Is Manuka Honey Really New Zealand’s Best Beauty Secret?

Since I was a small child, my mother fed us spoonfuls of honey to boost our immune system, and we used honey in homemade face masks to boost our immune system. a little light on our skin. As I’ve gotten older (and lazier), I’ve moved from DIY skincare to products with some of my favorite homeopathic and Ayurvedic ingredients, including honey. Lately, I’ve noticed that Manuka honey has taken off in the skincare world, especially among New Zealand-based products – like Kora Organics noni oil from Australia and Tatcha rice water from Australia. from Japan.

You can consider Manuka as an alternative to honey in health stores, but its price has many benefits, when consumed and used topically. Produced by honey bees that carry the pollen of the Manuka tree, native to New Zealand, this honey has unique properties that are very beneficial for the skin. Below, we ask two experts to explain the benefits of Manuka honey, what distinguishes ordinary honey, and what you should look for when buying new products.

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Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group.

Ginger King is a cosmetic chemist.

Manuka Honey Melefits For Skin

The benefits of manuka honey on the face vary widely. According to board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, Manuka honey has been scientifically recognized as a natural anti-inflammatory and effective source of rapid wound healing. “Because it contains proteins and vitamins, along with its natural emollient and humectant properties, it has been used topically in skin care to calm inflammatory skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and it is traditionally used to repair skin wounds and cracks,” he said. tells PS. More recently, it has gained traction as an acne treatment due to its antimicrobial properties.

The Difference Between Manuka Eggs and Normal Eggs

According to chemist Ginger King, Manuka honey “contains high levels of MGO, a beneficial compound for anti-bacterial. [benefits].” It is also considered a safe and gentle ingredient that works well with many skin types and can easily be incorporated into a daily skin care routine. long time to heal As he says, “I have seen deep ulcers and wounds that usually take months to heal quickly from Manuka. Its ability to attack bacteria, including Staphylococcus, also helps to keep wounds clean and reduce the risk of infection.” For less health, cosmetic use, Manuka honey is also an essential ingredient for anyone struggling to heal acne.

What Makes New Zealand’s Manukas Special?

A fun trivia tip for the next game night: the truth Manuka honey can only be produced in New Zealand. “New Zealand Manuka honey is different from normal honey due to the presence of compounds called methylglyoxal and phenol, which make it more powerful in its ability to prevent pathogens and ts’ its antioxidant activity, and it has been shown to produce hydrogen peroxide, which helps kill germs,” ​​says Dr. Nazarian. He adds that honey is very beneficial because of its pH its low and high osmolarity, which makes it work well to prevent the growth of organisms such as bacteria lose activity over time because honey is also stable in heat and light.

New Zealanders also rate Manuka honey for purity and quality on a UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) scale, explains King. The UMF measures the purity, potency, and healing factor of honey, including the amount of MGO (methylglyoxal) in mg/kg for its antibacterial properties. As you’d expect, a higher UMF level equates to a higher quality Manuka honey, which means there are more beneficial compounds. This system of standards ensures that consumers can trust the performance and authenticity of the Manuka honey they buy.

How Many Eggs Should a Product Have to Work?

When it comes to cosmetics, King says, “To see good results, the level should be at least 10 percent.” However, Dr. Nazarian notes that the percentage of Manuka honey is not necessarily related to quality. “Ultimately, more research is needed to determine how it can be used to help with acne, as it is currently not a fully scientifically supported monotherapy,” he explains.

The Best Manuka Honey Skin Products

Manuka honey alone boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that are good for acne-prone skin and wound healing. You can apply Manuka honey directly to your face and skip store-bought skin care products altogether. However, it is important to do a small test of the patch first to avoid possible consequences. “Basically, it comes from honey bees, and people can resist it,” says King.

For enhanced results, look for Manuka-based products that include other skin care ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which can provide soothing and moisturizing benefits, according to King. Ingredients like propolis (a resin-like substance that also comes from bees) are also good, says Dr. Nazarian, as it provides natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that protect the skin throughout the year.

Two popular skincare products with this magical ingredient that we recommend are Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm ($68) and Manuka Health Eternal Renewal Regenerating Face Serum with Royal Jelly & Bee Venom ($126).

Iman Balagam is a freelance journalist and brand consultant covering beauty, fashion and lifestyle. The Texas native’s work has appeared in various publications, including Vogue, Allure, and Elle.