94 replies to this topic

[Manuka Honey]

I've had moderate acne since I was about 13-years-old. Mostly on my chin and cheeks. When I say moderate, I mean one or two pimples here and there. Some were deep red papules and some were whiteheads. I've used Clearasil, Neutrogena, Clean & Clear, and Proactiv products to help with my acne. Nothing really worked well. Most of the products contained Salacylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide in which over dried my face. As I reached my twenties, I couldn't stand to go out in public without make-up. As a result of make-up, I broke out a lot more all over my chin and cheeks. The reason was because I wasn't using a make-up remover, I just washed with a cleanser.

I had felt helpless , finally I went to see a dermatologist. He recommended that I used Cetaphil products since it was gentle for skin, and prescribed Tetracycline. Well, I took his advice and used the Cetaphil products and Tetracycline but I stopped taking the Tetracycline after a week because it made me sick to my stomach and also gave me a yeast infection. I felt even more helpless, until I read that the birth control Ortho Tri Cyclen (not Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo) could help get rid of acne. I remembered my sister saying that the birth control helped regulate hormones. I just had a feeling that maybe my acne pertained to hormones, so I gave it a try. I saw great results from the Ortho Tri Cyclen while also using the Cetaphil products. I'm not quite sure but I think it took about 3 months for my face to completely be acne free. I used Ortho for about a year and half until I stopped. You're probably wondering why I stopped using if it was working. Well, there are a few main reasons. One, I felt I couldn't control my moods while on the pill. Sometimes I felt depressed, irritable and angry for no reason. Two, I read that taking the pill can cause some seriously bad health effects. I was scared. Three, I thought the pill wasn't working to control my acne anymore. I had switched from a Neutrogena foundation to a stay-in-place foundation called Double Wear. Little did I know that the foundation was not washing completely off my face with the Cetaphil cleanser/soap I was using and was causing me to break out on my chin and lower cheeks, while taking the pill. I may have not broken out if I had used a make-up remover.

After a month of not taking the pill, my acne became severe. I was still clueless that my new make-up was not washing off my face. I developed deep, oily red patches on my cheeks and chin. I read online that there was an oil regimen able to help clear up acne. It was a mixture of 75% olive oil with 25% castor oil for people who had oily skin. I decided to do the regimen. The first two days of doing the regimen, my face was clearing up nicely. It felt like clogged oils on my face had disappeared. I continued to used it for almost two weeks. That was a big mistake!!! My face became more oily and patchy, I even started to break out on my forehead. I never broke out on my forehead before. When I put on my stay-in-place foundation, it just smeared off my face. The oils were a make-up remover. I went back to the website that wrote about the oil regimen and re-read it. Thought maybe I wasn't doing the regimen right. At the bottom of the page, the author wrote that after a couple times of using the oils, you're supposed to stop using and let your face rest and create new natural oil. I was so upset with myself for not reading that carefully in the first place.

Well, I became a bit depressed as a result of the oil regimen. I searched the net for ways to cure my acne the cheapest way. Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, Aloe Vera, and 100% Raw Active Manuka Honey were positively reviewed as helping to cure acne topically. Internally, I read that drinking 2Tablespoons of Bragg's apple cider vinegar in an 8 ounce glass of water 2-3 times per day was beneficial as well. Also, taking Opti-zinc, garlic, honey and b-vitamins were good.

I figured, if I wanted to cure or keep my acne under control, I needed to internally take something that could control my hormones, oil/sebum, kill bacteria and heal my skin. In additon to internally preventing acne, I needed something to externally cleanse and clear my skin plus rid of acne marks too.

I have found that the most beneficial internal products are the Opti-zinc $7 and Bragg's apple cider vinegar $5. The external to be Cetaphil Gentle Soap $4, 100% Raw Active Manuka Honey $20, and 99% Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly $3-4.



After trying different things I've finally come to this:

Internally I take 60 mg. of Opti-Zinc (monomethionine). Make sure it's this kind of zinc. I've been taking it every night for about 2 months now. After the third month I will lower the dose to 30 mg. When taking Opti-zinc I don't eat or take any supplement within 2 hours before or after. I drink 2 Tablespoons of ACV with water twice a day. For additional health...I drink a cup of green tea everyday, take 1 caltrate (calcium), 2 GarliPure (garlic, read that it's antibacterial), a Tablespoon of organic honey (I like alfalfa), and 1 b-stress (b vitamins, used to take two but no need because ACV has some b-vitamins). I need the b vitamins to help with stress . I also drink half my body weight of water and exercise for at least 30 mins. straight.

Externally when not wearing make-up
MORNING
Wash face with Cetaphil Gentle Soap Bar (2 mins. for antibacterial properties to work)
1 part apple cider vinegar to 1 part water (use as a toner for 10 mins. then wash off because I don't like the smell)
Organic Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly 99% smear all over face (face feels tight but it hydrates)
EVENING
Wash face with Cetaphil Gentle Soap Bar (2 mins.)
Smear 100% Raw Active Manuka Honey UMF 5+ on the acne spots (30-60 mins. then rinse with water) or Manuka Honey UMF 16+ (15-30 mins. rinse)

I don't apply anything else on but if face feels dry, I'll apply the aloe vera gelly

Externally when wearing make-up
MORNING
Wash face with Cetaphil Gentle Soap Bar (2 mins.)
1 part apple cider vinegar to 1 part water (rinse)
Estee' Lauder Moiturizer for oily skin
Estee' Lauder Double Wear foundation and powder
EVENING
Estee' Lauder Make-up Remover
Wash face with Cetaphil Gentle Soap Bar (2 mins.)
Smear 100% Raw Active Manuka Honey UMF 5+ on acne spots (30-60 mins. rinse) or Manuka Honey UMF 16+ (15-30 mins. rinse)

If face is dry, apply the aloe vera

Baking soda paste is used once a week, in place of the Cetaphil, in the evening as an exfoliator. Leave on for only a couple minutes all over then gently wash off. Don't rub too hard. Baking soda can cause redness and irritation so not recommended for those with sensitive skin.

Note: I will continue to use the Active Manuka Honey for the next 2-3 weeks or until I'm cleared (spotting only). Later will only use it 2 times/week all over face (leave on for 15 mins. then rinse)

In conclusion for now, I've used the Active Manuka Honey for two days now (no make-up) and had seen some dramatically positive results. Only two days!!! The red blotchiness is almost completely gone, zits dried up and skin tone looking a lot better. Looks like scars are fading as well. I love this stuff. I don't recommend this to everyone but the first day, I've left the Manuka Honey (spotting) on my face for 3-4 hours in the evening and then 2 hours in the morning. It's helping to clear my face faster but does leave my skin a bit dry. I suggest keeping to 30-60 mins. (spotting), once in the evening, for about 2-3 weeks or until clear. Then just use it twice a week (all over for 15 mins.). The 100% Raw Active Manuka Honey works because it's anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. It cleanses, tones and moisturizes face in one. It's strong stuff in comparison to grocery store honey. The cheap sugary honey doesn't do anything for your face. The $5 organic honey might help but results are not as good as what the Active Manuka Honey provides.

Later on I will post some pictures of my face with acne before and after doing this regimen. After two days, I have hope once again. I pray that it continues to work and my face becomes completely clear soon. I give all the praise to Jesus-God because he created natural things for us to use to heal our bodies. I hope everyone who reads this will benefit from it.
_________________________________________________________________
Added: Now, I am currently using one with UMF 5+...I'm planning to switch to UMF 16+ about $35 for 500g (s & h included). I just recently ordered it. Although, I've read that a UMF of 10+ will work fine. Please do not use a UMF 20+ for this can cause more harm to skin than heal it. I've decided to switch to 16+ because I read medical profesionals use UMF 10 or higher on patients and found great healing results. Plus using UMF less that 10 might not fully clear an infection or go deep down into skin tissue, although it still works. Anyway, I recommend those out there to buy Raw Manuka Honey UMF 10-18. Be willing to pay the $35. I'm going to continue using my UMF 5+ until I get my UMF 16+. This is where I ordered my UMF 16+ http://www.umfactive...y.com/index.htm There are other websites with a variety of Manuka Honey to choose from that may be cheeper. In using a higher UMF, you must realize that you must not keep it on your face for long...it may cause a burning or stinging sensation.

[Jenstar]

There are varying UMF strengths of Manuka honey ranging from 5 to 20 (that I know of) that can be bought from a health food store. When you say 100%, I am assuming it's not a blend. What UMF is it?

I am also experimenting with honey masks at the moment.

[Manuka Honey]

There are varying UMF strengths of Manuka honey ranging from 5 to 20 (that I know of) that can be bought from a health food store. When you say 100%, I am assuming it's not a blend. What UMF is it?

I am also experimenting with honey masks at the moment.

You can go to this website to see what mine looks like http://www.amazon.co...d/dp/B000P3JJAO My bottle doesn't say but the website states that it is UMF 5+. Mine is U.S. Fancy Grade 100% Raw Certified Active Manuka Honey. From New Zealand, 500g/1 lb. I don't believe it's a blend, because on the side it reads that it is Pure Manuka Monofloral Honey.

This website http://www.manukahon...car-healing.htm has a lot of information on Manuka Honey. Active Manuka with UMF range of 16-18 is the most effective. The U.S. doesn't promote a UMF that is 20+,25+,30+ etc. because it is way too strong. There are negative effects to using Active Manuka with UMF that high and you just spend more money for it as well. You're looking at 45 plus dollars for 500g/1 lb. It's best to stick to 5+ Active Manuka or one with UMF of 10/16-18. I bought mine at a health food store for $20 bucks and it works fine. If you want to make sure that it has at least a UMF of 10, you can probably buy it online for $30-40, depending on what store you buy from and name brand you want.

[Jenstar]

I have heard from a couple of sources the most effective strength for a Manuka honey mask is 10 or 12 UMF and that 5 would be too weak.

[Jenstar]

Have you heard of Medihoney?

[Manuka Honey]

Have you heard of Medihoney?

I've read a few things about it. Haven't used it. I know that it consists of two different types of honey. One forms large amount of hydrogen peroxide and they other called Leptospermum honey from a species of tree in New Zealand and Austrailia. If used in large concentrations, it could damage both bacteria and skin cells, because it has a strong anti-bacterial effect, even in 10% dilution.

Are you using this product right now? If so, how is it working for you?

[Jenstar]

I heard this brand is very good.

http://www.amazon.co...sim_gro_title_1

I just bought raw organic honey from a health food store but now I wish I bought Manuka. I tried my first honey mask just the other night. See my log for further info. I next wish to try it with mixed with raw oats.

[Jenstar]

I notice you are a new member. Welcome to the boards. Re honey, you might find a few of these posts interesting:

http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=182015

http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=184126

http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=182902

[Manuka Honey]

I notice you are a new member. Welcome to the boards. Re honey, you might find a few of these posts interesting:

http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=182015

http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=184126

http://www.acne.org/...howtopic=182902

Hey thanks for the links! I read some of your log...you're using cetaphil and aloe vera too . In regards to using organic honey for your face, I don't think it could hurt. It does work but a bit slow in comparison to Manuka. I used the organic on my face for almost a week and saw some improving results but not cleared up. After just using the Manuka for two days, I can see greater improvements. I hope it can clear me up by the end of the week (cross my fingers). Not going to wear any make-up until Friday.

[Jenstar]

Yes, it makes sense Manuka would be more effective. I will buy the Comvita brand soon in UMF 10.

So you are using the honey mask every night? Will you try adding sugar or oats for exfoliating sometimes?

Have you considered Omega-3s in the form of fish oil or salmon oil? I hear salmon oil is superior. Vitamin C is also good for skin. Your other supplements sound great.

I stopped using Aloe Vera gel. I was mixing it in with my Cetaphil moisturiser to make it less heavy but now I use a lighter Dove moisturiser, that is non-greasy and contains SPF 15.

Cetaphil gentle cleanser is recommended for removing makeup. By using an actual makeup remover you are adding a further product/possible irritant. Try the Cetaphil gentle cleanser. It's a liquid cleanser that you could try instead of the soap. It does a very good job at removing my makeup except I do use a non-oily eye makeup remover for my eyes.

I would steer clear of oil treatments. I don't care what type of oil or how natural it is, I think any kind of oil used on the face is asking for trouble.

[Manuka Honey]

Yes, it makes sense Manuka would be more effective. I will buy the Comvita brand soon in UMF 10.

So you are using the honey mask every night? Will you try adding sugar or oats for exfoliating sometimes?

Have you considered Omega-3s in the form of fish oil or salmon oil? I hear salmon oil is superior. Vitamin C is also good for skin. Your other supplements sound great.

I stopped using Aloe Vera gel. I was mixing it in with my Cetaphil moisturiser to make it less heavy but now I use a lighter Dove moisturiser, that is non-greasy and contains SPF 15.

Cetaphil gentle cleanser is recommended for removing makeup. By using an actual makeup remover you are adding a further product/possible irritant. Try the Cetaphil gentle cleanser. It's a liquid cleanser that you could try instead of the soap. It does a very good job at removing my makeup except I do use a non-oily eye makeup remover for my eyes.

I would steer clear of oil treatments. I don't care what type of oil or how natural it is, I think any kind of oil used on the face is asking for trouble.

I'm planning to use the honey mask every night for the next 2-3 weeks or until I'm clear. I think I'm just going to stick to the Manuka without adding anyting else since it's working right now. I hear that cinnamon is a good additive but I'm afraid my skin might be sensitive to cinnamon. Oats sound like a good idea for exfoliation...I might try that some time.

When I was younger, I tried fish oil and saw little results. But then again, I don't think I tried it for very long. I might consider trying it again. As for vitamin c, I try to drink juices or eat fruits with vitamin c. Plus my b-stress supplement and apple cider vinegar has vitamin c. The Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly that I'm using also has vitamin A, C, and E.

As for the cetaphil gentle cleaser, I think I've already tried that but it doesn't quite remove all of the Double Wear make-up. I haven't worn make-up for a couple days so I haven't been using the make-up remover. Later, if I see that the make-up remover does irritate my skin a lot, I might have to switch to something else. You're probably wondering why I don't switch make-up. Well, I really like the Double Wear. It just covers really well and makes my face look flawless. I have thought about using Everyday Minerals but not sure if it would cover up as well.

Yes, from now on, I will steer away from oil treatments. I've heard great reviews about jajoba oil but will not use it for fear that it may damage my skin. Although, I do use an eye make-up remover that contains mineral oil.

[Jenstar]

I found a very interesting story on Manuka honey and UMF strength.

http://reviews.ebay....T:-1:LISTINGS:1

[~ Dee]

I'm happy I came across this thread tonight.
I did a 24% TCA peel earlier this evening. My face is a bit sore. I had some Living Nature Manuka in my cabinet. It feels so soothing! I put it over the top of my bacitracin ointment, but the cooling sensation is really soothing the burn! It's definitely going to be part of my healing process!

[Manuka Honey]

I'm happy I came across this thread tonight.
I did a 24% TCA peel earlier this evening. My face is a bit sore. I had some Living Nature Manuka in my cabinet. It feels so soothing! I put it over the top of my bacitracin ointment, but the cooling sensation is really soothing the burn! It's definitely going to be part of my healing process!

Yay! I'm happy for you. I've been using the Manuka UMF 5+ for about 3-4 days now. It feels so good and continuing to heal my skin of acne. There's so much healing benefits from the Manuka...you can eat it too.

[Manuka Honey]

Okay, Today is about day 3 or 4 for me on the Manuka Honey UMF 5+. The Manuka is still great...haven't changed my mind yet. Skin looking clearer everyday. I've made a few changes in my regimen here it is:

Morning--Without Make-up
Wash with Cetaphil Anti-bacterial Soap (2 mins., rinse off)
Tone with Apple Cider Vinegar (1 part ACV 8 part water, leave on 5-10 mins., rinse off)
Moisturize with Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly 99% (feels tight but hydrates, leave on throughout day)
Spot treat with Active Manuka UMF 5+ (leave on all day...you can't do this if you go out...sticky)

Evening
Wash with Cetaphil Anti-bacterial Soap (2 mins., rinse off)
Tone with Apple Cider Vinegar (1 part ACV 8 part water, leave on 5-10 mins., rinse off)
Smear Active Manuka UMF 5+ all over face (40 mins., rinse) or Active Manuka UMF 16+ all over face (20 mins., rinse)
Moisturize with Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly 99%

Morning--With Make-up
Wash with Cetaphil Anti-bacterial Soap ((2 mins., rinse off)
Tone with Apple Cider Vinegar (1 part ACV 8 part water, leave on 5-10 mins., rinse off)
Estee' Lauder Moisturizer for oily skin
Estee' Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Estee' Lauder Matte Powder

Evening
Maybeline Eye Make-Up Remover
Estee' Lauder Make-up Remover
Wash with Cetaphil Anti-bacterial Soap (2 mins., rinse off)
Tone with Apple Cider Vinegar (1 part ACV 8 part water, leave on 5-10 mins., rinse off)
Smear Active Manuka UMF 5+ all over face (40 mins., rinse) or Active Manuka UMF 16+ all over face (20 mins., rinse)
Moisturize with Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly 99%


I will continue to do this for two more weeks or until I'm clear. Then I plan to just use the Manuka UMF 5+ (40 mins.) or UMF 16+ (20 mins.) twice a week. Also, thinking about making an organic honey and oatmeal paste as exfoliator once a week. Might do that or use lemon and water.

Note: Since I've been using the Manuka 5+ I haven't worn any make-up for 3-4 days now. It's kind of embarassing...I feel like I need some make-up on but don't want to wear any for a few more days. Need face to heal I hope I'll be clear in two days. Seems possible. Zits have dried up, disappeared or are disappearing, redness or red patches are almost gone, my complexion seems a lot better and scars are fading. It may take a while for the scars to completely fade but I have hopes

[Manuka Honey]

I found a very interesting story on Manuka honey and UMF strength.

http://reviews.ebay....T:-1:LISTINGS:1

Hey Jenstar, that was an interesting site about Manuka. I've come to the conclusion that Manuka UMF 10+ or higher will work better for acne treatment and do recommend this to others. Although 20+ or higher should not be used, may be too strong. I just bought some more Active Manuka. This time with UMF 16+ for $35. Although, I have to say that the Manuka 5+ that I'm using still works in healing acne. My face is clearing up everyday. I think I just have to leave it on longer than one with a UMF 10 or higher. We'll see how good the UMF 16+ works on my skin when I get it. I just bought mine from here http://www.umfactivemanukahoney.com/ The Manuka Honey checklist is great...helpful for others to consider Manuka before buying.

Checklist to Identify Genuine UMF Manuka Honey:

Genuine UMF Manuka Honey complies with all five of the following criteria:

1. It has the name UMF clearly stated on the front label.
2. It is packed into jars and labeled in New Zealand.
3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use the name UMF.
4. It has the UMF licensee’s name on the front label.
5. It has a rating of UMF10 or more.

A UMF 10 rating is the minimum to qualify to use the name UMF and be suitable for treating infections.


Later on, I might just internally take the Manuka 5+ since it's good for the rest of our bodies too. I have been tasting it every now and then these past few days. It doesn't taste bad at all.

[Helio]

Hey there, I read through your entire log.

My display name used to be sulfur, which was what I thought would cure my acne. I can see your display name mirrors what you use too.

Anyway, what a rollercoaster that you've been on! It seems your acne responds well to treatment, but for one reason or another, you cannot use that treatment anymore.

I wish you the best!

[Manuka Honey]

Hey there, I read through your entire log.

My display name used to be sulfur, which was what I thought would cure my acne. I can see your display name mirrors what you use too.

Anyway, what a rollercoaster that you've been on! It seems your acne responds well to treatment, but for one reason or another, you cannot use that treatment anymore.

I wish you the best!

Thanks Helio! Yeah, my face seems to repond to different treatments well but I found that my past treatments were not good for my skin or body. The Manuka Honey seems to be the best that I've ever used. It's now been about five days of using and my face is looking clearer everyday. I thank God because he helped me to find my cure for this horrible acne. I hope that I will be completely cured of zits and scars within four or five more days. The scars may take a while longer but I have hopes.

[Manuka Honey]

Okay, it's been five days, today will be day six, and my face is looking very good. Barely any more bumpy red zits. My face feels a tiny bit dry but that's way better than feeling oily. After using my moiturizer, I feel like I have normal skin . I'm so happy.

I still have a few blothcy red areas, dried up zits, and tiny scars. Yesterday, I finally decided to wear make-up. After a few hours, I noticed that my face looked like it had a lot of little zitty bumps . I felt a bit frustrated at first but then had an idea. I went to target and bought myself a few of those $0.99 teardrop shaped exfoliating facial sponges.

So this is what I did in the evening, used my Estee' Lauder make-up remover...wiped off with cotton then I wet the sponge and applied my cetaphil soap to the sponge. I gently exfoliated in a circular motion all over my face...exfoliated more in the areas were the dried oils were. The result was great. I don't recommend doing this everyday for those with clear smooth skin. It could do some damage.

Well, the sponge helped remove dirt, dead skin, leftover make-up and dried-up oil. It can cause a bit of redness but the redness is only temporary. I put the Manuka honey on my face afterwards and I could feel the Manuka doing its work to heal and soothe. For those using the Manuka, I recommend this exfoliating sponge. The Manuka will kill those bacterias and dry up the oils but you really do need something else to daily exfoliate without having to add more irritating chemicals.

I did a test on my hand. I put some of my Double Wear Stay-In-Place foundation on my hand. Trust me, this make-up stays in place. I can not simply just wash it off with my cetaphil soap or cleansers. Only thing that would remove it would have to be make-up reomvers. Well, this time, I didn't used any make-up remover. I wet the sponge and rubbed some of that cetaphil soap on the sponge and exfoliated my hand in a circular motion for a few seconds then rinsed. THE MAKE-UP WAS GONE!!! I no longer have to buy make-up remover...yay!!!

Morning
Cetaphil gentle soap
Apple Cider Vinegar + Water (as toner, optional)
Estee' Lauder moisturizer for oily skin
Estee' Lauder Double Wear foundation & Powder

Evening
Cetaphil gentle soap (scrub with exfoliating sponge, circular motion)
Apple Cider Vinegar + Water (as toner, optional)
Manuka UMF 5+ (all over, 40 mins.)
Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera 99% (Moisturize)

Oatmeal + fresh lemon juice (15 mins.) as a mask once a week. Good for those with oily skin.

I haven't received my Manuka UMF 16+ so I've just been using my Manuka UMF 5+. It's been working fine. Doesn't irritate skin, also been eating it too .

[Manuka Honey]

My Manuka 16+ arrived this afternoon. I smeared my new Manuka on my face tonight. Left it on for 30 mins. instead of 20 mins. Afterwards, face felt similar to when I used my Manuka 5+ except just a tiny bit more drying. The biggest difference so far is when I touched my face with my hand. I could feel that the zits are a lot more dry. Maybe my new Manuka has gone deeper into my skin to pull out impurities and dry it up. I'll find out when I wake up in the morning how well it worked.

Didn't notice any burning but my face felt a bit itchy, not much. Don't know if the itchiness is from the Manuka or because I've exfoliated beforehand. Yesterday, my face had felt a bit itchy as well. When I rinsed off, it was somewhat red, but red only in my acne areas. Also, maybe from exfoliating with my scrub before.

Manuka UMF 16+ is darker in color, thicker, smells and tastes somewhat different from UMF 5+. I didn't taste much of the UMF 16+ but from what I smelled and tasted, I think I have to say that the UMF 5+ smells and tastes a lot better.

For now, I like do like the UMF 16+. Hopefully it will do wonders for my skin