reduces transepidermal water loss, which helps the skin stay hydrated.¹³ Beeswax forms a film on the skin’s surface, protecting it from external factors.

    Conclusion

    Honey has the potential to offer several benefits for the skin. From its anti-inflammatory properties to its antioxidant activity, honey can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine. However, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects and choose the right type of honey for your needs. Whether you choose to use honey topically or include it in your diet, consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.

  • Manuka Honey for Acne and Anti-Aging | First Honey Products

    Manuka Honey for Acne and Anti-Aging | First Honey Products

    Table of Contents

    Introduction to Mānuka Honey for Acne and Anti-Aging

    Acne affects approximately 50 million people in the US alone, making it the most common skin disease in the country. Prescription drugs for acne often come with unwanted side effects like skin dryness and irritation, prompting many individuals to seek natural remedies for acne treatment. One such natural treatment is Mānuka honey, which has gained popularity for its potential benefits in treating acne and reducing the appearance of acne scars.

    What is Mānuka Honey?

    Mānuka honey is a unique type of honey found exclusively in New Zealand. It is derived from the Mānuka plant, a small flowering tree found in New Zealand and Australia. To be classified as Mānuka honey, the honey must contain at least 70% Mānuka pollen.

    Properties of Mānuka Honey

    Mānuka honey is composed of sugars, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, methylglyoxal, and hydrogen peroxide. These compounds contribute to its potential benefits in treating acne and promoting overall skin health. Mānuka honey has a low pH, ranging from 3.2 to 4.5, which further enhances its effectiveness in fighting acne.

    Mānuka Honey for Acne

    Benefits of Using Mānuka Honey for Acne

    Mānuka honey has several properties that make it beneficial for treating acne. Firstly, it promotes wound healing, making it effective in reducing acne scars. Mānuka honey recruits the necessary cells for wound healing and contains compounds like methylglyoxal that enhance its potency in this regard.

    Additionally, Mānuka honey possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for soothing irritated and inflamed skin. It can also help restore the skin’s pH balance, which is often disrupted in individuals with acne. Moreover, Mānuka honey has the ability to draw out moisture from wounds, keeping them clean and dry.

    How to Use Mānuka Honey for Acne

    There are various ways to incorporate Mānuka honey into your skincare routine for acne treatment. You can use it as a cleanser, mask, or spot treatment. Before applying Mānuka honey, it is important to cleanse your face and remove any makeup.

    If using Mānuka honey as a cleanser, mix a dime-sized amount of Mānuka Honey Ointment with a few drops of water in your palms. Massage the mixture gently onto your face and rinse it off.

    For a mask, mix Mānuka Honey Ointment, ground oats, and lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for up to 15 minutes before washing it off.

    To treat individual pimples or minor cuts, simply apply a small amount of Mānuka honey directly on the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes to dry.

    Alternatively, you can explore skincare products that contain Mānuka honey, like First Honey Mānuka Honey Cream. This cream is recommended for treating irritated skin, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.

    Where to Find High-Quality Mānuka Honey

    When purchasing Mānuka honey, it is essential to choose a high-quality product from a reputable retailer. First Honey offers a variety of skincare products that are tested and certified by an accredited lab, ensuring top-grade quality and effectiveness.

    Mānuka Honey for Anti-Aging

    Anti-Aging Properties of Mānuka Honey

    In addition to its potential benefits for acne, Mānuka honey also offers anti-aging properties. It contains phenols and flavonoids that can neutralize free radicals generated by sun exposure, which is a major contributor to premature aging. By blocking the effects of external aggressors, Mānuka honey can delay the development of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a visibly youthful complexion.

    Incorporating Mānuka Honey into Your Skincare Routine

    Adding Mānuka honey to your skincare routine can help combat the effects of aging. You can use Mānuka honey as a cleanser or incorporate it into DIY skincare products. Alternatively, you can explore First Honey’s skincare products that contain Mānuka honey, such as their Skin Saviors Bundles.

    Conclusion

    Mānuka honey offers potential benefits for both acne treatment and anti-aging skincare. Its unique properties make it effective in wound healing, reducing inflammation, restoring pH balance, and promoting overall skin health. By incorporating Mānuka honey into your skincare routine, you can harness its healing and rejuvenating properties for a clearer, healthier, and more youthful complexion. Visit First Honey’s website to explore their range of high-quality Mānuka honey products for acne and anti-aging skincare.