Manuka Honey For Acne & Skin Benefits: Masks, Face Wash & More

As a sweetener, honey is one of those food staples that can be found in almost every kitchen pantry. But when it comes to creating a natural skin care routine, honey is at the top of the list. One variety, called Manuka honey, has become particularly popular for this purpose. According to both anecdotal claims and scientific research, it has some seriously sweet benefits for the skin. 

Manuka honey has been especially trendy in the realm of skin care. Besides, normal honey is already a stellar skin ingredient—what more if it's extra-rich in therapeutic plant compounds, too?  

Manuka honey owes many of its skin benefits to simply being a honey. But as it gains popularity as a next-level skin ingredient, scientists have been delving deeper into this specific variety. Here's what the research says so far: 

Here's how it works: When applied topically, honey actively draws water molecules into the stratum corneum2, the top layer of your skin. This can be a game-changer for dryness because your stratum corneum needs enough water to stay flexible, hydrated, and healthy. Without enough H20, dead skin cells in the stratum corneum (called corneocytes) can accumulate, causing dryness and flaking galore. But by using humectants such as honey, you can give your skin the hydrating boost it needs.

Because of its ability to control inflammation, Manuka honey can "decrease redness and inflammation, [which] helps promote a smoother complexion," says Elena Villanueva, D.C., founder of Modern Holistic Health. It also has the potential to soothe inflammatory skin conditions, adds Harris. Eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne are just a few examples. Additionally, according to a small human study, Manuka honey improved inflammatory skin lesions4 in people with atopic dermatitis. The scientists speculated that compounds in the honey helped control multiple inflammatory pathways.

But wait—there's more. MGO, the superstar component of Manuka honey, can destroy microbes1 by preventing cell growth and breaking down DNA. This can happen even if the MGO is at low concentrations. With such a wide range of antibacterial abilities, Manuka honey can help combat infection-causing bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection). For those with atopic dermatitis, this is a big deal, as we know that flares of eczema are driven in large part by overgrowth of staph aureus, notes board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D.

But don't forget about honey's anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, too. As it reduces inflammation, says Villanueva, it decreases the redness and swelling associated with breakouts. "Acne appears on the skin when [skin cell oxidation] promotes bacterial growth," she adds. This increases free radicals and contributes to acne, but the antioxidant properties of honey can save the day. 

Furthermore, honey encourages epithelialization6, or cell migration to the edges of a wound. It also hinders the activity of protease, an enzyme that degrades proteins needed for cells to migrate in the first place. The antibacterial properties of honey even destroy bacteria that are responsible for infections and inflammation during healing. 

As a beauty ingredient, Manuka honey is extremely versatile, so you can use it in many ways. Here are some of the most popular ways for using Manuka honey at home.

After cleansing your face, apply the mask and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it off, pat dry, and moisturize as usual. 

To use Manuka honey as a face cleanser, mix 1 tablespoon Manuka honey with a few drops of water or witch hazel. Massage onto your face, moving in circular motions. Gently wash off and pat dry.

People also use manuka honey to treat pimples or small cuts. Carefully apply Manuka honey on the blemish, then cover it with a bandage. Alternatively, you can wait until it dries, then wash it off.

As a moisturizing ingredient, Manuka honey also works well in a DIY hydrating hair mask. One method is to mix equal parts Manuka honey and oil (such as olive or coconut oil) in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted and slightly cooled, apply to the ends of your hair. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash your hair. 

Thanks to its all-natural beauty benefits, Manuka honey makes for one sweet skin treatment. But as with all products, natural or otherwise, it's important to choose high-quality Manuka honey from a reputable retailer. Be sure to check the "best by" date, too. This will ensure that you can reap the benefits of the compounds that make Manuka honey so special.