The Skin Care Benefits of Manuka Honey

From kale, to turmeric, to coconut oil, we can’t seem to get enough of trendy superfoods and their skin care benefits—the latest being manuka honey. According to board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Dendy Engelman, "Manuka honey is one of the most unique and beneficial forms of honey in the world.” While raw honey can help hydrate the skin, manuka honey, which is produced by honey bees feeding on the manuka tree, can do that and so much more—we're talking the ability to diminish the early signs of aging. It’s no wonder so many celebrities have been vocal about incorporating the honey into their daily skin care routines. Interested in incorporating it into your own? Below, Dr. Engelman and ethnic skin expert, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. William Kwan share the skin care benefits of manuka honey.

MANUKA HONEY BENEFIT #1: AIDS IN ANTI-AGING EFFORTS

Receiving anti-aging benefits doesn’t always require completely overhauling your routine. Sometimes, all you need is moisture. As Engelman points out, the first step to reducing the appearance of wrinkles is moisture. “Manuka honey retains moisture without making skin oily,” she says, making it a fabulous addition to an anti-aging skin care routine.

MANUKA HONEY BENEFIT #2: HELPS RETAIN MOISTURE

Speaking of moisture, manuka honey has hydrating properties that can help give you a glowing complexion. Hydration is key for radiant, soft, supple-looking skin. "When applied to your skin, [manuka honey] will absorb moisture from the air and hold it in," Engelman says.

MANUKA HONEY BENEFIT #3: REDUCES THE APPEARANCE OF ACNE

Like us, you’re probably always on the hunt for new ways to help fight breakouts. If that’s the case, you’ll be pleased to hear that manuka honey may help. According to Dr. Kwan, manuka honey can be used to help address acne blemishes. 

MANUKA HONEY BENEFIT #4: HAS HEALING PROPERTIES

Beyond helping with everyday skin conditions like dryness and acne, manuka honey has been shown to have anti-microbial and wound healing properties, according to the National Institute of Biotechnology Information. 

MANUKA HONEY BENEFIT #5: OFFERS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-BACTERIAL EFFECTS

Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties are always a good thing in our backs—and Dr. Kwan says that manuka honey possesses both of those sought-after properties.

4 SKIN CARE PRODUCTS INFUSED WITH MANUKA HONEY

After reading all about manuka honey’s varied benefits, you’re bound to want it added into your skin care routine. And good news, you aren’t limited to a single option. According to Dr. Kwan, manuka honey can be used in many ways. Plus, due to the ingredient’s rising popularity, there are a number of products formulated with manuka honey you can introduce it to your routine. Below, we’re sharing four of favorites from L’Oreal Paris’ Manuka Honey skin care collection!

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Night Balm ($19.99 MSRP): Night balms and creams serve a very important purpose. In addition to providing a dose of skin-loving ingredients to your skin, they can help hydrate and nourish your skin while you snooze. Since the wee hours of the morning is when your skin undergoes natural self-repair, it’s best to aid that process along by doing some prep work beforehand with a nighttime hydrator. This formula in particular boasts manuka honey along with antioxidants, nurturing oils, and calcium, and can leave your skin feeling hydrated and comfortable come morning—never sticky or greasy.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Day Cream ($19.99 MSRP): Equally important as hydrating your skin during the evening is hydrating your skin in the morning (or while the sun is still up). No matter the time of year or your skin type, apply a dose of moisturizer daily to keep your skin from becoming excessively dry. This day cream infused with manuka honey is a great pick, as it can envelop the skin with moisture and deliver long-lasting hydration.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel ($24.99 MSRP): So, you caught too little shut-eye and now your eyes look puffy. To help de-puff the look of eye bags around the delicate eye area, look to this eye gel formulated with manuka honey, oils, calcium, and antioxidants. It boasts a de-puffing rollerball wand which, in tandem with cooling benefits, helps remove the look of puffiness, bags, and dark circles all while hydrating your eye contour.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm ($24.99 MSRP): Skin care products with manuka honey don’t only exist for your facial skin. This balm also boasts manuka honey and can be applied all over your skin, including your neck, chest and hands. The result is skin that no longer feels tight and uncomfortable but rather soft and smooth. So the next time you’re looking to extend the hydration past your jawline, give this all-over balm a try!

To learn more about these skin care products formulated with manuka honey, check out our review of the L’Oreal Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey range here!