Cinnamon May Have More Skincare Benefits Than You Know

If you've been paying attention to the beauty and wellness world, it's likely that you've come across some interesting, natural products that are said to help our skin stay firm, heal from wounds, and clear up acne. One market report found that natural skin care was valued at over 6.7 billion dollars globally. From honey to vitamin C, if it seems like it can help us with what ails our skin, we'll try it. However, another pantry item you're overlooking may help with your day-to-day skin struggles.

When we think of cinnamon, we think of a tasty treat that makes tea, coffee, ice cream, and yogurt more delicious. We know of its appetite suppression benefits and how it makes us feel, but there are more benefits to cinnamon than many realize. Don't overlook this kitchen staple for your skincare routine. It may just be the best inexpensive, natural skin treatment out there.

Cinnamon is a spice that we get from trees. Its name is actually Cinnamomum Verna and these trees are found in Sri Lanka. It used to be considered a spice for royalty only, but it is now an affordable product found in most kitchens, per Healthline. The properties of cinnamon should be praised like royalty. What we think of it as a delicious spice to enhance our food and drinks can in fact help us fight the wrinkles accompanying aging. Cinnamon increases the production of collagen. Because it's an antioxidant, it protects our skin from damage and slows the aging process, as reports U Med Spa.

Although using it in our diets is a great alternative to sugar, consider using some cinnamon essential oil drops in a carrier oil or moisturizer. Be Beautiful recommends rubbing it gently onto the face in circular motions staying away from the eyes. By putting cinnamon into your skincare routine, you can reap all the benefits it has to offer.

Cinnamon is such a versatile spice that it can even aid in wound healing. According to Healthline, it contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that works to defend our skin against aeruginosa, a type of germ that can cause infections. By creating a barrier that promotes the healing of skin wounds, cinnamon is a force to be reckoned with on many levels. 

Although there have only been a few studies done in this area, a 2019 study of cinnamon found that cinnamon essential oil contains antibacterial properties, which accelerates the healing process. By adding a few drops to an oil or moisturizer, you can even use this on chronic wounds that don't seem to be healing in a reasonable amount of time, per The Health Site. By using cinnamon to clear out the bacteria rather than over-the-counter medications, you may get the relief you desire in a very cost-effective way.

For most people, acne is hard to treat. Some chemicals are too harsh, others are ineffective, and most of the treatments you can buy over the counter are expensive or create more issues. Lately, there has been a resurgence of interest in more natural remedies to help heal our skin from the acne that can plague it. Cinnamon may be an acne defense game-changer. Because it is anti-inflammatory, it works to calm our skin and reduce redness and irritation.

Cinnamon, among other natural products, works as an antifungal and antioxidant suppressing the bacteria that work to create blemishes. The same properties that make cinnamon great for wound healing and skin firming also work to heal skin irritation like acne. For this kind of treatment, Hindustan Times recommends making yourself a cinnamon mask combined with honey. Apply to your face, rinse, and get relief from pesky acne.

For the same reasons cinnamon is a great natural product that can firm skin and clear up acne, it can also help to hydrate and soothe the pain that can come from inflamed skin. If you have chronic dry skin or eczema, consider combining cinnamon with honey and applying it to rough spots. In addition, consider trying cinnamon essential oil mixed with a neutral carrier oil, like grapeseed or avocado oil. Amanda Ross Skincare also offers a cinnamon bark mask for a high-end option.

Cinnamon, although it is a gentle alternative to other skin products, is still a spice and may cause irritation if used too much. Doctors recommend applying cinnamon essential oils, lotions, or the cinnamon honey mixture to a small spot on your skin before applying it to large areas, per Everyday Health. It is not recommended for daily use, but it can be alternated with your normal skin products. Cinnamon is an organic and cost-effective household staple that holds many benefits for our skin and body.