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20 Benefits Of Cinnamon For Skin With DIY Skincare Remedies & Side Effects To Watch Out For!
Shrabani Pattnaik
Aug 23, 2024
5 min read
5237 views
Hey there, readers! It's that time of the year again - the monsoon season. While we all love the cosy weather and the soothing rain, our skin often bears the brunt of it. From pesky pimples to dull complexion, skin problems can be a real pain, isn’t it?
We know that a huge skincare routine is not possible every single day. But did you know there's a treasure sitting right in your kitchen cabinet? That's right, it's none other than cinnamon! This spice has been used for centuries for its amazing benefits for skin, and it's time we explore them together.
The benefits of cinnamon for skin are a game-changer, thanks to its active compounds like cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and linalool. These fighters work their magic on our skin, tackling everything from acne to ageing.
So, here in this blog, we'll learn about 20 benefits of cinnamon for the skin, share some awesome DIY remedies, and even discuss the potential side effects to watch out for. Trust us: after reading this, you will never ask, “Is cinnamon good for skin?” again! Let’s get started.
Table Of Contents
- Composition Of Cinnamon
- 20 Benefits Of Cinnamon For Skin
- How Do You Use Cinnamon Powder For Skin Whitening?
- How To Make Cinnamon Water For The Skin?
- Side Effects Of Using Excessive Cinnamon On Skin
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Composition Of Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum family. Its scientific name is Cinnamomum verum, and in India, it is often called "dalchini" or "tamarind tree bark." This spice is not only used in cooking but also has a long history of being used for skin care and health.
There are different types of cinnamon trees, such as Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cinnamon) and Cinnamomum burmannii (Indonesian cinnamon). These trees are mainly grown in places like Sri Lanka, India, and Southeast Asia. A long time ago, cinnamon was very valuable and was traded as a special gift for kings. People also use it for skin care because they notice its soothing and healing properties could help with different skin problems.
Here are some important compounds that provide cinnamon benefits for the skin:
Compound | Group | Role |
| Cinnamaldehyde | Aldehyde | Gives cinnamon its flavour and smell and helps with inflammation. |
| Eugenol | Phenol | Acts as a germ killer and helps with inflammation. |
| Cinnamic acid | Carboxylic acid | This is a powerful antioxidant derived from fatty acids and shields the skin. |
| Coumarin | Lactone | It may help with blood flow and has anticoagulant properties. |
| Procyanidins | Flavonoid | Helps fight oxidative stress in the skin by acting as an antioxidant. |
Also Read: Top 12 Benefits Of Cinnamon For Your Face To Revitalise Your Skin And Glow Naturally
20 Benefits Of Cinnamon For Skin
After understanding a bit about cinnamon, it’s time to look into the heart of the topic. Let’s learn about 20 benefits of cinnamon for skin:
1. Provides Antioxidant Protection
Cinnamaldehyde and polyphenols in cinnamon act as powerful antioxidants. They neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting skin cells from damage, which helps maintain a youthful appearance.
2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
An important benefit of cinnamon for the skin is its anti-inflammatory nature. Compounds like eugenol in cinnamon reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. This helps soothe irritated skin and is beneficial for conditions like acne and eczema.
3. Great For Acne Treatment
Cinnamaldehyde has antibacterial properties that target acne-causing bacteria (like Propionibacterium acnes). By reducing bacterial growth, it helps clear existing pimples and prevent new breakouts.
4. Improves Blood Circulation
Cinnamon enhances blood flow by stimulating the release of nitric oxide. As a result, circulation is increased, which carries and delivers more oxygen and important nutrients to skin keratinocytes, promoting a healthy glow. Also, if you wish to boost your blood circulation and detox your whole body, you can try ToneOp Care’s Wheat Grass powder.
5. Acts As A Natural Exfoliant
Cinnamon has a rough texture that works like a scrub to remove dead skin cells. This helps our skin feel smooth and look better by getting rid of dirt and other impurities.
6. Increases Collagen Production
Cinnamaldehyde stimulates fibroblast cells in the dermis to enhance collagen synthesis. This process is mediated by the activation of signalling pathways such as ERK1/2, which promotes skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
7. Fights Fungal Infections
Cinnamaldehyde disrupts the cell membrane integrity of fungi by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis. This antifungal action is effective against pathogens like Candida albicans and Trichophyton species.
8. Heals Wounds Faster
The antibacterial properties of eugenol and cinnamaldehyde reduce bacterial titre or load in wounds, while their anti-inflammatory effects inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-alpha), facilitating faster healing.
9. Moisturises Dry Skin
Cinnamon enhances the skin barrier function by upregulating filaggrin expression, which helps retain moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leading to improved hydration.
10. Brightens Skin
Does cinnamon lighten the skin? Yes! Increased blood circulation from cinnamon application enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to skin cells. This process promotes a healthier appearance and faster turnover of skin cells, resulting in a brighter complexion.
11. Reduces Dark Spots
Cinnamaldehyde increases collagen and elastin production while inhibiting melanin synthesis through the downregulation of tyrosinase activity, helping to fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
12. Is A Natural Astringent
The astringent properties of cinnamon are due to its tannin content, which causes protein precipitation and tightens skin tissues, reducing pore size and oiliness.
13. Soothes Eczema
This cinnamon oil benefit for the skin is due to eugenol, which inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators like IL-1β and IL-6, which helps alleviate symptoms of eczema by reducing redness and itching.
14. Treats Psoriasis
The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon lessen the intensity of flare-ups by preventing the activation of NF-kB signalling pathways, which are implicated in the pathophysiology of psoriasis.
15. Reduces Signs Of Ageing
By promoting collagen benefits for the skin through the activation of fibroblasts and reducing oxidative stress via its antioxidant properties, cinnamon helps minimise fine lines and wrinkles.
16. Clears Clogged Pores
Cinnamon has an exfoliating effect because it increases keratinocyte turnover and encourages the removal of dead skin cells, which keeps pores clear and minimises blackheads.
17. Reduces Skin Irritation
Cinnamaldehyde and eugenol modulate the activity of mast cells and inhibit histamine release, which helps reduce skin irritation and inflammation in sensitive skin.
18. Balances Oily Skin
Cinnamon regulates sebum production by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to increased oiliness.
19. Prevents Skin Infections
Because cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, which has antibacterial qualities of its own, it prevents infections by interfering with the growth of dangerous bacteria by breaking down their cell walls.
20. Enhances Skin Texture
Regular application of cinnamon promotes the production of collagen and elastin while facilitating exfoliation, resulting in improved skin texture and a more even complexion through enhanced cellular turnover.
Also Read: Know 5 Science-Backed Ashwagandha Benefits For Skin
How Do You Use Cinnamon Powder For Skin Whitening?
Cinnamon powder can be used for skin whitening by adding it to face masks, scrubs, or toners. Its natural properties help brighten the skin, reduce dark spots, and promote an even complexion.
1. Cinnamon and Honey Mask
- Combine two tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
- Use the blend on your face, making sure to stay away from the eyes.
- Keep it on for 15-20 minutes before washing off with warm water.
A natural humectant, honey keeps skin moisturised, and cinnamon promotes better blood circulation, which illuminates the complexion.
2. Cinnamon and Lemon Scrub
- Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice, two teaspoons of sugar, and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
- Utilise this blend to scrub your skin for exfoliation.
Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, and combined with cinnamon’s exfoliating effects, it can help lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.
3. Cinnamon Toner
- After washing your face, use a bottle of rose water with a bit of cinnamon powder added as a toner.
This has a cooling and calming effect in addition to aiding in the maintenance of an even skin tone.
Also Read: Know The Top 10 Benefits Of Sesame Seeds For Skin And Ways To Add It To Your Diet
How To Make Cinnamon Water For The Skin?
Drinking cinnamon water is also beneficial for overall health. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and boost metabolism, which indirectly benefits the skin.
1. Cinnamon Water Toner
You can use this cinnamon remedy for skin whitening |
Boil one cup of water and add one teaspoon or one cinnamon stick to make a topical toner. |
After ten minutes of simmering, turn off the heat and let it cool fully. |
Filter the water to eliminate solid particles. Pour the cinnamon-infused water into a spray bottle or a jar. |
Use this toner after cleansing your face to help tighten pores, reduce oiliness, and promote a brighter complexion. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week. |
2. Cinnamon Water Drink
Try this cinnamon drink for internal purification |
To make a cinnamon water drink that can help improve your skin from the inside out, boil 1 litre of water and add 2-3 cinnamon sticks. |
Allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes, then let it cool and strain out the liquid. |
Drink this water throughout the day. |
Also Read: Check Out These Wheatgrass Juice Benefits For Skin And Hair
Side Effects Of Using Excessive Cinnamon On Skin
Using too much cinnamon on the skin can lead to several side effects. Here’s a breakdown of potential issues:
Side Effects of Cinnamon On Skin | Explanation |
| Skin Irritation and Redness | While cinnamon is great for your skin, using too much can cause problems. The strong ingredients in cinnamon, like cinnamaldehyde, can make your skin red, itchy, or feel like it's burning, especially if your skin is sensitive. |
| Allergic Reactions | Some people may be allergic to cinnamon. If you use too much, it can cause rashes bumps or even make your face swell up. Always do a small test on your skin before using cinnamon to see if you have an allergy. |
| Dryness and Peeling | Cinnamon can also make your skin very dry. If you use too much, it can take away the natural oils that keep your skin healthy, making it dry and peely. This is worse if your skin is already dry or sensitive. |
| Chemical Burns | The strong ingredients in cinnamon can cause small burns on your skin if you leave it on for too long or use too much. This can make your skin blister or get very irritated. |
| Increased Sensitivity to Sunlight (Photosensitivity) | Cinnamon can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which means you can get sunburned more easily. Always use sunscreen after using cinnamon products to avoid getting burned. |
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Incorporating cinnamon into your skincare routine can be both simple and effective. Whether you choose to use it in DIY recipes or purchase products containing cinnamon extract, this spice offers a natural and holistic approach to skincare. So, the next time you're looking to enhance your skin's health, consider reaching for cinnamon and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.
For further benefits, try ToneOp Care’s Skin 360 effervescent tablets. They provide complete skincare benefits that no other product can match!
Dt. Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
In conclusion, cinnamon is a special spice that can help make your skin better in many ways. The benefits of cinnamon for skin are many, from fighting acne to brightening your skin and keeping it healthy. Just remember to use it carefully and check for any side effects. With these easy DIY remedies, you can enjoy the benefits of cinnamon and have happy, glowing skin!
FAQs
1. How to use cinnamon for skin pigmentation?
To use cinnamon for dark spots on your skin, mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder with 2 tablespoons of honey to make a paste. Put this paste on the dark spots and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Then, wash it off with warm water.
2. Is cinnamon effective for reducing dark spots?
Cinnamon is good at reducing dark spots because it helps blood flow and makes your skin tone more even. It also soothes the skin, which can help make dark spots less noticeable. Mixing cinnamon with honey or lemon can make it work even better.
3. Is cinnamon good for oily skin?
Yes, if you have oily skin, cinnamon can help! It acts like a natural astringent, which means it helps tighten your pores and control extra oil. This can reduce shine and help prevent acne. You can use a cinnamon toner or mask to help balance oily skin.
References
- https://steemit.com/esteem/@alanhenry/32-amazing-benefits-of-cinnamon-stick-dalchini-for-skin-hair-and-health
- https://swirlster.ndtv.com/beauty/top-7-beauty-benefits-of-cinnamon-and-best-ways-to-use-it-3798487
- https://www.bebeautiful.in/all-things-skin/everyday/cinnamon-benefits-for-skin
- https://www.stbotanica.com/blog/cinnamon-benefits-for-skin?srsltid=AfmBOoodO0Pye1l2aG60PWB1wIdaOY5bUGwR55xyGMEQw8g3tKMRfncN
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-cinnamon
- https://www.herzindagi.com/beauty/cinnamon-is-the-best-natural-remedy-for-beautiful-glowing-skin-article-53280
About ToneOp Care
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