I’ve been using manuka honey with a UMF of 14+ over the last couple of years as a spot treatment. But it finally ran out so I upgraded to a UMF of 20+.
I trailed my new honey on a spot on my chin last night and was blown away by the results! It cleared up my spot by about 90%. Check this video out for the full run down-
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I used Manuka honey (even the MGO 550) for a while as anti-acne mask and liked how it made my skin smooth. Until my dermatologist told me that he wouldn’t do that because acne bacteria feed on “sugar” .. that made me unsure again and I set the honey aside for a while and rather used it internal (when I noticed a cold coming up i.e.). But I heared a lot around that people use it as external acne treatment. I might try again.
For me, manuka honey UMF18 works on blind, red spots but does absolutely nothing for inflamed comedonal acne.
I personally prefer manuka oil, which does the same job but without the sticky mess.
Hey Joolzy, it’s interesting that your experiences with the oil are as powerful .. I was always interested because the oil comes from the plant but the honey comes from the pollen from the plant that the bees made.
I might do a little searching around to see if the oil has a high UMF as well .. thanks for your input! x
hey fran,
i live in california– how can i get manuka honey ? do i go to a specific website to order it?
Hi Fran
you should try Manuka honey and aloe vera sap, its good for acne/combination skin.
Just mix 2 tlbs honey and 1 tlbs of aloe vera sap and leave it on for 15 min.
many people said it works wonder on their skin.
Also check this site out:
http://www.tranquillityskincare.com/
Take care x
Thanks for the article! Although I’ll just stick to natural Quebec-made honey, just ’cause it’s local and wastes less energy.
By the way, I love the painting of the tree in the background!
(and did you say put DUCT tape on your face to secure a cotton ball? Taking it off would hurt! Haha!)
I have used Manuka 20+ and it burned my skin. I think it’s from the natural hydrogen peroxide that is in honey. Although, when I use raw yellow honey on irritation or burns, it clears it up in 10 minutes. I don’t eat it since sugar breaks me out.
Do you know any links where they talk about the uses for all the honey types? I see floral, clover, alfalfa and other honeys but not sure if all of them would be good for the skin.
I still stick to bp 10% for spot treatments. I have used Manuka oil but wasn’t really impressed. Plus, the smell isn’t worth it.
Will you be able to sell Manuka honey and/or hemp oil in your store. My prayers where answered when you put the Hemp Hemp Hooray facial cleanser…Thanks Once Again…And will it affect as Annia pointed out that it has sugar on it???…I still think it has healing benefits…what do you think??? Thank You For Your Marvelous Reviews
Hey Fran,
Thanks for posting this video ! I discovered Manuka from your site, and have also been blown away … only tried the UMF 15, so am excited to try the stronger variety. Couldn’t find it in my local Health Food store, though. I know you were in Toronto recently, can you recommend a good HF store here ?
Thanks for all your work Fran … your help is such a gift !!! : )
what brand of manuka honey do you use Fran? I’ve been using Comvita both UMF 15 and 20 for the past year but as a mask. I find it quite expensive since I do the mask every other day, the jar usually runs out in 2 weeks! Ive never tried it as a spot treatment. It has helped a lot with those under the skin spots but not so much with the inflammed angry ones.
Annia- You have a very strange dermatologist! Applying natural sugars to your face will absolutely NOT cause more acne. Manuka honey is extremely anti-bacterial so it’s actually killing the acne bacteria, not spreading it.
shelbi- Check your health stores first, you may find it in there. If not, jump online and google a store.
Jay- It burnt your skin? wow!
Angela- Not likely at this stage. But I do sell the hemp hemp hooray cleanser now
Andi- I love wholefoods of course. But there’s also the Big Carrot which has a little natural skin care and book store attached to it.
sarah_pris- Yeah it is really expensive. The brand I’m using at the moment is Superbee – superbee.com.au
Fran,
Thanks, this is great to know as I was going to try out the manuka honey starting low UMF and cheap, but now will start high!
And the tape and cotton method for overnight treatment is a great idea as I sleep on all sides and hence haven’t done night treatments. I have Eco-Guard band-aids and medical tape in my first aid kit so I’ll try those
On medicinal honey, have you ever heard of or tried ulmo tree honey? It is supposed to be even more effective than manuka honey, but the ulmo tree is native to Andean South America so it’s not a local product for us here in Australia. It has been cultivated in similar climates in the UK and North America, though, so is available there. I intend to try it when I visit the Americas next year (Whole Foods carries one brand), but would love to know what your thoughts are on it.
Cheers,
Misha
There is actually manuka honey that’s stronger than UMF 20+ :
http://www.virgincoconutoil.co.uk/manuka_honey_umf_30+_from_coconut_connections.htm
Manuka oil is 30 times stronger than ordinary tea tree oil if we are talking about anti-bactirial properties. I have noticed that one drop of manuka oil in a mask works much better than two drops or more.
I have heard the same thing from many people.
thanks fran:)
-shelbi
So weird! Third time today Manukah honey was brought to my attention! Have a reaallly great feeling about this. Can’t wait to buy some. I’m going to use it as a spot treatment ans also mix with avacado for a mask
Mike, you are saying that using only one drop of manukah honey is better and more effective than any more than that?
I havn’t had any results with tee tree oil for acne or razor bumps or anything.
I tried Zinat’s Manuka Honey/Aloe Skin mask yesterday and it really was great for my skin. I had a few sores which calmed down a lot with help of the mask
Thanks I also added a bit Vitamin C and zinc oxide from the pharmacy.
Yes, Amy. Try one drop in a small amount of mask. Than maybe two. Monitor results.
Hi
there’s another way of calming inflamed acne skin, it’s a simple mask, it’s more likely for combination/oily skin.
The ingredients are:
one egg white
2 teaspoon of aloe vera sap
1 teaspoon of lemon
Mix them up and apply using a brush then let it dry. Again apply the rest Of the mask and wait till all the layers are dry then wash your face with warm water. Hope this helps.
Hi all,
The 20+ Manuka honey is awesome! I have been using it on a big blind pimple for the last three days. Normally, after about four days the pimple will come to some sort of a head, but since sleeping with a dab of the honey on it it has totally shrunk and is clearing from the inside (without a nasty yellow/red head!) Yay for Manuka honey.
To Those trying this how are your results with white heads?
Hi Fran,
Where do I buy Manuka honey in Canada? I tried my local grocery store, but they didn’t have any.
Thanks!
Michelle, Manuka honey can only be made in New Zealand so it must be imported from there. You can usually find it in health food stores. If not, jump online … there are heaps of stores that sell it online.
I found MUF 30+ in a store today? Does that mean it is not a genuine Manuka?
Hi Fran! Would you recommend any one brand of manuka honey over another? There are so many different ones to choose from when shopping online.
Thanks Fran!
Also, have you ever tried Proactive? If so, did you find it effective?
Thanks!
You know what Bonnie, I’m not sure anymore what the highest UMF is, there is so much information on the net that seems to disagree with each other. But what I DO know is that a umf higher than 16 is what you want to look for.
Emily- As long as it has a high UMF it’s all good.
Michelle- yes I have tried it, it was a horrible experience and it made my skin heaps worse.
the health store in my city doesn’t have manuka umf 16 or 20 its just says manuka honey Newzealand can i use that
thanks
Hi Fran, It works, work Faster than BP, applied yesterday after seeing your recommendation. works on healing scar fast as well .
Fran, this article is awesome!! TANKS = ) I just have a question, I live in Mexico City and I don’t even know how to say Manuka Honey in Spanish =S LOL and ordering online is soooo expensive will u be selling it on ur store?? I really want to try it, but it’s so expensive, I wish I bought some Manuka Honey when i was in New Zealand!! I just didn’t know what was so special about it THEY SELL IT EVERYWHERE =S
PS Fran, I reed an article that said Apple Cider Vinegar helps cure acne and that it does miracles, have u tried it (Organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar) besides eating healthy and following all ur advices I also want to cure my acne using a little help with this kind of “super foods” and I’m sure I’ll never find Manuka Honey in Mexico City, we do have organic supermarkets, but most products are local or from the US and well…… Manuka Honey, I’m sure I will never find it here….. =S HOPE U CAN HELP ME =D U ARE AWESOME XXX
Hi Israel,
(A quick response in both English and Spanish.)
In Spanish you’d say ‘miel de Manuka’ or ‘miel Manuka’ (see here: http://viviendosanos.com/2008/03/miel-de-manuka-un-antibiotico-natural-muy-potente.html). It’s possible that in Mexico City it will be easier to find miel de Ulmo, a medicinal honey from Chile (http://apicultura.over-blog.es/article-29121291.html). But all honeys are good for your skin.
Good luck,
Misha
Hola Israel,
En español, se dice ‘miel de Manuka’ o ‘miel Manuka’ (http://viviendosanos.com/2008/03/miel-de-manuka-un-antibiotico-natural-muy-potente.html). Es posible que en DF será más fácil encontrar miel de Ulmo, una miel medicinal/medicamento de Chile (http://apicultura.over-blog.es/article-29121291.html). Pero todas las mieles son buenas para piel.
Buena suerte,
Misha
Fran,
I was blown away with all the free information that you are giving out…and your videos! Thanks for getting the word out about acne treatments and letting people know that each person requires a different approach because their body is unique.
I plan on reading and listening to your videos. I signed up for your free email mini course.
Cheers,
Mark
HEY Misha tanks for the response, that’s soo nice of u ; ) I did find Manuka Honey here!! =D they even sell 2 brands with different UMF levels, I also did find the honey from Chile, but I prefer Manuka Honey = ) I also found more super foods in an Organic Supermarket here in Mexico City which is just awesome!!
I have to say that I am AMACED with the results I got from drinking Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (2 spoons of ACV in a glass of green tea with 2 spoons of manuka honey) I also applied to my skin a home made toner made with 1/3 of Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar, 1/3 of green tea, 1/3 of pure water and 3 spoons of bee honey AND I also applied a cream mask of Manuka Honey.
OMG my skin is clearing up in SUCH A DRAMATIC WAY =O I never experienced this, I have to say I can’t even believe it, I don’t know how was this possible….. maybe it’s just magic?? lol U HAVE TO RY IT, believe me, almost EVERYONE asked me today about my skin, they said I looked different, more fresh and happy and well…. I can’t stop smiling because I can’t believe I finally found the solution to my acne, I have had it since I’m 15 (I’m 21 now) TANKS FRAN!! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR FULL OF HAPPINESS AND A BEAUTIFUL SKIN = ) XXX
Thats great Israel! I’m gonna give that a try. How did you do the manuka honey cream mask? did you just use pure manuka honey out of the pot or did you add other ingredients?
Hey Courtney ; ) yes just just use pure manuka honey in ur face for 20 minutes approximately and the results are incredible, also if u can make the toner I did I’m sure ur skin will clear up in less than a week = ) Good Luck! XX
Does it block pores ???
Hi Israel!
I just recently moved to Mexico City and would love to know where the organic supermarkets are. I am looking for Manuka honey and also high quality essential oils. Can you please tell me which stores to check out and where they are located? Thanks!
While in town this morning, I went into the health food store intending to buy manuka honey.
The lady in there instead sold me a jar of Australian Jelly Bush Honey, which is supposed to be just as effective as manuka. Its just half the price because it hasnt got a rating (UMf).
My purse definately liked this one, so lets hope skin does as well.
I also love the idea of using a local product & supporting Aussie products, people etc.
I got home and did a search on this honey that I havent heard of before and it all sounds really good.
http://www.australianectar.com.au/html/jelly_bush.html
http://www.berringahoney.com.au/index.html
(i didnt buy the berringa honey, but the website has some good info.)
Hey Christine! = ) welcome to Mexico City, of course I can help u, go to: The Green Corner, Aires de Campo, Origenes Orgánicos, City Market (Organic Section), in “El Centro” neighborhood u can find Health Stores that sell ANY product in the whole world u want, includding Manuka Honey and MANY other superfoods, u can find ANYTHING, things u never thought existed GOOD LUCK! =)
Hi Fran:
I have been recently viewing all of the information you have provided. I am a bit older than some of your other visitors and have recently been battling some acne as I hit my 40th birthday. I have been using some of your skin care suggestions, however had a question about the Manuka Honey. I live in Oregon/Washington area of the US so there are many NATURAL food stores and health stores here, but I purchased a jar of Manuka Honey and have no idea what the UMF is? It does seem to help with inflamation, but my question is how do I tell what the UMF is if it is NOT listed? Also, I am thinking of purchasing the “skin package,” however do you think these are good products for over 30 skin. I think you are doing a great job and appreciate all of your videos and help.
hey i just have a quick question for Israel…. about your self made toner i want to try it… however you said you usde green tea…. like green tea in the little seperate packages or a green tea already prepared beverage? also about how much of each product is needed to make the toner?!? thanks in advance!
HI, Fran.
Love the video on Manuka Honey. One question, i do have blind pimples, but not as much as my acne scars. YOu see i have been facing the inflamation of redness due to my scars. I was hoping if you can give me some good certain quailty of advice due to if the Manuka Honey and other sourses you researched can help improve my problem. If anyone would like to assist on helping that would be just as helpful to grateful.
Thank you, and Have a Blessed Day from God.
PC brand has it, strangely enough:
http://www.presidentschoice.ca/LCLOnline/products.jsp?type=details&catIds=106&productId=18650
it’s marketed as a food so i am sure it is not too pricey, but it doesn’t list the UMF. anyone know?
I like using Tisserand Rollerball on spots in the evenings only. Its a mix of Tea Tree Oil, Manuka Oil and Grapefruit Oil.
Have you continued using manuka honey for spot treatment? Or do you not get spots much anymore?
Iona- Wow, sounds like a great mix!
Katie- I got a bit fed up with the stickiness so currently I use it as a mask when I have a bath (which is most days!). I leave it on for 10-20 minutes while I have a soak. For spot treating I’ve been using either clay + ACV or clay + miessence purifying blemish gel which is I still think is quite good. Occasionally I’ll use manuka oil or aloe, it just depends on what I feel like at the time
I’ve been using Bee Yummy moisturiser daily and Manuka Honey UMF 20+ face masks once a week or so for approx 1.5 months now and my skin tone has improved so much. I still get the odd spot but I’ve found honey to be a great skin care product!
I also made my own facial exfoliator with it, similar to Israel’s toner. It’s 1tsp manuka honey, 1tsp green tea (cooled) & 1tsp apple cider vinegar. I add these together an when the honey is mixed in I add baking soda untill its a thick paste. This has worked really well, the baking soda is so fine and gentle it doesn’t aggrivate any spots but still gives a good scrub
Hi Israel,
could you please tell me EXACTLY where did you find the Manuka Honey in Mexico city? I came here for job reasons from England for a full year and so far I haven’t been able to find the Munuka Honey, they only sell weird supplements like tonics and strange herbs, but no Manuka! I read your post and went to Centro area and couldn’t find any manuka, only agave honey =(
Your help would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!!!
[...] Manuka honey is awesome too but I’m sure you’ve already heard me go on and on about it in many blog posts in the past. If you’re one of the very few that hasn’t, you can hear all about my love affair with this honey here – Manuka Honey Just May Be The “Miracle” You’re Looking For … [...]
Hi Fran,
I recently bought manuka honey froma company called Manuka Health New Zealand. I noticed in the health shop that some jars have “active” written on them and some do not as well as “gm free”. I am new to using it so I apologise if these questions seem a bit silly but I was wondering if that’s an issue as the jar I bought had neither of these things written on it? I also read that if you apply it topically it should be sterilized.
The one I bough has a MGO rating of 250(15 UMF) and I’ve been using it as a mask but stopped as I started worrying it would make my already damaged skin worse.
Any help would really be appreciated.
Thanks!
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