Benefits of Manuka Honey for Skin
Honey has been used in skincare for many centuries and in medicine, we use honey to treat wounds. It’s an approved treatment for wounds. It has healing properties. Honey in general is really good for the skin. So, you may be wondering what is Manuka honey, and what are its benefits for the skin?
What is Manuka Honey?
Manuka honey is a special type of honey that comes from honeybees that feed on the Manuka tree which can be found in New Zealand and Australia. Manuka honey has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years. The reason it is so unique is that it has specific compounds that other honey types don’t have.
All honey has an antibacterial compound called peroxide, which helps in healing and reducing infection. But manuka honey is unique in that the manuka flower has dihydroxyacetone that gets converted to a compound called methylglyoxal.
Methylglyoxal(MGO) is antibacterial in addition to hydrogen peroxide. So, Manuka honey has both hydrogen and peroxide as well as this methylglyoxal which is thought to be the reason for its unique antibacterial and healing properties.
The higher the methylglyoxal(MGO) content in the honey the more antibacterial it is going to be. This is really important so much so that manuka honey products should have labeling on them which stands for Unique Manuka Factor. It basically ensures that the consumer is getting authentic manuka, honey.
Waht are the benefits of Manuka Honey for skin?
Manuka possesses more therapeutic benefits for skin health because of its high antibacterial count and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antibacterial Properties
Because Manuka honey contains both methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide, it’s very potent against a variety of bacteria that infects your skin. The hydrogen peroxide component of Manuka can destroy the cell walls of bacteria.
With such an amazing antibacterial ability, Manuka may help prevent infection-causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Promotes Healing
Manuka honey is known for its healing properties that heal acne, rash, or redness. It is used in wound healing and it has a first of all it serves as a barrier so it keeps the wound clean
Its antibacterial properties destroy bacteria and reduce skin infection on the healing wound. It also recruits fibroblasts which are the skin cells that need to kind of come in to take over to help heal a braided skin or wounded skin.
Rich in Antioxidant
It is also rich in antioxidants and packed with vitamins B and C, and amino acids. So, it can help lower the burden of reactive oxygen species in the skin that contribute to inflammation, aging, wrinkles, and fine lines. Because of the antioxidants manuka honey, you may think of it as an anti-aging compound as well.
As it is rich in antioxidants can also help with issues related to hyperpigmentation. So, in addition to a skin-smoothing effect, you may notice an improved overall brightness of your skin tone.
Natural Moisturiser
It is also a natural moisturizer, improves skin hydration because it can absorb moisture directly from the air and draw it into the skin.
Manuka honey is rich in humectants that help hydrate the skin and encourage the shedding of dead cells. It has the antibacterial compounds that can help control the overburden of cutibacterium acnes that little bacteria that contributes to acne as well as other commensal skin microbes like Malassezia and Demodex.
Side effects of Manuka honey for skin
It is relatively harmless however if you are allergic to bees, you should avoid using manuka honey. Because there is a chance of an allergic reaction. Before applying on your whole face, dabbing a small amount on your chin to see if you feel any allergic reactions
It is slightly sticky but after you apply it to the skin it absorbs quickly and that stickiness goes away.
It should not be used in young babies under the age of one year because this honey can have a risk of botulism and babies are not equipped to handle it. So avoid give honey to a young baby but otherwise, it’s safe and relatively innocuous and pretty affordable and definitely evidence-based.
