Your days of buying expensive face masks or cleansers may be over.
Both science and ancient medicine reveal the perfect skincare productdon’t come from the store… it comes from bees, specifically from bees and flowers in New Zealand and Australia.
I’m talking about Manuka honey.
Perhaps you’ve heard the media buzzing about Manuka honeyrecently, or you heard about it from a friend.
You want to know what it is and, especially, if it’s worth it.
I’m going to go ahead and say it already: Yes, it’s worth it!
Here’s Why:
Manuka is far different from regular honey in terms of nutrients and beneficial properties.
It’s made exclusively from themanuka bushes in New Zealand and Australia, and it’s packed with unique compounds that make it the highest quality of honey on the market.
According to the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association, Manuka is the standard against which other honeyare compared.
Let’s dive a little deeper into what Manuka has to offer (spoiler alert: a lot):
What is Manuka Honey?
It comes from the Manuka bush flowers,found only in New Zealand and parts of Australia.
The nectar and the work of bees make a concentrated honey with four times the mineral content of regular flower honey, get it from here at good price.
To put that into perspective, in one cup of raw honey you can find:
- 14 % DV of Manganese
- 8% DV of Iron
- 6% DV of Copper
- 5% DV of Zinc
- 5% DV of Potassium.
- Traces of selenium, sodium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, and fluoride.
Four times the concentration of these minerals make Manuka honey a powerful superfood.
Medicinally, it has been used for centuries as an antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatoryremedy to treat internal and external diseases.
Recently, studies have confirmed that Manuka honeyhaspowerful effects against bacteria, inflammation, and pathogens that cause infections.
Let’s take a look at what makes Manuka honey so remarkable:
Skin Benefits of Manuka Honey
Manuka is deeply nourishing and healing for your skin.
It cleanses your pores and protects your skin cells from bacteria and external agents that cause infections, acne,and inflammation. Don’t forget to check out honeyskin organics Aloe Vera + manuka honey face and body cream.
Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
Normal honey is antibacterial and antimicrobial already, but Manuka has higher concentrations of enzymes that increase its power against microbes.
Studies show honey can kill strains of disease-causing bacteria, including strains that cause skin infections.
Manuka honey, unlike antibiotics, doesn’t kill microorganisms by destroying the bacteria’s cell wall. Instead, it relies on natural mechanisms:
- It draws moisture out of the environment, which dehydrates bacteria.
- Its sugar content halts the growth of microbes.3. The pH of honey, between
- 2 and 4.5, is low enough to inhibit the growth of most microorganisms.
- An enzyme called glucose oxidase produces hydrogen peroxide, a powerful antibacterial agent.
- It has phytochemical factors with antibacterial activity. For example, one study found that it stimulates antibody production.
This means honey gets rid of harmful bacteria naturally.
If this wasn’t remarkable enough, it has also been reported that honey doesn’t create antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it atreatment that can be used continuously without side effects.
In fact, one study showed that Manuka honey alone was able to inhibit a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that is difficult to treat.
The bottomline is that Manuka gets rid of bacteria in a natural way without creating resistant microbes, and it can even kill difficult strains.
I don’t know about you, but this makes it a must-have skincare treatment in my book.
Photo credit: The natural acne cure
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Photo credit: Orogold Cosmetics
Honey has been shown to reduce inflammatory compounds, such as prostaglandins, in healthy individuals. It also promotes healing, diminishes scar size, and stimulates tissue regeneration.
This makes it a perfect ingredient to treat acne scars and keep your skin looking youthful.
It’s also far superior to common anti-inflammatory treatments. While drugsharm your cells andsuppress tissue growth, honey has no side effects.
The bottom line is that Manuka honey has powerful anti-inflammatory properties without side effects, another reason to add it to your beauty routine.
Antioxidants
Photo credit: Piping rock
Free radicals are compounds that damage your cells, causing early aging and tumor growth. They arise from external and internal factors such as UV rays, smog, radiation, unhealthy foods, herbicides, and others.
Honey is packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals and protect your skin cells.
The antioxidant activity of honey is caused by flavonoids, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, tocopherols, and other compounds working together to protect your body.
Researchers have found that darker shades of honey tend to have more antioxidant power.
Manuka honey is darker and more concentrated than regular honey, which means it has more antioxidants that will nourish your skin.
Moisturizing Properties
Honey also acts as a moisturizer, leaving you with silky soft skin.
It has the ability to absorb and hold moisture from the environment, which prevents your skin from over drying.
Photo credit: Peels honey
Wound and Burn Healing Properties
Photo credit: Chickrx
According to research, honey can soothe and heal wounds and burns on the skin fairly quickly.
In fact, soldiers in World War I used Manuka honey to treat successfully infections and wounds.
Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that disinfect wounds, reduce pain and speed up the healing processes by increasing tissue growth.
Its moisturizing properties and viscosity help to build a protective barrier that prevents infection.
This makes it an incredibly nourishing ingredient you can use to soothe sunburns and heal acne scars or cuts.
Before you head to the store to a buy a jar, you should know these benefits don’t come in all types of Manuka honey.
There are different strains of Manuka with varying levels of enzymes and antioxidants.
Resuming it we can say that manuka honey is a face and body cream for Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, Rashes, Itchiness, Redness with raw Superfoods. ( check it here )
To identify the purest forms of Manuka, the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) was created.
Unique Manuka Factor (UMF)
The UMF is a quality trademark and grading system that identifies authentic Manuka honey by measuring unique properties and markers.
The unique compounds of Manuka tested by the UMF are:
- Leptosperin: It has strong antibacterial properties, and it can only be found in the nectar of the Manuka plant.
- Methylglyoxal (MG): It’s an indicator of the levels of antibacterial activity in the honey. The more there is, the more effective the honey is at killing bacteria.
- DHA: It helps to create MG in the honey over time. A high DHA concentration could create a Manuka honey with higher MG levels, therefore, a higher-quality product.
The UMF measures the antibacterial power of Manuka with numbers:
- 0-4 Not detectable
- 5-9 Low levels
- 10-15 Useful levels
- 16+ Superior high-grade levels
To get the most benefits out of your Manuka honey, always choose a product with a label that indicates more than 10+ UMF.
This is how an authentic jar is supposed to look:
Photo credit: UMF.org
As you can see, you need to search for the label that indicates UMF, and always makes sure it’s made in New Zealand. If your jar doesn’t have this, it’s most likely a fake product.
Now that you’re an expert at what Manuka honey can do for yourbody let’s see how you can use it to beautify and heal your skin.
Manuka Honey Facemasks
A face mask is one of the best ways to use Manuka honey to achieve a glowing complexion.
By using a Manuka mask, you can kiss acne, dryness, wrinkles, discoloration, and scars goodbye.
BasicManuka Honey Mask
Photo credit: Teluguone
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey
Method:
- Wet your face lightly to make the application easier.
- Spread the honey all over your face with clean fingers.
- Let it sit for a minimum of 20 minutes up to 1 hour.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
How to use it: Apply this mask once or twice per week for best results.
Alternatively, you can use it to replace your daily face wash. To do this, simply apply it and rinse the same way as a regular face cleanser.
How it works: This simple face mask will cleanse and moisturize your skin and balance the pH of your skin’s acidic mantle. Over time, you’ll notice a healthier complexion free of acne, scars, and dryness.
Cinnamon Manuka Honey Face Mask
Photo credit: Honey and Beauty
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of rose water
Method:
- Mix the ingredients in a small container.
- Wet your face lightly to make the application easier.
- Apply the mixture all over your face with clean fingers.
- Leave it on for a minimum of 20 minutes up to 1 hour.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
How to use it: Use this face mask once or twice per week. If you have sensitive skin, consider skipping the cinnamon.
How it works:This mask is perfect for acne-prone and oily skin. The increased circulation of the cinnamon and the astringent activity from the rose water will help clear acne and blackheads over time.
Manuka honey will remove bacteria from your skin and moisturize.Cinnamonwill improve circulation on your face and help clear out bacteria as well.
In fact, cinnamon has powerful antimicrobial propertiesthat stop the growth of harmful pathogens on your skin.
Rose water will act as an astringent, clearing your pores, toning your skin, and absorbing excess oil.
Spirulina Manuka Honey Face Mask
Photo credit: Madeleine Shaw
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey
- ½ teaspoon of spirulina
- Optional: ½ teaspoon of rosewater or any other hydrosol.
Method:
- Mix the ingredients in a small container.
- Wet your face lightly to make the application easier.
- Apply the mixture all over your face with clean fingers.
- Leave it on for a minimum of 20 minutes up to 1 hour.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
How to use it: Use this face mask once or twice per week.
How it works:This mask is perfect for sensitive skin. It will help you reduce rashes and itchiness thanks to the spirulina.
The honey will act as a cleanser and moisturizer. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of thespirulina willnourish and soothe your skin.
You can use this mask to treat skin imbalances as well since spirulina has been shown to reduce irritation and improve dermatitis conditions.
Rosewater Manuka Honey Face Mask
Photo credit: Feminiya
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey
- 1 teaspoon of rosewater
Method:
- Mix the honey and the rosewater in a small container.
- Wet your face lightly to make the application easier.
- Apply the mixture all over your face with clean fingers.
- Leave it on for a minimum of 20 minutes up to 1 hour.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
- If your skin feels a little dry (from the rosewater), apply moisturizer.
How to use it:Use this face mask once or twice per week.
How it works:This is a highly antibacterial and anti-inflammatory mask that is suitable for all skin types.
Both the honey and the rosewater have powerful antimicrobial properties that keep acne and skin imbalances at bay.
Rose water also has anti-aging effects that will keep your skin youthful and prevent early signs of aging.
Matcha Manuka Honey FaceMask
Photo credit: Matchanna
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Manuka Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of matcha powder
Method:
- Mix the honey and matcha powder in a small container.
- Wet your face lightly to make the application easier.
- Apply the mixture all over your face with clean fingers.
- Leave it on for a minimum of 20 minutes up to 1 hour.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
How to use it:Use this face mask once or twice per week.
How it works:This mask is great for any skin type, but it’s particularly beneficial for mature skin because the matcha tea is packed with antioxidants and anti-aging benefits.
While the honey cleanses your skin, the matcha adds a significant antioxidant boost.
Green tea has polyphenols that protect your skin from solar UVB light-induced skin disorders like photoaging, melanoma, and other skin cancers.
Conclusion
Manuka is the most beneficial type of honey on the market. Get Honey Facial Mask for your own from here.
It has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties that can beautify, protect and balance your skin.
To gain the most benefits out of it, make sure to buy Manuka honey above 10+UMF.
You can use Manuka honey to get rid acne, heal acne scars, reduce dryness, balance your skin’s pH,treat dermatitis, and keep your skin clean.
Mix it up with ingredients like cinnamon; spirulina rose water, and matcha to create beautifying masks that work better than any commercial product you could buy.
Currently, there are no limitations on using Manuka honey as a face mask. So far, as the most beneficial type of honey in the market, it’s proven to do great things on your skin. Its effects last long and its healthy benefits are surely a treasure to keep.
What has your experience been with manuka honey face masks so far?
Let us know below in the comments!
