Manuka honey is created by European honey bees that feed on the manuka tree, predominantly found in New Zealand and Australia. The flavor of this specific type of honey is described as “earthy, oily, and herbaceous” with a bold flavor that is a bit bitter. Since all honey is a natural antioxidant, it is just as beneficial for the internal body as it is for the external body. Manuka honey can improve digestion and minimize heartburn and diarrhea, among other things. Though honey in general is beneficial in treating acne effectively, manuka honey has a very specific difference.
How Does Manuka Honey Differ From Regular Honey?
While regular honey contains a numerous amount of antimicrobial properties, manuka honey contains a special antibacterial property known as unique manuka factor, UMF, which has an intensified amount of antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. The added benefits of UMF include antiviral, antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties that kill acne-causing bacteria at a higher level.
Additional Acne-Fighting Benefits
1. Fights microbial infections that cause acne without irritating your skin
2. Gently pulls out impurities like excess oil and acne-causing bacteria from the pores that would normally become deeply clogged, causing whiteheads, blackheads, and acne in general
3. Can be used for preventing acne-causing bacteria from expanding by “creating a naturally acidic environment” where this specific bacteria cannot grow
4. Adds needed moisture to the skin so skin becomes less oily due to the balancing of pH levels in the skin
5. Skin damaged by the sun or daily environments will heal more quickly due with less scarring
6. Painful, inflamed skin will be soothed due to the anti-inflammatory properties of manuka
7. The texture of the skin will be restored, making it softer and smoother and more radiant in appearance
8. It’s a natural antioxidant that will nourish your skin from the deepest layers of your skin without further clogging your pores
UMF Dosage
When deciding on which type of manuka honey to purchase, consider the UMF level. It is recommended that the minimum amount to use is a UMF of 16+. Experts say that the higher the UMF, the higher the potency to effectively and quickly kill acne and heal skin beautifully. Make sure the manuka honey jar shows the UMF level otherwise it is not truly manuka honey.
Treatment for Other Skin Issues
Manuka honey has been found to improve skin issues like psoriasis and eczema by the anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Dry skin patches are reduced and lessen the pain that is associated with the continually scratching the itchy patches of skin. General cuts and wounds heal more quickly due to the antiviral, antiseptic, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties of manuka honey. Infection is less likely to spread and the infection is less likely to cause horrible or visible scarring.
Face Mask Fun
Apply manuka honey to your clean face and neck for 30 minutes to pull all the impurities from the pores of your skin. Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry with a soft hand towel then follow with an oil-free moisturizer. This face mask is gentle yet has the strength to make your skin clean and clear. It is safe to use this facial mask up to 3 times a week after cleansing your skin with a gentle cleanser.
Where can I find manuka honey with high UMF levels?
Amazon
How do we know which brand to purchase? I’m sure there are companies that make knockoffs of this honey. If UMF really is unique to Manuka Honey I want to be sure I’m getting the real thing and I don’t know how to verify that. Are there any certified authentic brands or is there no such thing for honey?
I have been using Manuka Honey for the past 5 months and would HIGHLY recommend using it. I use Wedderspoon 100% Raw organic Manuka Honey. It’s Active 16+ and is a product of New Zealand. I bought it for about $40 off Amazon. It is a little pricey, but one jar (18 oz) lasted me about 4 months. I use it every night as a face mask (leave it on for about half hour, if I fall asleep with it on, not a big deal) Manuka Honey is the only form of acne treatment I use. With just using this product alone, my skin has come leaps and bounds from where is was 6 months ago. My skin feels a little tingly when it’s on, but after washing it off, my face is so soft and soothed. Like I said, this is the ONLY product I use to help treat my acne, and I can stand behind it, promising it has been the key to my skin getting better. Remember, everything takes time.
There lots of Manuka honey products to choose from which would you recommend
For which brand to purchase, you need to find one that has the UMF® mark on its actual label. Wedderspoon is most definitely NOT UMF. Many ‘active’ brands only contain the hydrogen peroxide activity that is common to all types of honey. The UMF is a special extra property.
Oruba is right in that there are many brands making knockoffs. Needs to have the UMF® mark on the label and a currently valid licence number.
There are something like 29 companies certified to the international UMF® quality standard.
This site has great information, and you can receive a free eLeaflet on the UMF manuka honey. It is UK based, but anyone can read the information provided and see examples of suitable products:
http://www.newzealandhoneyshop.co.uk
Or there is also some info on http://www.umf.org.nz
Where can I get it here in South Africa?
I came across Manuka Honey when searching for remedies for MRSA (Staff Infection). I’ve battled it for over 7 YR . It started hitting my neck, face and scalp about 3 YRS ago (huge boils that leave huge scars). I was so embarrassed. Manuka honey IS THE BEST! I apply as soon as I see a boil or blister start. It feels a bit heavy/greasy but its Ok! Mine is MGO400/also have WOUND TRT Manuka Honey. Purchase mine from NZNATURE.CO.NZ Be careful when buying from other sites such as Amazon (although I’ve gotten some from Amazon but SAME SUPPLIER. The # of ACTIVE ENZYMES (Make sure jar UR buying is DARK as LIGHT reduces enzymes) is equally important–I usually do 400+ and make sure, if buying by UMF OR AMF That its 16 or Higher! I buy from nznature because its organic/no preservatives added, PURE Manuka honey! Works great for cough, cold, dry skin, facial mask , overall health–Its Wonderful! Changed my life for the better! There are MANY products available that aid in many areas of need–chk them out!
I live in India and got a jar of Manuka honey from a NZ website. However I have to say it did not do much for my acne. The local organic honey worked well for me. But that’s just my skin I guess. Many peple have had great results from Manuka honey.