Try Using Manuka Honey for Acne

November 21, 2017

Try Using Manuka Honey for Acne

Although Manuka honey is an effective treatment for many issues, acne and facial blemishes tend to be one of the more common reasons people use Manuka honey with great results.  Let’s face it (no pun intended), whether it’s one pimple or a whole smattering across cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin, acne is no fun because it tends to be very obvious.  You may have tried over-the-counter treatments with some success, maybe you’ve even tried prescription treatments with varying success.  But honestly, these treatments are man-made, chemical-laden products, and they don’t always work.  This can cause frustration, desperation, and a host of emotions, all while you still have a face full of acne. 

Well, as luck would have it, Nature has provided a perfect remedy – Manuka honey. Honey has been used as a skin treatment for thousands of years. 

Nature’s Antibacterial

According to researchers at the School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences at the University of Sydney, bacteria, including those with high levels of antibiotic resistance, were killed by Manuka honey.  And further, the bacteria did not become resistant to the Manuka honey. (1)  Bacteria are largely responsible for skin infections such as acne. 

Manuka honey contains a special antibacterial property known as methylglyoxal, abbreviated as MG or MGO. Because this property is unique to Manuka honey, your local honey does not have the same properties and does not work in the same way.  The methylglyoxal works synergistically with all of the other amazing properties of honey to claim the title of one of Nature’s most potent superfoods.

Warning:  Not All Manuka Brands Are Equal 

Manuka honey brands have various ways to convey the level of methylglyoxal (MG or MGO) potency in their honey.  As you look at different labels, it can be very confusing.   In order to help reduce this confusion, the New Zealand Government has stepped in to regulate the labeling of Manuka honey.  As a result, there are now only two ways to properly label Manuka honey.  Manuka honey should either be labeled with the actual amount of methylglyoxal (MG or MGO), or with a UMF ranking (Unique Manuka Factor).  UMF correlates to the amount of methylglyoxal (MG or MGO) in the honey.

When you see anything else on a label of Manuka honey, you should steer clear.  Examples of what continues to show up on labels include: “Active 15+”, “Bio-Active 15+”, “Total Activity 15+”, “K-Factor 15+”, and others. The 15 in these examples is just an example; you will find numbers ranging from 5-20 typically.

For treating acne, we suggest using a Manuka honey with a methylglyoxal (MG or MGO) level of at least 500.  The higher the amount of methylglyoxal (MG), the more potent the antibacterial fighting power. 

Acne-Fighting Benefits of Manuka Honey 

Manuka honey: 

-Fights microbial infections that cause acne without irritating your skin. 

-Gently pulls out impurities like excess oil and acne-causing bacteria from the pores without further clogging pores. 

-Balances the pH level of the skin, keeping bacteria at bay. 

-Soothes inflamed skin making it softer and smoother. 

-Heals the skin more quickly as it works its magic, all while leaving less scarring.

How to Use Manuka Honey on Acne

After cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser, apply Manuka honey to your clean face and neck and keep it on for 20-30 minutes.  Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry with a soft hand towel.  Then follow with an oil-free moisturizer if you’d like.  This process is gentle on the skin, but effective in fighting acne.  Manuka honey is very safe to use, but be careful with your clothing – honey is sticky!  For spot treatment, you can also dab a smidge on a pimple or blemish and cover with a bandage.

We also suggest eating Manuka honey to promote intestinal wellness, which will help your body’s natural balance of good and bad bacteria, and prevent acne from forming in the first place.  We recommend a teaspoon a day for wellness. 

Click here to order a jar of Bees and Trees Manuka honey today.  If you have any questions, we’re happy to help!

 

(1) Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2009 Oct;28(10):1199-208. doi: 10.1007/s10096-009-0763-z. Epub 2009 Jun 10.

 



New to Mānuka Honey? Click here to learn about the different MGO levels. Check it out