How to Use Manuka Honey for Acne

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

Manuka honey comes from the Manuka flower, which is found only in New Zealand. Manuka honey is unique because it has the strongest antibacterial properties possible for honey. It has been used for centuries to dress wounds and promote healing, therefore it makes sense that people would wonder how to use Manuka Honey for acne too.

This honey naturally produces hydrogen peroxide when it comes into contact with a wound, which helps kill bacteria that causes acne. Too much hydrogen peroxide can damage the skin, but Manuka honey is able to produce the perfect amount for the skin to heal.

Benefits of Manuka Honey for Acne

The consistency of the honey is able to keep the skin soft and moist to further aid in healing. The strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties ward off acne and scarring.

These acne-fighting properties continue to work even after the honey has been washed off your skin. This makes Manuka honey great for reducing irritation and swelling of cystic acne. Another benefit is that it will not dry out your skin, unlike other spot treatments. There are many great ways to use Manuka honey to help prevent and minimize any breakouts.

Buying Manuka Honey with the Highest Antibacterial Properties

Manuka honey has a scale (Unique Manuka factor) to rate the antibacterial effects and quality of the honey. Be sure to purchase Manuka honey that has a rating of 16+ and one that is packaged in New Zealand.

The one I use is labeled as raw Manuka honey KFactor 16 and it is from New Zealand. You want to make sure to get the highest quality in order to get the best results for treating acne. It is a little expensive, but well worth it and it lasts a very long time too.

My Results with Manuka Honey

When I first started researching about how to use Manuka honey for acne, I read about using it as an all over face mask. I thought all the benefits of the face mask, including, moisturizing and acne fighting properties sounded perfect for me.

My skin always tends to be dry, but yet oily in certain areas too. Most acne fighting face masks cause dry skin, which usually make my skin even drier. The Manuka honey face mask has been great for me because it hydrates my skin and helps reduce breakouts at the same time.

The first time I used the Manuka honey face mask, I was hoping for instant results for my acne, like I get with some other face masks (like bentonite clay face masks). After one use of the Manuka honey face mask, my skin was definitely less dry, less red and it felt moisturized. It took about 2 weeks of using the face mask to see a reduction in new breakouts. I stopped using all other facial products to really see how well the Manuka honey works. It definitely helps reduce breakouts and redness. I noticed that I have less cystic type breakouts while using this face mask. I’m really happy with how well it has worked for my acne and dry skin. I’m going to keep using it regularly to keep my skin clear.

How to Use Manuka Honey for Acne:

Depending on what you are trying to treat, there are many different ways to use Manuka honey for acne. A great way to treat acne all over the face is to use a Manuka honey cleanser or a face mask. If you are looking for how to use Manuka honey for acne in a specific area, it can be used as a spot treatment.

Cleanser

1.) Apply a pea-sized drop of honey on your fingers.
2.) Massage all over the face for 1-2 minutes.
3.) Rinse off & pat your face dry.
4.) Feel free to add more honey or water, depending on what you prefer.

Face Mask

1.) Apply honey all over the face. Be sure to avoid getting the honey near your eyes, eyebrows, and hairline.
2.) Leave the honey on for 15-20 minutes.
3.) Rinse off & pat your face dry.

Spot Treatment

1.) Apply a drop of honey to directly affected area or soak the honey in gauze strips of the size you need and apply to the face.
2.) Rinse off after 20 minutes & pat dry.