Acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. When excess sebum is produced, it becomes trapped within the hair follicle along with dirt and dead skin cells. If the sebum remains clogged, a seal will either form over the follicle openings to form a whitehead or it will harden to form a blackhead. In both cases of blockage, bacteria multiply, causing inflammation of the surrounding tissues. Although scientists have yet to determine the exact causes of this process, a particular honey called manuka honey has gained recognition for its ability to treat acne.
Beneficial Properties
Manuka honey is a special type of honey produced by bees who feed from the flowers of the manuka bush in New Zealand. Unlike regular honey, some strains of manuka contain a beneficial antibacterial property called UMF, or unique manuka factor. As well as enhancing antibacterial potency, UMF also provides antimicrobial, antiviral, antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. For this reason, manuka is often used to treat the bacteria involved in acne.
Benefits of Manuka Honey for Acne
Manuka honey can help treat acne by acting as a cleansing agent. Its antibacterial properties penetrate deep into the skin epidermis, killing bacteria and unblocking pores, allowing built-up infection to be released. Manuka can prevent further bacteria from growing by creating a naturally acidic environment and, due to its hydrating effects, can help skin heal rapidly without scarring. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of manuka honey may help alleviate inflamed tissues that cause discomfort and soreness.
Easy Usage
You can easily use manuka honey to treat acne in a variety of ways. The most common way is to administer manuka topically two to three times daily on the affected areas. You can also apply directly to your face as a face mask. OrganicFacts.net recommends making a simple mask from honey alone or mixing it with 4 tbsp. of cinnamon powder.
Considerations
When choosing a manuka honey for healing skin affected by acne, always ensure the product contains at least UMF 16+. In general, the higher the UMF level, the higher the healing strength and effectiveness. According to Waikato Honey Research Unit, not all manuka honey contains UMF. If the product is not labeled with UMF you are buying table honey.
Effectiveness
Although studies from the Waikato Honey Research Unit are showing promising initial evidence that high-activity UMF can indeed promote wound healing, the research is still in its infancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, more studies in humans are required in this area.
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