Bacteria, Breakouts, and Balance

Hi, I’m Dr. Adam Geyer, a board-certified dermatologist and Chief of Dermatology at AUNU.

Today, I want to talk to you about bacteria and other microbes that live on our skin — because when it comes to conditions like acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and eczema, microorganisms play a much larger role than most people realize.

Let’s start with acne.

Acne has multiple root causes, but the fundamentals include excess oil production, clogged pores, overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes, and inflammation.

Traditional treatments like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can provide antimicrobial benefits. However, they often disrupt the skin barrier and strip away beneficial microbes, leading to dryness, irritation, and increased reactivity.

AUNU’s medical-grade Mānuka honey works differently.

It has selective antimicrobial properties — meaning it helps reduce acne-causing bacteria while preserving the beneficial microbes your skin needs to stay balanced and resilient.

And this isn’t just relevant for acne.

For example:

• People with eczema are commonly colonized with Staphylococcus aureus, a harmful bacterium that releases toxins that can worsen flares.

• Rosacea is often associated with microscopic mites called Demodex, which proliferate in hair follicles and can trigger inflammation.

• Seborrheic dermatitis — the redness and flaking that can appear around the nose, eyebrows, and hairline — is linked to an inflammatory response to a yeast called Malassezia (formerly Pityrosporum) that thrives in oily areas of the skin.

Research shows that Mānuka honey has potent antimicrobial activity that helps reduce the growth of these organisms, while also calming the inflammation that drives these conditions.

In my New York practice, I often recommend starting with AUNU’s Mānuka Cleanser, which gently removes dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin.

Follow with our Mānuka Essence to help calm inflammation, support microbial balance, and add hydration.

I also love the Mānuka Mask as a treatment product for acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. Made with 100% Comvita MediHoney®, it works in as little as 20–30 minutes to help reduce bacteria and yeast. It can be used as a full reset treatment or as a targeted spot treatment to help reduce breakouts while supporting a brighter, more balanced complexion.

And I’ve found AUNU’s Mānuka Salve to be a game changer for patients with eczema. It hydrates, soothes, and selectively targets unwanted microbes — offering a steroid-free alternative that’s safe for all body areas and suitable for all ages.

The key is balance.

When you address microbial overgrowth while supporting the skin barrier, you’re treating inflammation and common skin conditions in a safer, more sustainable way.