Why Manuka Honey & Manuka Oil are great helpers for the skin
It seems like magic but it's a lot more science than magic. Here’s a quick FYI on Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil. Stick with us, it’s a goo(d) read for those wanting to know the ins and outs.
The reason Rescue Goo is so effective at assisting with acne and various skin other skin conditions is the utterly unique combination of these two ingredients, expertly supported by a cast of other hero ingredients, but these two are the superstars of the show. They effectively assist with the reduction of the causes and symptoms of irritation like no other natural ingredients. They help to clear bacteria and fungus, dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells, assist in healing and help reduce the occurrence and appearance of acne scarring. Not done yet, they also aid in reducing inflammation and pain to help rebuild and restore the skin barrier. They really, truly are the superheroes of natural ingredients for the skin!
Where do they come from?
Manuka Honey - Manuka Honey is produced when bees forage on the nectar of the Leptospermum scoparium or Leptospermum polygalifolium, more commonly known as a tea tree. But it’s not just any tea tree. The honey that is produced from the nectar of these particular plants contains a huge diversity of pre and pro-biotics, enzymes, amino acids and methylglyoxal which brings an anti-bacterial punch with it.
Manuka Oil - Manuka Oil is also sourced from the same plant and it produced by a detailed and specific process of steam distilling the leaves and twigs of the Manuka Plant. Once the steam passes through the plant material it is then cooled and separates into floral water on the bottom while the valuable essential oil floats to the top.
Bacteria
It’s well known that skin irritation can be caused by bacteria, but what is little known is that 90% of the bacteria C.acnes that colonises the skin is protected behind what is called biofilm. It’s a protective layer that houses much of the bacteria on skin and is resistant to being broken down by many natural ingredients or antibiotics. Therefore much of the bacteria is happily doing it's thing, safely hidden behind this film. However (here’s the kicker), Manuka Honey helps to break down and disperse this biofilm and goes on to aid in getting rid of the other 90% of bacteria. It does this through a process called osmotic pressure which sucks the moisture out of the cell, dehydrating it and destroying it. Manuka Oil also gets in on the act by assisting in the breakdown of the membrane wall of the cell and also disrupting communication between bacteria, reducing their ability to proliferate. Continued use of Rescue Goo helps to prevents bacteria from recolonising the skin and causing further breakouts. Science is actually very cool.
Inflammation
Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil are both proven to help in reducing inflammation including in the early stages of acne and skin irritation therefore reducing the severity.
Sebum and dead skin cells
Manuka Oil contains astringent properties which are well known for aiding in gently dissolving and exfoliating sebum and excess oils on the skin. Manuka oil also assists to dissolve the bond that binds sebum and dead skin cells together meaning they are less likely to block pores and cause acne. Bacteria also uses sebum as a source of food and energy, so if there is less sebum available to bacteria it is less likely to proliferate.
Microbiome
A healthy microbiome is imperative to managing acne, skin irritation and restoring skin to health. Manuka Honey contains a range of pre and pro-biotics that feed the useful bacteria on the skin at the expense of the pathogenic bacteria, helping to restore balance to the skins microbiome.
Skin barrier
Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is vital to assisting in the reduction of acne, irritation and dryness in skin. Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil are known to aid in rebuilding the skin barrier by creating a moisture lock on the surface of this skin, preventing moisture loss throughout the day.
Scarring and hyperpigmentation
Manuka Honey assists in the healing of wounds and tissue and prevents further infection. Therefore reducing the risk and severity of scarring. It also contains low levels of hydrogen peroxide which can assist to reduce the appearance of post-acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
