Manuka Honey for Scars: How It Works, How to Use, and What Results to Expect
Curious about harnessing the power of Manuka Honey as a scar treatment? Whether you’re recovering from a recent surgery, grappling with marks from a years-old injury, or dealing with pesky acne scars, this ancient remedy is renowned for its protective and healing properties and, backed by promising research, has the potential to improve the look and feel of scars. In this guide, we’ll explore how Manuka Honey and scars interact, what results you can expect when using Manuka Honey for scars, and the best practices for effective application.
Overview of Manuka Honey and Scars
Before we dive into how to use Manuka Honey for scars, it’s important to first have a solid understanding of Manuka Honey’s unique properties and the process of scar formation. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Manuka Honey?
Hailing from New Zealand, Manuka Honey is produced from the nectar of the Manuka Bush, also known as the Tea Tree Bush. Loaded with amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, this golden elixir is essentially a supercharged Honey that boasts unique antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, it’s also famed for nourishing and rebalancing the skin, while its humectant properties help keep it hydrated. For these reasons, it’s lauded as a holistic treatment for preventing infection, soothing inflammation, and promoting healing.
What are Scars?
Scars are a result of the body producing fibrous collagen tissue to repair damage to the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin. Some common types of scars include:
Atrophic scars are characterized by a loss of tissue beneath the skin's surface, resulting in a depression or indentation in the skin. Common types include icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars, often resulting from conditions like acne and chickenpox.While scars are generally considered permanent, the right treatment and care can help significantly improve their visibility and texture—and however frustrating they may be to deal with, they’re simply proof of our body’s incredible ability to heal itself!
Is Manuka Honey Good for Scars?
So…is Manuka Honey good for scars? Yes! Its skin-nurturing properties can help both improve the appearance of existing scars decrease the severity of developing scars. Let’s delve into how Manuka Honey and scars interact.
How Does Manuka Honey Help Scars?
When it comes to wounds, Manuka Honey can be a healing topical treatment to help prevent scars from forming or reduce their severity. Applying a layer over the injured area will act as a protective barrier and keep the skin moist, while its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help keep the area clean and free from infection. Together, this promotes faster and more effective healing, which can help prevent excess scar tissue from developing.
But what about scars that already exist? Because Manuka Honey is an anti-inflammatory, it can help reduce swelling and redness around scarred areas, which can contribute to a less noticeable appearance. What’s more, various studies have shown that Honey, including Manuka Honey, has the potential to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair damaged skin cells, which may lead to a smoother, less visible scar over time.
Setting Expectations: Manuka Honey for Scars Before and After
Let’s set some expectations. Scars are permanent, and while no topical will magically vanish scars without a trace, the right ones can visibly improve their appearance. Manuka Honey is one of the most effective holistic approaches for managing scars, and you can expect to see a reduction in redness and inflammation, and a smoother, lighter, and less-raised appearance over time. However, the results of Manuka Honey for scars before and after will vary based on factors such as the type and severity of the scar, how consistently it's applied, and individual skin characteristics.
Are There Any Side Effects of Putting Manuka Honey on Scars?
Given its ultra-nourishing properties, most people won’t experience any adverse side effects from putting Manuka Honey on scars. However, if you’re allergic to bees, pollen, or Honey, you should steer clear from applying any Manuka Honey product topically. Some possible side effects include mild skin irritation like redness, itching, or a rash, so, as with any new ingredient you introduce to your routine, it’s important to patch test before applying it to more widespread areas.
How to Use Manuka Honey for Scars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Choosing the Right Product
When using Manuka Honey for scarring, first consider the form you want to use. Pure Manuka Honey contains the most natural healing properties, which is why its raw form is considered the most effective.
If you choose raw Manuka Honey, you’ll first want to look at its Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), a grading system that determines the potency of its antibacterial properties. For scar healing, a UMF rating of at least 10+ is best. It’s also crucial to ensure your Honey is authentic, high-quality, and pure. Certifications like the UMF Honey Association seal or the New Zealand FernMark are good indicators that it meets strict quality standards, but be sure to also check the ingredient list for any unnecessary additives, preservatives, or fillers.
Raw Manuka Honey doesn’t have the most pleasant hand feel (it’s just as sticky as traditional Honey), which is why many instead opt for skincare products formulated with it. At Naturopathica, we’ve developed a full Manuka Honey collection that incorporates this healing superfood and feels incredible on the skin, with added benefits, to boot! Again, the longer it stays on, the better, so we recommend our Manuka Honey Whipped Oil for the face and our Manuka Honey Creamy Body Lotion for the body. Both absorb into the skin without leaving behind any residue, revealing beautifully soft and nourished skin.
Preparing the Skin
Before applying Manuka Honey to scars, make sure the area is prepped and ready to absorb its goodness. Cleansed skin is always the best base, so a thorough cleanse of the scarred area to remove dirt, impurities, and excess oils is a key first step—and if that cleanser contains an extra dose of Manuka magic, even better!
If the scar is on your face, opt for a gentle double cleanse. Gently massage on our Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm, then sweep away impurities with our ultra-soft Facial Cleansing Brush (snag both in our Manuka Honey Cleansing Set!). Follow with a gentle gel cleanser of your choice, such as our Aloe Vera Cleansing Gel. For a skin-smoothing deep cleanse for the body, try our Manuka Honey Shower Body Exfoliator.
Applying Manuka Honey
If you’re using Manuka Honey-infused skincare, it’s important to follow the exact instructions of the product you’re using. In general, you’ll want to apply a thin layer directly to the scar with clean fingertips or a cotton swab, and if necessary, cover it with sterile gauze or bandage to keep the Honey in place (and prevent it from potentially staining your clothes or bedding). Allow it to penetrate the area for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight, before gently rinsing off with lukewarm water. Remember: The longer you leave it on, the better it can work its healing magic!
Duration and Frequency
For best results, we recommend applying Manuka Honey for scarring at least once daily, but you can apply it up to twice daily in the morning and evening. How long you continue this process will depend on the severity and age of your scars, but you should plan to apply daily for several weeks to months. Consistency is key!
Post-Application Care
Keeping your scar clean and protected after and in between treatments is the best way to boost the benefits of Manuka Honey and promote optimal healing. When cleaning, use only gentle cleansers and avoid harsh scrubbing or rubbing so as not to irritate the area. You should also avoid covering the area with anything that may cause friction. Sun exposure can darken scars or make them more noticeable, so be sure to keep yours protected with clothing or sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
More Ways to Manage the Appearance of Scars
While Manuka Honey is an effective holistic remedy for managing the appearance of scars, there are a number of other routes to consider that may yield more visible results, though these are typically much more invasive. These include procedures like dermabrasion, laser resurfacing therapy, chemical peels, cortisone injections, and surgical revision.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to Manuka Honey for Scars
Now that you understand the powerful healing and nourishing benefits of Manuka Honey and its potential to reduce the appearance of scars, it’s important to keep in mind that results will vary. Scar type, severity, and age—among other personal factors—will influence how effective the treatment will be. Ultimately, if you’d like to make Manuka Honey to help manage the look of scars, it’s best to consult your dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
