Manuka honey, made by bees that collect nectar from the manuka tree, is prized not only for its flavor but also because of its health-giving properties. One of its benefits is in helping maintain healthy skin, which makes it beneficial for the skin disorder rosacea.

According to Skin Care Physicians, rosacea is a severe and incurable skin disorder that results in inflamed skin, redness and soreness and sometimes skin eruptions. In the United States, more than 14 million people suffer from rosacea including teens and adults. Though anyone can develop rosacea, adults with blonde hair and blue eye are most commonly affected by the disorder.

The Manuka plant is native to New Zealand. The tree has small green leaves and blooms with clusters of pale pink flowers. According to Aroma Herb Show, the essential oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the tree, has been used by the indigenous Maori for its medicinal properties. The oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Manuka honey is produced by bees that feed only on the flowers of the manuka tree. According to Natural Therapy Pages, manuka honey has antibacterial properties and healing properties. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent and is rich in antioxidants.

According to the Skin Care Guide, manuka honey is a beneficial alternative remedy for rosacea. It can be applied directly upon the skin and can help to reduce inflammation and redness, prevent scarring and promote healing. It kills bacteria and can prevent breakouts of acne and help keep the skin moisturized without making it oily.

According to Natural Therapy Pages, manuka honey growers use a numerical rating for their honey. The rating is known as the Unique Manuka Factor or UMF. The UMF determines how much honey is needed to stop the growth of bacteria in a specific environment. A UMF rating of 5 is standard. The best rating is around 10 and 18. If you have a sensitivity to honey, you should avoid manuka honey with a rating of 20 or higher.