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With its sticky texture, honey is usually thought of for sweetening a cup of tea or smoothie, not something you’d put on your face—but it’s actually a wonder ingredient,  noted for it’s exceptionally large range of benefits from helping prevent the common cold to clearing up acne. 

But not all honey is created equal. When looking for the medicinal properties and skin calming affects you need Manuka honey, a type of honey produced in New Zealand.  (So that bear shaped bottle in the back of your cupboard probably isn’t going to cut it.)

According to an article on healthline.com,  some varieties have a stronger antibacterial potency, so when picking the right type of honey look for the word “active” on the label and check the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) and OMA (Organic Manuka Active) which should be 15 or more with an MGO (methylglyoxal) rating of at least 250.

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You can find many articles online on how to transform Manuka honey and a few other ingredients into a facemask, how to dilute it into a cleanser or even apply it as an acne spot treatment, but for a less sticky—and more effective results—Fashion Reverie recommend trying out some of our favorite new products.

Not only do these products encompass the magical effects of this pricey ingredient, they also combine other top skin-loving ingredients to keep your complexion calm and clear.

Here are the main properties that make this honey so beneficial for you:

Antibacterial and Anti-microbial:

Thanks to the active ingredients methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide and a low pH, Manuka honey helps protect against bacteria and microorganisms.  While more conclusive research needs to be done, it may help against E.coli and MRSA as well as help with the treatment of dermatological issues.

Anti-viral: 

With its compounds and enzymes, Manuka boosts your immunity to protect you against viruses.

Anti-inflammatory:

At the right concentration, Manuka honey and Manuka oil (taken from the leaves) reduces redness while blocking substances in the body that may cause inflammation, making it extremely useful in combating skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Antioxidant:

When the free radicals and antioxidants in our body are not balanced it leads to oxidative stress.  Manuka honey helps balance our bodies both when ingested orally or applied topically, which makes it a beneficial ingredient for its anti-aging properties.

Humectant: 

With a high sugar component, Manuka honey helps draw moisture to your skin (and helps you retain it) making it a great natural moisturizer.

Image courtesy of forthebiome.com

For the Biome’s Restore Essence Spray from

This mattifying mist acts a toner, blocking excess oil production and helps create an even-toned appearance. Packed with not only Manuka honey, but also Swiss black bee honey, and Probiotic 6-Plex, For the Biome’s Restore Essence Spray encourages cell renewal, protects against pollution, and protects your skin against blemish-causing impurities.

Borne from the idea of “awakening the skin-microbiome connection” and giving back (3% of every purchase supports climate justice, sustainable housing, and empowering women), all of the For The Biome products are made from natural 100% active ingredients, no preservatives, fillers or toxins.

Key benefits:

Protects

Hydrates

Tones

Balances

Mattifies

Microbiome-friendly

Pros:  The cooling spray feels refreshing on your face, not sticky.  While it does take two weeks to neutralize any skin impurities, it does feel hydrating right away.  Plus, filled with two honeys, 8 probiotic strains and two botanicals, this skin-strengthening formula is all natural. So, you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.

Cons: The scent isn’t all together one you’d associate with beauty products—more like fermented food—but the good news is that if you find it unpleasant, it does dissipate almost immediately.

Image courtesy of aunaturalskinfood.com

Aú Natural Skinfood’s On the Spot Treatment Kit

Eliminating some 168 known toxins that are commonly found in commercial skincare, the Aú Natural Skinfood line of products focuses on “super foods” for their skin healing benefits.  Made in New Zealand and focusing on local ingredients, it’s no surprise that Manuka honey is the starring ingredient found throughout the entire line.

This acne calming kit cultivates the powerful “antibacterial activity” from Manuka and Kanuka honey to help decrease inflammation—reducing redness and pimples.  But that’s not all, according to Aú Natural, the hydrogen peroxide found in the Kanuka leaf oil treats p. acnes (a bacteria that causes acne).

Key benefits:

Deep cleansing

Reduces redness

Anti-inflammatory

Controls bacteria (associated with conditions such as acne)

Softens skin

Environmentally friendly

Pros: The company focuses on sustainability with their “Refill, not landfill” motto, and all the containers are made from reusable aluminum or plant-based refillable pouches that are recyclable and compostable (in designated states).

Image courtesy of lifecellskinfans.com

It can be hard to take care of your skin especially when the face mask you use to protect yourself feels likes it turning against you.  But with a little of this sweet nectar, you’ll be feeling better than your old self in no time!

Cons: Their Spot Gel treatment doesn’t come out of the container too easily.  However, if you open it up and stir it a bit, we found that the pump will work—just takes a little finessing as the formula is pretty thick.

The moisturizer does feel ever so slightly sticky on your skin.  While you won’t notice it after about 10 minutes (and even so, it’s very, very light) if you’re more sensitive to this (or in a rush to wash your face and put on your makeup) you should be aware that this product does take a bit of time to absorb into your skin.  (Their instructions say to wait 10-minutes before applying anything on top of the moisturizer.)

* Please note if you have an allergy to bees or any other ingredient listed in these products, it’s recommended you consult a doctor before starting a new Manuka honey beauty routine.  A full list of ingredients can be found on each of their websites.

—Janine Silver