Manuka Honey 101

You might be used to drizzling honey in your yogourt, sipping the throat-soothing sweet stuff when you’re feeling under the weather or even using it in your beauty products. When it comes to the latter, the sticky stuff can be found in everything from face masks to shampoos and conditioners. You may not, however, be as familiar with manuka honey.

While honey is generally known for its many health and beauty benefits, manuka honey has been proven to be more potent than its counterparts. This particular type of honey hails from New Zealand, where bees pollinate the manuka tree (also known as Leptospermum scoparium). It’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy for everything from burns and wounds to skin infections. It’s even used by hospitals with scientific research to back up its many benefits. Its reputation as “liquid gold” goes beyond health. The benefits of honey for skin are endless, making it a game-changer for your complexion. (Hello, glow!) Here’s why you need to add the buzzy new ingredient to your skincare routine.

Benefit #1: It’s antibacterial.

Manuka honey is naturally antibacterial; it contains an active ingredient called methylglyoxal, which acts as a buffer against the growth of bacteria. That makes it great for dealing with acne-prone skin, keeping zits at bay, and helping with congested skin. In addition to preventing pimples, honey is also said to help heal existing ones.

Benefit #2: It’s anti-inflammatory.

The sweet stuff can calm angry skin (think redness and inflammation), thanks to its skin-soothing properties. It’s especially great to use if your complexion is on the sensitive side or you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis.

Benefit #3: It hydrates skin.

As a natural humectant, manuka honey combats dry skin by helping deliver a wallop of moisture. Its hydrating properties make it particularly suitable for dry and mature skin. As sebum production decreases with age, the result is thinner, drier skin that’s more susceptible to itchiness. It also makes fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. The nourishing ingredient smooths, softens and moisturizes without leaving behind a greasy residue.

Benefit #4: It’s rich in antioxidants.

Manuka honey is chock full of antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. Free radicals are considered one of the primary culprits when it comes to aging skin, responsible for everything from dark spots to the depletion of collagen.

Incorporating manuka honey into your beauty routine

Manuka honey is no longer just a mainstay in the pantry. You can find manuka honey for skin in everything from face cleansers to masks. It’s also the star ingredient in L’Oréal Paris’s Age Perfect range, which harnesses its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and restorative properties alongside other precious oils. Whether you’re looking for a do-it-all balm that targets dry areas like elbows and feet or you need a nourishing moisturizer to hydrate skin, the manuka honey-infused line has something for every skincare concern. The full range consists of L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Multi-Purpose Honey Balm, Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Honey Eye Gel and Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition Ultra-Nourishing Night Cream.

Now that you’re primed on the wonders of manuka honey, consider incorporating it into your skincare routine so you can start reaping its beauty benefits.