Manuka honey is used in both traditional and modern medicine for its natural antibacterial properties. In fact, while the antibacterial property methylglyoxal (MG) is found in most types of honey, Manuka contains up to 100 times as much! But Manuka belongs in your bathroom kit as much as it belongs in your first aid cabinet because it keeps skin clear, youthful, and hydrated.
Told you it was magic.
Manuka honey works wonders for blemished skin because of its aforementioned natural antibacterial properties. It’s also anti-inflammatory, so it soothes inflamed skin while healing blemishes, and helps balance the skin’s pH, while also packed with amino acids to slough away dead skin cells, helping to keep pores clear.
Sounding good? Wait til you hear about the anti-ageing…
MG has been shown to increase collagen cross-linking, which promotes the structural growth of collagen in skin cells. And since amino acids are the building blacks of collagen, they also protect collagen. Healthy collagen means healthy, firm, youthful-looking skin. Manuka honey naturally draws moisture into the skin, which helps to further enhance the skin’s elasticity and cell regeneration.
Reading the label
The strength of Manuka varies and is indicated by a number ranging between 5 and 25.
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UMF 5-9: low activity levels
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UMF 10-15: moderate activity levels
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UMF 16+: high activity levels
Go for an organic, raw 16+ Manuka honey, preferably in a glass jar. It will last for ages and has a practically infinite shelf life.
How to use it
Try using Manuka honey as a weekly face mask. After washing and gently exfoliating your face, pat it mostly dry and apply a very thin layer of Manuka. Let it sit at least 30 minutes (and up to a few hours), then wash it off with warm water and apply your face oil or moisturiser.
Erica Brooke’s Honey Cream Cleanser is great for all skin types and uses both Manuka and raw honey to up the healing power. As well as a daily cleanser, it packs a punch as a weekly mask. Use with the Miskin Bamboo Facial Towels to leave your skin squeaky clean and hydrated.