Reasons to Use Mānuka Honey for Acne
Acne affects up to 50 million people in the US alone.
Characterized by large, solid, painful lumps under the skin, acne has become the most common skin disease in the US—affecting approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24.
The problem with prescription drugs for acne is that they're linked to a host of side effects, including skin dryness and irritation.
This has prompted many people to look for natural remedies to cure acne at home. In fact, one study found that 77% of acne patients have tried an alternative medication.
One natural treatment that helps is Mānuka honey for acne.
But what makes Mānuka honey good for acne scars? And what are the benefits of using Mānuka honey for acne? Most importantly, how do you even use it? We'll cover all these questions in the next sections.
Can Mānuka Honey Help Acne?
Mānuka honey is a type of honey exclusively found in New Zealand.
This honey comes from the Mānuka plant (Leptospermum Scoparium), a small flowering tree found in New Zealand and Australia. But for it to earn the "Mānuka honey" title, the honey needs to contain at least 70% Mānuka pollen.
So, what properties make it great for treating acne?
This unique variety of honey is made up of:
- Sugars
- Vitamins and minerals
- Amino acids
- Methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide, two potent compounds that help clear up acne
Plus, Mānuka honey has a low pH of 3.2 to 4.5. Combined with its low pH, these compounds make Mānuka honey a powerful remedy in the fight against acne.
Reasons to Use Mānuka Honey for Acne Treatment
Mānuka honey delivers many benefits to the skin—addressing everything from medical to cosmetic issues. But why should you use it for treating acne?
- It Aids in Wound Healing
Mānuka honey recruits the right type of cells needed for wound healing which also makes Mānuka honey good for acne scars.
According to one study, Mānuka honey promotes wound healing due to several factors. For instance, it contains low pH, and lowering the pH of a wound can speed up the healing process. Honey also draws moisture from the wound, keeping it clean and dry.
- Has Strong Bacteria Killing Properties
The healing properties of honey are known and recorded in many medical journals.
Typically, honey derives its healing properties from hydrogen peroxide, but Mānuka honey has an additional compound called methylglyoxal that increases its potency. The higher the concentration of methylglyoxal, the more beneficial the honey is in helping clear up acne.
- It Moisturizes the Skin
Honey is a "humectant," which means it absorbs and retains moisture from the surrounding environment. Hence, it helps to draw in and retain moisture in the skin.
It's great for hydrating your skin, which helps to soften your complexion. In contrast, prescription drugs are often associated with side effects that cause skin dryness and skin peeling in some cases. Check our First Honey’s Mānuka Honey Cream for great results.
- It Eases Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of Mānuka honey make it ideal for irritated and inflamed skin. Wondering what causes inflammation in the first place? A pH imbalance.
Mānuka honey helps to restore your skin pH balance. Additionally, Mānuka honey ointment can soothe your skin, ease the redness, and even reduce the pimples' size.
- Has Anti-Aging Benefits
Studies show that Mānuka honey has compounds known as phenols and flavonoids. These compounds can help neutralize radicals that develop after sun exposure.
And since sun damage is to blame for premature aging, using Mānuka honey can provide some anti-aging benefits. These properties in Mānuka honey work to stop free radicals before they ricochet and cause damage to the skin.
External aggressors account for up to 97% of skin aging. When used topically, Mānuka honey can block the effect of these aggressors, delaying the development of fine lines and wrinkles and helping your skin remain healthy and visibly youthful.
- Could Help Decrease Pain
Sufficient evidence exists that recommends the use of Mānuka honey in treating wounds.
But did you know that Mānuka honey can also be used to relieve pain? The healing properties of Mānuka honey make it ideal for use in healing wounds, burns, and ulcers. In one study, it was concluded that Mānuka honey is an effective remedy for reducing post-surgical pain.
- It Can Make Scars Less Visible
As it's rich in hydrogen peroxide, Mānuka honey is thought to have mild lightening properties, so it can help lighten hyperpigmentation and make acne scars less visible.
How to Use Mānuka Honey for Acne
You can use it as a cleanser, mask, or spot treatment. Whichever way you decide to use it, make sure to remove makeup first. You can DIY your own skincare products or use First Honey Mānuka skincare products.
As a Cleanser
- Follow this process to use Mānuka Honey Ointment as a cleanser.
- Mix a dime-sized amount of Mānuka Honey Ointment with a few drops of water in the palm of your hands (diluted honey doesn't lose its healing properties)
- Massage the mixture all over your face gently
- Wash it away
As a Mask
Mix the following into a paste
- Mānuka Honey Ointment
- Ground oats
- Lemon juice
Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for up to 15 minutes. Next, wash your face.
Mānuka Honey for Spot Treatment
You can also use Mānuka honey to treat pimples or minor cuts. To do so, apply a small amount of honey on a pimple and leave it on for a few minutes to dry.
If DIY isn't your thing, there are many First Honey products you could use in your skincare routine. For instance, you could use First Honey Mānuka Honey Cream as a cleanser for irritated skin. This cream is also recommended for treating eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Wrapping Up
Mānuka honey makes for one sweet skin treatment, thanks to its therapeutic properties. Its strong health and anti-inflammatory properties, coupled with its ability to absorb moisture to the skin, make it a powerful home remedy for treating acne. First Honey’s Skin Saviors Bundles is great for various skin conditions.
But as with any other product, it's important to choose high-quality honey from a reputable retailer. First Honey's products, including Mānuka honey, are tested and certified by an accredited lab, so you can be sure you're buying top-grade honey.
