We all know that our skin just doesn't react the same way throughout the different seasons. We have a solution for you! A DIY face mask that leaves your skin looking dewy and radiant, no matter the season, using Manuka Honey.
Manuka Honey is not just a spread for your morning piece of toast or a healthy sweetener for your cup of coffee, it is also a highly sought after superfood. Why is Manuka Honey so special? A few reasons really. One, it is uniquely produced in New Zealand by bees who take the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka Bush). Manuka Honey is a natural humectant, it draws in and retains moisture which makes it deeply nourishing to your skin and can leave you with a natural, dewy glow. When you see a jar of Manuka Honey, you might be a little confused by all the acronyms and numbers, here is a little explanation.
What does UMF mean?
UMF is the acronym for ‘Unique Manuka Factor’ and is the standard of measure developed by the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association¹ (UMFHA). The UMF grading system is what has been established to measure the natural markers found in Manuka Honey and assures the product you are buying is pure, authentic and made from quality Manuka Honey. If Manuka Honey has been graded by the UMFHA it will display the UMF icon on their packaging and means it has been independently tested by the UMFHA.
What does UMFᵀᴹ 5+, UMFᵀᴹ 10+, UMFᵀᴹ 15+, UMFᵀᴹ 20+, UMFᵀᴹ 24+ and UMFᵀᴹ 26+ mean?
The number behind the UMF icon represents three chemical markers that indicate the content of Manuka Honey to ensure quality and purity. These chemical markers are DHA, MGO and Leptosperin. Visit: https://www.umf.org.nz/unique-manuka-factor/umf-four-factor-quality-testing/ to learn more about these numbers. .
Why are there different grading systems for Manuka Honey?
There are many claims made against Manuka Honey, including the grading systems used. The ones most commonly seen on labels are Unique Manuka Factor (UMFᵀᴹ), BioActive, KFactor and Molan Gold Standard (MGS). Each was established to create standards around Manuka Honey production and quality assurance.
UMFᵀᴹ is considered the most well established and widely recognised grading system of Manuka Honey in the world and includes the measurement of MGO. It is important to note that MGO is not a grading system but simply a measurement of the Methylglyoxal levels in the honey.
What are Manuka Honey’s benefits?
Manuka Honey has many different wellness benefits, but when it comes to skincare, what we are specifically after is the antibacterial, anti inflammatory and the fact it's naturally high in antioxidants.
While all honey has antibacterial properties, a study by the chemistry department at the University of Waikato⁴ discovered the compound methylglyoxal found in Manuka Honey contains a non-peroxide antibacterial activity. Unlike traditional antibiotics, though, Manuka hasn’t been shown to encourage resistant bacteria. The antibacterial properties are potent on the skin. Free radicals⁵ cause aging and contribute to a variety of diseases. Antioxidants bond with free radicals and lessen the impact they have on the body. Manuka honey is naturally high in antioxidants and therefore can assist with this.
Since Manuka Honey possesses these amazing active and unique properties, it is a wonderful and natural solution for a face mask. You could buy a Manuka Honey mask in store, but they are generally expensive, and you don’t know what is actually in it. Plus, buying your own jar of Manuka Honey means you can apply it to many different uses.
The Rosewater and Manuka Honey face mask is the perfect solution for your weary skin against the seasonal elements. It’s easy to make, and will leave your skin moisturized, glowing and softened.
Prep Time: 5 min
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Serves: 1 Facemask
Ingredients:
1 tsp New Zealand Manuka Honey UMF 20+
½ tsp Cinnamon
½ tsp Rose Water
Method:
Our New Zealand Manuka Honey UMF 20+ is the perfect addition to your skincare routine.
