Manuka honey contains clinically proven antibacterial agents (among them an enzyme that releases hydrogen peroxide), and wound-care centers use medical-grade versions. Dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD, recommends it as a targeted approach for perioral acne because it moisturizes and exfoliates instead of exacerbating flakiness; dermatologist Noëlle Sherber, MD, suggests it for stubborn, workout-related acne, the kind avid bikers might get around the helmet line, because it dissolves biofilm bacteria. Think of the ratings system the way you think of SPF: Look for a unique manuka factor (UMF) of 10 or higher.

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