Why Manuka Honey Skincare Is a Game-Changer

By Sara Samavati,

Totika Health, Managing Director of Skincare Solutions

When I first discovered honey-based skincare, I was genuinely surprised by how transformative it could be. Honey is not just a sweet treat for your tea; it’s a powerhouse ingredient that can revolutionise your skincare routine. Its natural properties offer a unique blend of nourishment, healing, and protection that synthetic products often struggle to match. If you’re looking for a skincare solution that’s both effective and gentle, Manuka honey-based products might just be your new best friend.

The Science Behind Manuka Honey-Based Skincare Benefits

Honey has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and beauty rituals. But what makes manuka honey so special for skincare? The answer lies in its complex composition. Manuka honey contains natural sugars, antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that work together to improve skin health.

One of the key benefits is honey’s antibacterial properties. It helps fight acne-causing bacteria without harsh chemicals. This makes it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Manuka Honey also acts as a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.

Moreover, manuka honey is rich in antioxidants that protect your skin from free radicals - those pesky molecules that accelerate ageing and damage. This antioxidant boost helps reduce fine lines and promotes a youthful glow.

Manuka Honey’s gentle exfoliating enzymes remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh, radiant skin underneath. Unlike abrasive scrubs, manuka honey smooths your skin without irritation.

Exploring Manuka Honey-Based Skincare Benefits in Everyday Use

Incorporating our manuka honey into your skincare routine is easier than you might think. Whether you use our manuka honey as a mask or choose our other products infused with Manuka honey, the benefits are clear and accessible.

For example, applying a thin layer of raw our manuka honey facial mask as a face mask for 15-20 minutes can soothe inflammation and reduce redness. It’s a simple, natural remedy for calming irritated skin after sun exposure or harsh weather.

Our Manuka honey-based creams and serums can accelerate wound healing, reduce scarring, and improve skin texture.

Manuka Honey also pairs well with other natural ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, and essential oils, creating synergistic effects that enhance skin health.

If you’re curious about switching to more natural options, I recommend exploring natural skincare products that feature not only manuka honey but has to be high-grade manuka honey MGO800+ as a star ingredient. These products combine the very best of nature with modern skincare science.

Our Manuka honey Body Butter

When trying our new product, always patch test first to ensure compatibility. Start with a small amount and observe how your skin reacts over a few days.

How Honey-Based Skincare Supports Sustainable Beauty

One of the reasons I’m passionate about our manuka honey-based skincare is its alignment with sustainable beauty practices. Honey, in general, is a renewable resource harvested responsibly from bees, which are vital pollinators for our ecosystems.

Choosing our manuka honey skincare products often means supporting ethical beekeeping and environmentally friendly production methods. This contrasts sharply with many synthetic skincare ingredients that rely on petrochemicals or unsustainable farming.

Moreover, our manuka honey-based skincare products are 99% natural and no artificial additives, eliminating chemical waste and pollution. This makes them a better choice for both your skin and the planet.

By opting for our manuka honey skincare, you’re not just investing in your health but also contributing to a more sustainable and ethical beauty industry.

Tips for Incorporating Honey-Based Skincare Into Your Routine

If you’re ready to embrace honey-based skincare, here are some practical tips to get started:

• Start Simple: Use our manuka honey as a weekly face mask to experience its benefits firsthand.

• Layer Wisely: Apply our manuka honey-based moisturisers after cleansing and toning to lock in hydration.

• Combine with Other Naturals: Mix our manuka honey with ingredients like yogurt or lemon juice for DIY treatments tailored to your skin.

• Stay Consistent: Like any skincare, results improve with regular use over time.

• Protect Your Skin: Manuka Honey works best alongside sun protection and a healthy lifestyle.

  
  

Remember, the goal is to nourish and protect your skin gently. Our Manuka Honey-based products offer a natural, effective way to achieve that balance.

Our Manuka Honey-based skincare is more than a trend - it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking natural, effective, and sustainable skin solutions. With its unique blend of healing, hydration, and protection, our manuka honey products deserve a place in your beauty arsenal. Whether you’re battling dryness, acne, or simply want a radiant glow, our manuka honey-based products can help you achieve healthier skin the natural way. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!

The Differences Between New Zealand Manuka Honey, Australian "Manuka," and Regular Honey.

The golden nectar of the bees is a sweet treat enjoyed for millennia. But not all honey is created equal. 

New Zealand Manuka Honey on Comb

While the familiar sweetness unites them, a world of difference exists between regular honey, Australian "Manuka" honey, and the gold standard: New Zealand Manuka honey.

This article helps unpack the differences of each, highlighting what makes New Zealand Manuka honey stand out.

Regular Honey:

The Humble Hero, Regular honey, produced from various nectar sources, offers a delightful sweetness and a range of potential health benefits.  These benefits vary depending on the floral source of the nectar. 

New Zealand White Clover

For instance, clover honey is often praised for its mild flavour and potential soothing properties. In contrast, Rewarewa Honey is a rare honey in New Zealand. It comes from the nectar of the Rewarewa tree, which is endemic to the low-elevation and valley forests of the North Island and Marlborough Sounds.

Rewarewa Tree

Renowned for its rich, caramel-like flavor, Rewarewa honey has a deep amber hue, thicker texture, and creamier consistency than most other honey types. For an inviting sweet taste, you can spread it on toast, drizzle it over your pancakes, or add it to your tea.

Bay of Islands Honey Shop in New Zealand

These honey contain various antioxidants and enzymes, contributing to their overall health-promoting properties.  However, the unique bioactive compounds found in Manuka honey are mainly absent. Regular honey's consistency, colour, and flavour are highly variable, depending on the floral source and beekeeping practices.  It's a versatile sweetener, a culinary ingredient, and a traditional remedy for minor ailments. While beneficial, it lacks the specific markers that set Manuka honey apart.

Australian "Manuka" Honey: A Contender?

The term "Manuka" is often loosely applied, leading to some confusion.  While Australia produces honey from the Leptospermum plant species, the crucial difference lies in the specific species and the resulting honey's chemical composition. 

Australian Leptospermum honey may share some similarities with New Zealand Manuka honey. Still, it generally lacks high levels of unique compounds, particularly methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which are responsible for Manuka honey's renowned properties.

The Australian "Manuka" honey debate often concerns the lack of stringent quality control and standardised testing.While some Australian honey exhibits some of the beneficial properties associated with Manuka honey, it typically falls short in potency, consistency, and regulations. The absence of a robust regulatory framework makes it challenging to guarantee the quality and authenticity of Australian "Manuka" honey.

New Zealand Manuka Honey: The Gold Standard

New Zealand Manuka Honey

New Zealand Manuka honey, produced from the Leptospermum scoparium plant, stands apart due to its unique chemical composition and rigorous quality control. 

The unique terroir of New Zealand, combined with the specific species of Manuka bush, contributes to the honey's exceptional properties. 

This is where the magic happens. The key differentiating factor is the high methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) concentration.  These compounds are potent antioxidants and possess remarkable antimicrobial properties. 

The MGO rating, often displayed on New Zealand Manuka honey labels, indicates the concentration of MGO, directly correlating with the honey's potency.  The higher the MGO rating, the greater the antimicrobial activity. 

New Zealand's strict regulatory framework ensures authenticity and quality.  Independent testing and certification bodies, such as those that certify Totika Health Manuka honey, verify the honey's origin, purity, and MGO rating.

This provides consumers with confidence in the product's quality and efficacy. The benefits of New Zealand Manuka honey are widely studied and documented. 

Its potent antimicrobial properties make it effective in wound healing, soothing sore throats, and supporting gut health.  Its antioxidant properties contribute to overall well-being.  The rich, complex flavour profile, ranging from subtly sweet to intensely robust, adds to its appeal.

Choosing Your Honey: A Matter of Quality

The choice between regular honey, Australian "Manuka" honey, and New Zealand honey ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. 

• Regular honey offers a versatile and affordable option. In contrast, Australian "Manuka" honey provides a potential alternative, although its quality and potency can be inconsistent. 

  
  

• However, New Zealand Manuka honey reigns supreme for those seeking the highest concentration of unique bioactive compounds and the assurance of quality and authenticity.

  
  

• To ensure you select the highest quality Manuka honey, look for products with independent certification and clearly stated MGO ratings with Product of New Zealand.

  
  

• Consider exploring the range of New Zealand Manuka honey available, each offering a unique flavour profile and potency. 

  
  

• Remember to look for brands committed to sustainability and ethical beekeeping practices.

  
  

Understanding the differences between these honeys empowers you to make informed choices about your health and well-being. 

Researching reputable brands and understanding the grading systems will help you find the perfect honey to suit your needs.  Discover the difference that quality makes.

Dr Isaac Flitta

NZ Manuka Honey MGO850+ and MGO250+ (500g)

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NZ Manuka Honey MGO650+ (16+)

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NZ Manuka Honey MGO1050+ and MGO250+

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Discover the Potent Power of New Zealand Manuka Honey: MGO Certification and its Health Benefits

Tōtika Nature

New Zealand Manuka honey has earned remarkable therapeutic qualities. Among the finest, Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey is distinguished by its high methylglyoxal (MGO) content. In contrast to other honeys, New Zealand Manuka honey boasts substantial concentrations of MGO, a critical compound underpinning its powerful antimicrobial and wound-healing properties. This guide delves into the science behind Manuka honey's advantages, emphasising the necessity of MGO certification and showcasing the unique attributes of Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey.

I.  Understanding MGO: The Key to New Zealand Manuka Honey's Potency:

The remarkable therapeutic properties of New Zealand Manuka honey are directly attributed to its methylglyoxal (MGO) content. MGO, a naturally occurring compound, is responsible for Manuka honey's potent antimicrobial activity and its ability to support wound healing.  An Independent Laboratory's MGO certification provides a precise and reliable measure of the honey's MGO concentration, offering consumers a clear indication of its strength and potential health benefits.  This direct measurement makes MGO certification the most reliable indicator of New Zealand Manuka honey's quality and therapeutic potential.  Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey is proudly MGO-certified by an Independent laboratory in New Zealand, ensuring you receive a verified potency and quality product.

Sample Test Results of MPI Manuka Attributes Analysis and the Level of MGO

A.  Scientific Validation of MGO's Antimicrobial Power:

Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated a direct link between New Zealand Manuka honey's MGO concentration and its impressive antimicrobial effectiveness. Higher MGO levels equate to more potent antimicrobial activity, making it highly effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses.

1. Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Infections:

   Research shows that New Zealand high-MGO Manuka honey effectively combats antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [1]. This makes high-MGO Manuka honey a valuable tool in fighting infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.

   
   

2. Wound Healing and Infection Prevention:

   Studies confirm that New Zealand high-MGO Manuka honey accelerates wound healing and prevents infection [2]. Its ability to create a hostile environment for harmful microorganisms while promoting tissue regeneration makes it a valuable asset in wound care.

   
   

3. Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity:

   New Zealand high-MGO Manuka honey exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effectively targeting many pathogens [3], making it a versatile natural remedy for various infections.

B.  MGO's Role in Accelerated Wound Healing:

Applying New Zealand high-MGO Manuka honey to wounds has yielded remarkable results in accelerating healing and reducing inflammation. Its potent antimicrobial properties prevent infection, while its humectant properties maintain optimal moisture levels, creating an ideal environment for tissue repair.

1. Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness:

   Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of high-MGO Manuka honey in treating various types of wounds, including chronic wounds, burns, and ulcers [4].

   
   

2. Promoting Tissue Regeneration:

   High-MGO Manuka honey stimulates granulation tissue formation, a crucial step in wound healing, and reduces inflammation [5].

C.  Beyond Antimicrobial Action: Other Potential Benefits:

While the antimicrobial properties are well-established, ongoing research explores other potential benefits of high-MGO Manuka honey, including its anti-inflammatory effects and possible role in supporting gut health.

II.  Experience the Totika Nature Active New Zealand Manuka Honey Difference:

Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey ensures the highest quality and potency with our sustainable beekeeping practices and vast scientific knowledge of manuka honey and processing. Our commitment to MGO certification guarantees you a product of verified strength and purity.  We believe in the power of nature to support well-being, and Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey embodies this philosophy.

NZ Manuka Honey MGO 1050+

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III.  Practical Usage and Sourcing:

1. Wound Care:

Research [5, 6] supports the application of a thin layer of manuka honey to clean wounds and cover them with a sterile dressing. Manuka honey's antibacterial properties, mainly due to methylglyoxal (MGO), help prevent infection and promote healing [5, 6].

2. Sore Throats:

Dissolving a teaspoon or two of manuka honey in warm water and gargling is a common remedy for sore throats. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of MGO can help soothe throat irritation and reduce bacterial infections [2].

3. Skin Conditions:

Applying a thin layer of manuka honey to the skin and leaving it for 15-30 minutes before rinsing is recommended for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of MGO can help reduce inflammation and bacterial growth.

Overall, the applications mentioned are consistent with scientific evidence supporting the benefits of manuka honey for wound care, sore throats, and skin conditions [6].

Always consult a healthcare professional for severe conditions. 

To experience the benefits of Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey, visit our shop to explore our range of MGO-certified products.

Totika Nature Active Manuka Honey, with its high MGO content and commitment to quality, offers a potent natural remedy with scientifically backed benefits. Its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, directly linked to its MGO content, make it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

References:

[1]  Title: Manuka honey inhibits cell division in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Authors: Rowena Jenkins, Neil Burton, Rose Cooper. Published in: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Volume 66, Issue 11, November 2011, Pages 2536–2542

[2]  Title: Manuka Honey Can Be Used to Inhibit Drug-Resistant Mycobacteria: Study Authors: Victoria Nolan, et al. Published in: Sci.News, September 9, 2022

[3]  Title: The Potential of Fish Oil Components and Manuka Honey in Tackling Chronic Wound Treatment. Authors: Jenna Clare, Martin R. Lindley, Elizabeth Ratcliffe. Published in: Microorganisms, Volume 12, Issue 8, August 2024

[4]  Title: Honey in Wound Healing: An Updated Review. Authors: Hanaa TashkandiPublished in: Open Life Sciences, October 6, 2021

[5]  Title: Monitoring the Release of Methylglyoxal (MGO) from Honey and Honey-Based FormulationsAuthors: Md Lokman Hossain, Lee Yong Lim, Katherine Hammer, Dhanushka Hettiarachchi, and Cornelia Locher. Published in: Molecules, Volume 28, Issue 6, March 2023

[6] Title: Honey: A Biologic Wound Dressing. Authors: Peter Molan, PhD1; and Tanya Rhodes, PhD2. Published in: Wounds 2015;27(6):141-151

Note:  This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.  Consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns.

Dr Isaac Flitta

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