Like other honeys, Manuka honey features a cocktail of substances like simple sugars, water, enzymes, and vitamins. What makes it so special, though, is its rich content of methylglyoxal (MGO), a medicinal compound with impressive antimicrobial properties. The amount of MGO—which represents the honey’s potency—is indicated by a unique Manuka factor (UMF), a rating listed on the packaging of Manuka honey. The more MGO present, the higher the rating. (A rating below 10 is on par with regular, normal honey.) For thousands of years, Manuka honey has been used as both food and medicine—long before “UMF” was even a thing. Traditionally, Manuka honey (and honey, in general) has been used to ease a wide range of ailments, from sore throats to digestive upset. People also use it to boost the immune system, increase energy levels, and improve skin health. 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? 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. After cleansing your face, apply the mask and wait 15 to 20 minutes. Wash it off, pat dry, and moisturize as usual.
