Why Manuka honey is great for your skin
Do you find yourself going through the ingredient labels of beauty products? If so, then you would have noticed the ingredient ‘Manuka honey’ appearing a lot in the recent times. The ingredient is currently among the most sought after in the skincare industry with many manufacturers seeking to integrate its numerous benefits into their products.
The use of honey for health purposes existed during the times of our ancestors, when there were no manufactured medicinal products. Therefore, the knowledge of healing properties in natural ingredients was passed down to different generations. Subsequently, studies were carried out on the health benefits of honey in the 19th century, where researchers concluded that honey contains several compounds and components with antibacterial properties.
Why Manuka honey?
People suffering from skin conditions may question the essence of choosing Manuka honey over lotion or regular honey. Studies have indicated that this form of honey contains more hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal (MG) which are known for their outstanding antiseptic properties. For instance, hydrogen peroxide is used in hospitals to clean wounds, further emphasizing on the healing properties of this type of honey.
Manuka honey is made specifically by bees that feed on the native Manuka bush nectar in New Zealand, where most of the honey extracted from the naturally growing vegetation, rather than from the Manuka bush farms created to serve that purpose. Manuka honey has been found to possess more distinct therapeutic properties essential for ailing skin than all raw and unheated forms of honey. The honey can be eaten to supplement a person’s healthcare routine, added into recipes, or directly applied to the skin.
The higher concentration of healing and antibacterial properties in Manuka honey is believed to result from a compound known as dihydroxyacetone present in the nectar of manuka flowers. When creating honey from nectar, bees use enzymes which, alongside the right environmental conditions, convert the compound into methylglyoxal. Besides these healing compounds, Manuka honey also contains high amounts of vitamin B, amino acids, and minerals such as potassium, copper, iron, calcium, zinc, and sodium.
Benefits to the skin
Here are several significant benefits of this honey variety to the skin.
1. Skin clearing
The aforementioned antibacterial properties in Manuka honey are effective in correcting blemished skin. The amino acids effectively slough dead cells so as to keep the pores on the skin clear as well as regulate the pH level. The remedy is additionally a potent anti-inflammatory which heals blemishes while soothing inflamed skin.
2. Treatment of acne
Manuka honey can cure acne and inflamed/congested skin as well as reduce redness. A microbe known as Propionibacterium is the primary cause of acne, and the micro-organism can be uncontrollable in the oil pores of the skin. As a result, the pores will develop an immune response that brings about the irritating red swollen bumps.
The antibacterial compounds in Manuka honey will work on the acne-causing bacteria so as to heal blemishes. The compounds also regulate the levels of Propionibacterium to prevent further breakouts. Additionally, the compounds in this remedy can also repair cellular damage and promote skin regeneration.
3. Moisturizing the skin
When applied as a mask, Manuka honey can significantly boost skin moisture content. For the active ingredients to be effective, it requires being slightly hydrated. Just like glycerine, it is hygroscopic. This means that the honey variety is able to absorb water from the air.
While applying it as a mask, it is important that one begins by moisturizing his/her face with rosewater or toner so as to spread the honey evenly on the face. The little moisture combined with air acts as a catalyst for hydrogen peroxide in the honey, allowing it to work on the skin. Regular masks can achieve satisfactory results if supplemented with a teaspoon of Manuka honey before applying it to the face.
4. Anti-ageing
Methylglyoxal has proved to boost collagen cross-linking, thus facilitating faster structural growth of collagen in the skin tissue. Amino acids in Manuka honey also act as collagen’s building blocks. When combined, these compounds will lead to healthy collagen, translating to firm, healthy and youthful looking skin.
5. Healing of scars
Scars result from scab that forms on wounds to allow for the growth of new skin underneath, whose growth level is not the same as the old skin. When used topically, the remedy can effectively prevent scars on the skin. Manuka honey heals the wound while at the same time lifts away the scab.
6. Source of minerals
Manuka honey is known to provide substantial amounts of minerals and vitamins that are essential for the well-being of the skin. These include vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, D, E, and K. The vitamins are vital for a healthy skin.
7. First-aid remedy
Manuka honey can offer first aid and treatments to minor cuts, bug bites, and wounds. The 2003 European Journal of Medical Research confirmed how effective active Manuka honey is in the dressing of post-operative wounds. From the study, the remedy had a success rate of 85 percent, as opposed to 50 percent effectiveness of traditional antibiotic creams.
8. Treating eczema
Manuka honey can help cure this ailment due to the mentioned healing properties. Additionally, this type of honey helps maintain humid conditions that are important in the wound healing process. Its high viscosity is also necessary to prevent further infection in the eczema-affected area of the skin.
The Unique Manuka Factor
Abbreviated as UMF, it refers to a rating used in determining the potency of honey variety samples. It is usually directly proportional to the amount of methylglyoxal contained in a particular sample of manuka honey. Therefore, since it has medicinal uses, it is important that the honey has a higher UMF rating.
UMF Honey Association regulations govern the Unique Manuka Factor rating, and testing of honey samples is done in a laboratory to ensure the honey conforms to stated ratings. Most of the time, the rating is usually on a scale of five to 20. A rating of 10 can be pretty good, although most experts recommend a rating of above 12.
Safety measures
Before treating any skin conditions with this honey variety, it is important to consider several safety precautions. People who are allergic to bee stings or pollen are advised to avoid this remedy. Therefore, it is important first to rub a little honey on the inner wrist to look out for any allergic reaction.
Before applying the remedy to a wound, one has to ensure that the bleeding has stopped. Manuka honey is also effective on skin conditions that are in the developing stage, and the condition must show improvement in three days failure to which one should see a physician. Additionally, Manuka honey should not enter the eyes.
The simple, natural and efficient components in Manuka honey make it a reliable and effective remedy for skin ailments. This unique blend of organic components has proved to be fruitful when applied to the ailing skin. A medicine cabinet can be regarded to be complete if it contains a jar of this honey variety.
