Used in moisturizing creams, this natural ingredient has no equal for firming and soothing the skin.
It’s the best kept beauty secret. An ancestral ingredient, it has never been as popular as today. Capable of transforming the radiance of the complexion while coming to the aid of the most weakened skin, this “liquid gold” is conquering our vanities. And for good reason: it has antibacterial and healing properties unique in the world. A true miracle of nature which promises flawless skin without going through the chemistry box, and which all girls in search of “glow” have been chasing for several years now. And soon, you too!
It is found in the heart of the New Zealand landscapes. There, bees gather wild flowers with their captivating scent to create this elixir that the Maori have cherished for centuries. But make no mistake: far from being a simple kitchen ingredient, this amber treasure has become the darling of dermatologists for its ability to tame imperfections while boosting cell regeneration. “If Manuka honey is so effective, it is thanks to its exceptional antibacterial properties. As the tree it comes from grows in areas exposed to wind and extreme temperatures, going from cold to hot, it has developed incredible resistance“, explains Elizabeth Barbalich, founder of the Antipodes brand and scientist. Used in skin care, it is a precious ally: it deeply cleanses the epidermis and helps neutralize bacteria.
As we age, this ingredient becomes a real bodyguard for skin seeking density. Because beyond its purifying virtues, this New Zealand treasure is a powerful humectant. “This allows it to maintain optimal hydration. It retains water inside the skin“, adds the professional. This process promises to plump up the fine lines of dehydration sometimes present on the face. But its real genius lies in its ability to boost cellular regeneration. By fighting against oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair, it restores suppleness to epidermis refined over time. Result? Firmer, deeply nourished skin and that famous “bouncy” side that we are all looking for. Manuka honey also has healing properties, ideal when a little button decides to make an appearance.
If Antipodes uses this liquid gold in its products dedicated to the skin, the brand has more recently integrated it into a hair range. Yes, Manuka honey is real gold for the face but also for the scalp and hair where it helps maintain hydration. The only downside to this ingredient? Because of its rarity, it can quickly drive up the price of items that contain it. The Manuka flower only blooms one month a year. It is so small that the tree emits pheromones to attract bees to it. “Bees love the taste of Manuka, but they have to make around 20,000 trips to produce just one pot of honey. This is why it is so expensive: it is extremely difficult to harvest and cultivate“, says Elizabeth Barbalich.
And if you don’t want to invest in a cream, it is also possible to buy it pure to apply as a mask. Be careful, however, when choosing your pot, check that the product is indeed from New Zealand, because this treasure does not tolerate any geographical approximation to preserve its virtues.
