Sometimes a skin care ingredient seems so unlikely, I don't bother to check it out.
When I first read about honey as moisturizer, that was my reaction. "Sure," I thought. "You rub on the honey, have your dog lick it off, and see? Moist skin."
Well, I can still learn. And eventually, I did check out honey as moisturizer for the skin. And surprise, I found out that honey, used topically on the skin, can be a great ingredient for skin hydration.
Now, I won't swear by just any honey off the grocery store shelf. But there is a special type of honey called Active Manuka Honey from New Zealand, which contains enzymes that have been studied carefully in clinical trials, and have proven healing properties for the skin.
Honey, it turns out (though I never knew this till recently) has been used since ancient times for healing, especially for the skin. Now, scientists have discovered why. It is due to natural enzymes in honey that give it antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Studies at New Zealand's Waikato University have documented that honey supports the skin's own cell renewal process, and stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for strength and elasticity in our skin.
Certain types of honey gathered from the manuka bush, which grows wild in uncultivated woods in New Zealand, have a unique antibacterial property.
Scientists call this the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). UMF is is not found in all types of manuka honey, for reasons that are still not understood.
Active manuka honey has much higher levels of antioxidants than most types of honey. It destroys damaging free radicals in the skin and stimulates the immune system. Active manuka honey has also been effective in treating serious skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Active manuka honey is powdered in a special process and is a key ingredient in a skin moisturizer I use regularly.
Check my website recommendations for skin care products that include this special honey as moisturizer.
When I first read about honey as moisturizer, that was my reaction. "Sure," I thought. "You rub on the honey, have your dog lick it off, and see? Moist skin."
Well, I can still learn. And eventually, I did check out honey as moisturizer for the skin. And surprise, I found out that honey, used topically on the skin, can be a great ingredient for skin hydration.
Now, I won't swear by just any honey off the grocery store shelf. But there is a special type of honey called Active Manuka Honey from New Zealand, which contains enzymes that have been studied carefully in clinical trials, and have proven healing properties for the skin.
Honey, it turns out (though I never knew this till recently) has been used since ancient times for healing, especially for the skin. Now, scientists have discovered why. It is due to natural enzymes in honey that give it antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Studies at New Zealand's Waikato University have documented that honey supports the skin's own cell renewal process, and stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for strength and elasticity in our skin.
Certain types of honey gathered from the manuka bush, which grows wild in uncultivated woods in New Zealand, have a unique antibacterial property.
Scientists call this the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). UMF is is not found in all types of manuka honey, for reasons that are still not understood.
Active manuka honey has much higher levels of antioxidants than most types of honey. It destroys damaging free radicals in the skin and stimulates the immune system. Active manuka honey has also been effective in treating serious skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Active manuka honey is powdered in a special process and is a key ingredient in a skin moisturizer I use regularly.
Check my website recommendations for skin care products that include this special honey as moisturizer.