It takes a full 24 hours to travel from New York City to Pohuenui Island, New Zealand. The journey begins with a 17-hour flight from JFK to Auckland, followed by a 2-hour flight to Wellington, and finally a 45-minute helicopter ride across the Marlborough Sound. Cellphone service on the 5,000-acre island is non-existent, and even getting WiFi to work involves some creative laptop-waving. But despite its remote location, Pohuenui Island is a paradise for one of New Zealand’s most prized natural resources: manuka honey.
Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed on the nectar of manuka plants, which are abundant on the island. Thanks to Manuka Health, a New Zealand wellness brand, the bees create some of the most potent honey in the world. The manuka flower blooms for only a few weeks each year, allowing the bees to gather nectar and produce the honey that is then distributed worldwide. This year, Manuka Health is branching out into skincare products, utilizing the power of manuka honey and other bee-derived ingredients.
Manuka honey is unique due to its high concentration of Methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that offers numerous health benefits. It is antibacterial, rich in antioxidants, and contains essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, copper, and zinc. While manuka honey may be more expensive, its potent properties make it worth the investment. In addition to internal health benefits, manuka honey is also excellent for skincare.
Honey has long been used in skincare for its hydrating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Manuka honey, in particular, is highly effective at fighting bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin regeneration. It is also a powerful humectant, attracting moisture to the skin and providing hydration for dry and sensitive skin.
In addition to manuka honey, other bee-derived ingredients like propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom offer a range of benefits for skincare. Propolis provides antioxidant protection, royal jelly stimulates collagen production, and bee venom supports natural collagen and elastin production. Incorporating bee beauty products into your skincare routine can help promote healthy and radiant skin.
Manuka Health has recently launched a skincare line that harnesses the power of bee-derived ingredients. The products include serums, moisturizers, eye creams, and lip balms that utilize manuka honey, propolis, royal jelly, and bee venom to nourish and protect the skin. I personally tried the products on Pohuenui Island and experienced hydrated, nourished skin with improved texture and tone.
Overall, incorporating bee beauty products into your skincare routine can provide a natural and effective way to support your skin’s health and vitality. The benefits of manuka honey and other bee-derived ingredients make them a valuable addition to any beauty regimen.
