The Magic of Manuka Honey

Lately, Manuka Honey is everywhere - from drinks, various food stuff, skincare products, even hair products. However, if you're not familiar with Manuka Honey, you might be unaware of the numerous reported advantages it can offer your skin.

Manuka honey is a distinct type of honey produced by bees that feed on Manuka trees in New Zealand and Australia. It is believed to be rich in antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, and other nutrients that promote skin health. In fact, Manuka honey has been used by Māori - the native people of New Zealand - in traditional medicine for hundreds of years to treat everything from skin rashes, sore throats, reduce fevers and even for urinary problems. 

Curious about what sets Manuka honey products apart and the potential benefits they offer for the skin? Continue reading to discover more.

1. Possesses Antibacterial Properties:  Throughout history, honey has been highly valued for its potent antibacterial properties. Even ancient Egyptians were aware of this, utilising honey for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of certain skin conditions and eye ailments.

In the late 1800s, scientists confirmed what the Egyptians had known all along. They discovered that honey contains glucose oxidase, a special enzyme that converts sugar into a mild antiseptic similar to hydrogen peroxide, which is commonly found in medicine cabinets.

What sets Manuka honey apart from other honey types is the presence of a powerful compound called methylglyoxal, in addition to hydrogen peroxide. Methylglyoxal may even surpass hydrogen peroxide in terms of antibacterial effectiveness. There is evidence to suggest that it can combat particularly resistant bacteria like MRSA and E. coli.

For skin health, the presence of these potent antibacterial agents can be tremendously beneficial. Antibiotics are often used to promote healthy skin and address issues such as blemishes, impetigo, and infections.

2. Acts as a Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Another reported benefit of Manuka honey for the skin is its potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, which is crucial for skincare. Your skin, being the largest organ in your body, collaborates with your immune system to maintain overall health.

When your immune system is activated by infections or allergens, your skin may produce compounds that kill bacteria and viruses. However, these compounds can also trigger inflammation, which is an immune response aimed at isolating harmful agents until they can be addressed.

Skin inflammation is typically characterized by redness, rashes, blisters, pimples, itchiness, dryness, and irregular skin thickness. In many cases, bacterial inflammation is the root cause of common acne. Manuka honey may help control blemishes, reduce breakouts, and prevent potential acne scarring.

3. May Possess Healing Properties: Regardless of how well you care for your skin, there is always the possibility of damage or wounds. In such cases, the natural healing properties of Manuka honey may prove to be effective tools in promoting wound healing, soothing damaged skin, and restoring your complexion.

Manuka honey can promote healing through two key mechanisms:

1. Fibroblasts: There is evidence suggesting that Manuka honey may stimulate the production of dermal fibroblasts, specialised cells that aid in the growth of connective tissues and play a crucial role in skin recovery from cuts, scrapes, and wounds.
2. Moisture: Manuka honey helps keep the skin moisturized, which is vital for effective healing. It also assists in the formation of a natural protective barrier during the healing process.

You don't necessarily need to have suffered a severe injury to benefit from the reported healing properties of Manuka honey. It can also alleviate painful wounds and sores resulting from blemishes and breakouts.

So next time you experience a breakout, have an unexplained rash or even trip over and cut your knee, reach for Manuka Honey and see for yourself the benefits of this honey.