While many new-age medicines and ointments are great, only some can beat traditional remedies. Bringing you the purely medicinal qualities of nature, these products are often considered great for long-term use - especially when that use is protecting your skin. Manuka honey is a gift from the Manuka trees of New Zealand. Rich in antioxidants and full of medicinal properties, this Honey has now started to redefine skin care.
But why is Manuka honey so good for your skin? Keep on reading to discover.
What makes Manuka Honey different from traditional Honey?
One of the reasons that point to Manuka honey’s efficacy over traditional Honey is the critical component that it possesses. Methylglyoxal, or MGO, is what gives Manuka Honey its medicinal properties. But not just that, this compound also gives Manuka Honey its slightly-bitter taste - which many translate as Manuka honey having a slightly less-sweeter taste.
What can Manuka Honey do for your skin?
The National Library of Medicine created a report covering how honey is a “Therapeutic Agent for disorders of the skin.” It discusses how the scientific community has recognised Manuka honey for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. As a result, that honey is now being used clinically as a topical treatment.
And Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory properties have been known to curb swelling and redness around the skin.
Reports show it can balance the skin’s PH and remove dead skin cells. And due to being an antibacterial, it ensures that skin remains soft and Hydrated. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai’s Department of Dermatology, reports that people are increasingly using Manuka honey and Manuka honey-laced cosmetic products as they can “help damage skin function more like young, healthy cells.”
Benefits of Manuka Honey on the skin
When you peruse Manuka honey online, know you are doing it for the following benefits.
Healing Properties
When skin is wounded or damaged in any way, Manuka honey has two ways to help promote healing.
- Fibroblasts - There have been reports that Manuka honey encourages the production of special cells called dermal fibroblasts. These cells help skin grow connective tissues and help with skin recovery from cuts and scrapes.
- Moisture - Manuka honey promotes hydration of the skin, which helps it heal faster. Furthermore, reports say it forms a film of protective barrier around the skin to protect it from damage.
Antibacterial
Hydrogen peroxide has long been considered a great antibacterial - even during ancient Egyptian times. It is why creams laced with this compound grew popular in the 18th century. But with Manuka honey, you get another element that increases the antibacterial properties - MGO. Reports say that a combination of MGO and hydrogen peroxide can counter strong bacteria like e.coli and staph bacteria MRSA.
That is why Manuka honey proves to be effective in the cases of
- Blemishes
- Impetigo
- Infections
Hydrating the dry skin
Due to certain environmental or genetic conditions, sometimes, skin dries too quickly. Things responsible for dry skin may also include deodorant soaps or cleaning products that might be too harsh. These products strip essential oils and fats that your skin needs to retain moisture, which leads to dry skin.
Manuka honey is a good moisturiser, increasing the water content in your skin. And with moisture retained, your skin will prevent it from getting dry.
Anti ageing properties
Manuka Honey’s anti-inflammatory properties come into play when looking for an ointment with anti-aging properties. The following two reasons are responsible for giving Manuka honey such properties.
- Antioxidants - Manuka honey contains antioxidants, which prevent skin damage when exposed to harmful radicals.
- Hydrogen Peroxide - Hydrogen peroxide has bleach-like qualities, which can help with any skin discoloration.
What is the best way to use Manuka Honey for your skin?
Here are the two best ways to use Manuka Honey for your skin:
Apply directly to your skin
The best way is often the most simple. Put a teaspoon worth of Manuka honey between your hands and rub. Once you have formed a thin layer of Honey on your hand, put your palms on your face and slowly message it.
Use it in conjunction with other products
While you can grab a spoonful of Manuka honey and apply it over your skin, a little goes a long way. So, mixing it with other products is better. Use it as a glycerine substitute and mix it with cleansers, moisturisers, and masks that you already have to get the full benefits of those products and Manuka honey.
Manuka Honey face mask recipe
Take one tablespoon of Manuka honey, one teaspoon of olive or avocado oil, and five drops of Vitamin E oil. Mix them well. Set them aside to cool off a little and as you do, clean your face and ensure it is dry. Then apply that smooth paste over your skin and keep it there for 20 minutes.
Manuka honey has many benefits
Manuka Honey has many benefits, but its benefits to the skin are unparalleled. But to get that level of benefit, you need to order the best Manuka honey online. Contact Melora to learn more about Manuka honey today.