Manuka honey has gained popularity in recent years as a treatment for skin problems such as scrapes, blisters, burns, acne, and cold sores. The use of Manuka honey for skin and wound treatment has decreased with advances in antibiotics, but the discovery of antibiotic overuse around the world and the associated emergence of drug-resistant bacteria has led to an increase in the popularity of Manuka honey for the skin. Many popular skin care brands capitalize on the skin benefits of Manuka honey, but you can also use Manuka honey directly from the bottle on your skin!

The benefit of Manuka honey for your skin (as opposed to regular honey) is that it contains natural antibacterial properties (even against drug-resistant bacteria). Manuka honey with these antibacterial properties is unique to New Zealand, so be sure to check the label on the bottle before purchasing. Aotea has been in business for over 40 years and stocks a wide range ofpure New Zealand Manuka honey .

What does Manuka Honey do for your skin?

Manuka honey is effective in healing cuts and wounds . It can also be used to treat skin problems such as scrapes, burns, acne, and cold sores. Applying a small amount of manuka honey to the affected area is said to help the wound heal faster and make scars less noticeable.

Manuka honey also helps prevent wound infections. The natural methylglyoxal in Manuka honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties, even against drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ). Manuka honey has been quantified for its antibacterial activity, so check out the details here !

Manuka Honey for Acne: Acne is caused and exacerbated by bacteria, so the properties of Manuka honey are effective in treating acne and maintaining a healthy bacterial balance in the skin. Although sugary foods have been known to cause acne, there's nothing wrong with applying honey directly to your skin (though it may feel a bit sticky).

Living in New Zealand, we have many stories and experiences involving Manuka honey and the Manuka tree: An Aotea staff member once fell and caught his knee on a part of a Manuka tree. A few weeks later, when his doctor looked at the wound, he was amazed that it had not become infected.

Manuka honey also helps to heal wounds. The viscosity of Manuka honey helps to moisturize wounds and create a barrier over open wounds. Its low water activity inhibits bacterial growth and flushes away bacteria and dead tissue, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach deeper into the wound and promote wound healing. Its low pH also oxygenates skin tissue and its antioxidants remove free radicals, preventing further damage to the skin. Manuka honey's high sugar content provides direct energy to cellular tissues for cell growth and repair.

Summary: Manuka honey's effects on skin:

• Antibacterial effect (also effective against drug-resistant bacteria) - Helps prevent inflammation
• Treating cuts and burns
• Helps keep wounds moist
• Reduces scarring
• Effective against acne and acne scars
• Treatment for herpes labialis

How to use Manuka honey on your skin?

The best way to take advantage of Manuka honey's properties is to apply it directly to your skin. To use Manuka honey on acne, apply a small amount to a clean cotton bud before going to bed. You can also use it as a mask by applying a thin layer of Manuka honey to your face and neck and rinsing it off with warm water after 30 minutes. You can also create a probiotic Manuka honey face mask by combining Manuka honey with powdered sugar, turmeric and yogurt. If you are not comfortable applying Manuka honey directly to your skin, we recommend skin care products that contain Manuka honey!

Find skin care products containing Manuka honey here !
Here are some skin care products containing Manuka honey that Aotea staff recommend:

BeeBio Manuka Honey & Bee Venom Sheet Mask (Pack of 5)

Bee Bio's Bee Venom Mask is packed with concentrated anti-ageing ingredients including Active 16+ Manuka Honey, New Zealand Bee Venom and antioxidant-packed botanical extracts to stimulate cell growth and reduce age-causing free radicals in the skin.

When Bee Venom comes into contact with your skin, it responds with a tingling sensation from its main component, melittin, which stimulates blood circulation deep within the skin, promoting cell regeneration and the production of elastin and collagen, which gives skin firmness, volume and elasticity.

Wild Ferns Manuka Honey Protective Lip Care with SPF15 12ml

This fragrant lip care product contains manuka honey and SPF15 (sunscreen effect) to protect your lips from UV rays. It comes in a tube, making it easy to use and hygienic and safe. It contains mango butter, which is rich in fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin, and linden extract to soothe chapped lips. Wild Ferns lip care products contain natural beeswax (beeswax), which provides excellent moisturizing effects.

High-grade Manuka honey is a great addition to your kitchen or first aid kit! We hope you enjoyed our article on the benefits of Manuka honey for your skin. If you have any questions about which type of Manuka honey is best for you, please contact us.

Before using Manuka honey on your skin, perform a patch test by placing a small amount on the inside of your wrist. If you have serious cuts, burns or other skin problems, consult your doctor.

Aotea Staff