Manuka Honey for Skin: Your Complete Guide to Natural Beauty

Manuka honey is called ‘liquid gold’ for good reason, it is an amazing skin treatment and has a long history of use for skin care. What makes it different from other honey varieties are the unique compounds it has for skin care.

If you have been missing a key ingredient in your skin care routine, Manuka honey is the missing piece. In this guide, you will find all the information you will need to learn about your new skin care best friend.

Manuka honey is popular in the beauty industry. It is being added to overpriced face masks, serums, and lotions. You do not have to spend a lot of money to get the benefits, you only need a jar of pure Manuka honey.

Manuka honey is the best.

Manuka honey is different from other honey in many ways. The composition, potency, and the MGO content. The MGO content is the key to how effective and therapeutic the honey is for skin care.

Understanding MGO Ratings

MGO is the abbreviation for the methylglyoxal concentration found within the honey type known as manuka honey. MGO concentration in manuka honey is measured in mg/kg. Therapeutic effects are stronger in the honey where MGO levels are above 100.

MGO 100+: This concentration is perfect for improving overall wellness and light skincare.

MGO 263+: The honey at this concentration is moderately strong and good for daily skincare.

MGO 525+: This concentration is perfect for targeted treatment for problematic areas of the skin.

MGO 851+: This concentration is high strength and is ideal in treating troublesome skin conditions.

MGO 1200+: This concentration is very high and holds premium therapeutic effects.

MGO 1500+: This concentration holds maximum potency and is used for professional skin treatment.

Unique Properties for Skin Health

Hiding skin infections and breakouts is easy with the natural antibacterial properties found in manuka honey. Honey is a natural humectant which means it absorbs moisture from the air and hydrates the skin. It also helps the skin retain moisture.

Manuka honey helps reduce pain and skin irritation, as well as inflammation. Red skin is often excess and is also calmed by manuka honey. Skin exfoliation is improved with the natural enzymes which honey contains.

Benefits of Manuka Honey to the Skin

Acne Control

Manuka honey is one of the best treatments for acne due to its pesky breakouts being avoided and angered skin being calmed. Microbes and bacteria that worsen acne are killed and prevented from re-colonizing on the skin. Manuka honey is also gentle on the skin and will not disrupt the skin’s protective barrier.

Better results in treating acne can come from using MGO concentrations over 550+. MGO 550+ and greater concentrations can reduce acne breakouts and keep new ones from forming. Honey goes deep into the pores and gets rid of the bacteria and debris while decreasing inflammation.

Anti-Aging and Wrinkle Reducer

Manuka helps defend the skin against damage from free radicals, which helps slow down skin aging. Regular use manuka helps skin’s texture, and reduces fine lines.

Manuka honey assists in the production of collagen which helps skin keep its firmness and elasticity. It's other skin helps the enzymes in manuka honey encourage turnover, helping in skin rejuvenation.

Hydration and Moisture Retention

As a natural humectant, manuka honey helps draw moisture from the air and helps keep it in your skin. This is especially true for skin types that are dehydrated or dry.

Instead of heavy moisturizing products that may clog your pores or feel uncomfortable, dehydrated skin can use manuka honey. It gives deep moisturizing without the greasy feel, and does not clog pores. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne prone skin.

Wound Healing and Scar Reduced

Wounds can be treated with Manuka honey. Seeing as it can be used for treating various skin issues. It can be used for treating small cuts and scratches and even reducing scars.

As with all other honey varieties, it can promote quick skin healing. While all stealing honey creates an antimicrobial barrier, Manuka honey also creates a barrier that protects it from other skin infections, allowing skin to heal faster.

What is the right MGO level for your skin?

Your MGO level should be determined for your Manuka honey skin care to be effective.

For Sensitive Skin

People with sensitive skin should be using MGO levels that are lower than MGO 100+ and MGO 263+ as these are the lower levels and won't irritate the skin. They can be increased progressively as the skin gets more used to honey.

For Problem Skin

People with acne, skin infections, and breakouts will benefit from using honey that has higher MGO levels.

MGO 550+ and MGO 850+ are even higher levels of MGO that can be used regularly and have excellent antimicrobial properties.

Mature Skin Care Goals

Mature skin can also benefit from skin rejuvenation and MGO levels 550 to 1200 deliver this and more at a fair price. MGO levels 550 to 1200 allows skin to rejuvenate affordably while providing ample protection for mature skin. MGO levels in this range provide a perfect balance of potency and gentleness for mature skin.

MGO levels 1200 and above 1500 are very extreme and should only be used for extreme skin issues that lower MGO levels cannot treat. It is important to very closely monitor skin after the application of these levels. These treatments should not be used frequently.

Homemade Treatments Using Manuka Honey

Honey Face Mask

Honey is best as a facial mask. After cleaning the skin excluding the eye area, apply a thin layer of MGO 263+ manuka honey and let it stay for 15 to 20 minutes then wash it off with warm water.

This honey treatment is very simple and the mask offers not only deep and gentle exfoliation but anti-microbial properties as well. For best results do this 2 to 3 times a week.

Honey and Oatmeal Mask

Take 2 tablespoons of Manuka honey and one tablespoon of finely ground oatmeal. Mix together and apply to your skin. Massage it in a circular motion, then let it stay on for 10 minutes. Honey and oatmeal are very nourishing to the skin as well as gentle exfoliators.

Applying Honey on Small Areas

For small areas having blemishes, spot on MGO 550+ Manuka Honey, or any Manuka Honey higher in MGO. Leave it on for a few hours during the day or overnight. This way, you will get the antimicrobial action.

Yogurt and Honey Face Mask

This one will require 1 tablespoon of Manuka Honey and 1 tablespoon of plain Greek Yogurt. The lactic acid in the yogurt will help in skin exfoliation, and yogurt while hydrating the skin will also remove dead skin cells. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse.

Make Manuka Honey a Daily Routine

Morning Routine

Manuka Honey can also be used in the morning as a gentle cleanser. This will help and maintain soft skin as well as rinse and remove blemishes from the skin. Lower MGO levels (100+-263+) are gentle enough for daily use without any skin tension.

Evening Routine

For your evening routine, after cleansing, you will put on honey, right before your skin duo heavier moisturizers.Treating your skin with honey overnight will really help with skin healing. The skin will really absorb more honey MGO (550+ to 1200+) honey for evening treatments. This is because your skin will have more time to soak in the honey and reap the benefits.

Weekly Treatments Intensive

Weekly Intensive Treatments benefit from the highest MGO Manuka Honey (1200+ to 150+). These types of honey therapies are effective in resolving issues like hyperpigmentation, aging, acne, and breakouts.

Best Practices & Precautions

Patch Testing

High MGO Manuka honey is not reason enough to skip patch testing. It is best to apply a small amount behind the ear or on the inner wrist. Then examine the area in 24 hours for a reaction.

Storage and Handling

Manuka honey needs to be stored in a dry and cool place and not exposed to direct sunlight. Being a natural product, Manuka honey will have a long shelf life. However, for best results, the honey should be kept in a way to maintain its therapeutic benefits. Use clean and dry utensils and hands to limit contamination of the product.

Keeping Expectations

Manuka honey applied to the skin will eventually work, but patience is necessary. Most people will notice a change in skin texture and hydration in a couple of weeks. However, results on aging and acne may take several months.

When to Get Help

Go to a dermatologist for skin problems that are not curable, for allergies against bee products, or for feedback on honey that has been applied to skin for a couple of months with no positive results. You can evaluate if the manuka honey works for your skin.

Getting the Most From Your Investment in Manuka Honey

Lower and upper MGO ratings have different and specific uses. Having varying concentrations allows different focuses in a skincare regimen. For daily skincare, you can use honey with a ‘moderate’ MGO level, ‘263+’ or ‘560+’ or even higher depending on your specific needs.

Since honey is concentrated, very little is needed for effective skin care. A 250g jar will last a skin care user a few months even if they are using a lot of other products. Manuka honey is a concentrated honey and a 250g jar will last you a few months.

Getting Your Skin to Glow Naturally

Manuka honey has potent skincare benefits is just as good as some expensive skincare treats. There are numerous options for all skin types and worries. For soothing daily cleansing, use the lower MGO grade, and for more intensive weekly treatments, use the higher grade.

For your skin type, use the right MGO concentration and be consistent. Start with a lower grade and then watch your skin before making adjustments. Applying Manuka honey properly, healthy and radiant skin is attainable.

The skin type and the area being treated go hand in hand. Are you now prepared for the change in your skin care routine? To enhance and experience the wonders of this remarkable ingredient in traditional medicine and modern beauty, start with the Manuka honey suited for your skin type.