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Cinnamon is a natural spice commonly found in a typical home as it is mostly used as a flavoring agent in foods. You can easily get it from the bark of several species of cinnamon trees like Ceylon cinnamon and Chinese cinnamon. The bark is peeled and kept under the sun to dry, where it curls into rolls known as cinnamon sticks.
However, note that cinnamon doesn’t just spice up the flavor of your food and drinks. In addition to its role in food preparation, cinnamon can be taken as a supplement for your hair and skin. Various cinnamon benefits for skin and hair may not be well-known to many but they exist. Anyone with dry and damaged hair scalp or those dealing with dull-looking skin can use it.
This delightful ingredient can become a crucial part of your skincare and hair routine, offering several benefits we’ll dive into right now.
Properties of Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains a variety of calming and nourishing properties for your hair and skin. It has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, but there isn’t enough research to confirm it’s effective for everyone.
Ceylon, a key active component in cinnamon, is used as a flavoring and aroma. It could be responsible for some of cinnamon’s benefits for the skin and hair. However, even though it contains higher amounts of health-promoting antioxidants, it is more expensive and difficult to obtain.
This special ingredient also contains plant compounds called polyphenols, which aid in cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory effects in the body. As we get older, these substances may help with the chronic inflammation that contributes to the progression of many age-related disorders.
Cinnamon also contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Potassium counteracts sodium’s effect on blood pressure and regulates the heart rate. The role of potassium also extends to the normal functioning of your nerve signals.
Cinnamon Benefits for Skin
The following are some of the ways that cinnamon can benefit your skin:
Gets Rid of Acne, Pimples, and Blackheads
Because of its antibacterial properties, cinnamon is a very suitable ingredient in treating acne, pimples, and blackheads.
As a topical ointment, it offers specific cinnamon oil benefits for the skin such as unclogging pores and bringing oxygen to the surface of the skin. This process quickens the healing of acne and open wounds on the skin.
Brightens Skin Complexion
Cinnamon is an excellent way to improve the texture and dullness of your skin, revealing the complexion underneath. It has antibacterial and antifungal characteristics that can help improve the appearance and feel of your skin. The benefits of drinking cinnamon water for the skin also include clearing your pores to reveal a natural skin glow.
Some people make a brightening face mask by mixing yogurt, cinnamon powder, mashed banana, and lemon juice. A generous amount of this mix on the face before washing off with lukewarm water will reveal a smooth and brighter skin.
Smoothens Rough and Dry Skin on the Feet
The skin on your feet is frequently exposed to external elements and may not receive the care and attention it requires. As a result, you may get dry and rough feet, which can lead to broken skin under extreme conditions.
Luckily, One of the benefits of cinnamon for the skin is its exfoliating magic which works to remove dead skin cells. With a cinnamon scrub, you can get rid of dead skin cells quickly and restore the smoothness of your feet.
Treats Eczema
One of the major skin problems a lot of people experience is eczema, which can cause red and inflamed skin conditions. Eczema may appear on the skin as a result of the reaction of the body’s immune system to an irritant or allergen. The good news is that the use of cinnamon powder and honey can bring relief to the affected area.
However, constant daily use may irritate some persons which will require you to always do a patch test before applying on your skin, especially on your face.
Perfect for Plumper Lips
If you desire the perfect lips for a perfect pout, cinnamon works naturally too. Instead of going under the knife, you could use this lip remedy at home for the best results.
Make a blend of olive oil and cinnamon oil to not only get a soft and smooth lip but also make your lips look plump for a short while. You could try this home lip trick before putting on lipstick for the day to reveal some magic.
Eating Cinnamon
Not a lot of supplements are known to be prepared with their daily meals. Cinnamon makes a healthy difference. A diet rich in antioxidants from cinnamon can promote skin health by fighting free radicals. Free radicals can otherwise harm skin cells and quicken indications of aging such as wrinkles and reduction in skin suppleness.
There is no scientific evidence that cinnamon improves your skin, which requires further research. However, if you love the taste of this ingredient, there’s nothing wrong with adding it to your meals.
Topical Application
One more way to enjoy some of the cinnamon benefits for the skin is to gently apply it to your skin. Fortunately, this earthy component is available in both oil and powder form. Ceylon cinnamon extract was found to be particularly effective in collagen synthesis in a test tube study conducted in 2012. Collagen is a structural component in your skin that deteriorates with age, resulting in increased sagging and wrinkles.
Aside from these studies, no human clinical trials have shown that cinnamon is an effective skincare ingredient for treating acne, symptoms of age, hyperpigmentation, or skin discoloration.
Most research demonstrates that cinnamon extract has more antioxidants than cinnamon powder. In other words, using cinnamon powder in skincare treatments is unlikely to improve your skin texture or appearance. In general, cosmetically or topically, cinnamon leaf oil benefits for the skin are worthwhile.
Risks
The notion that cinnamon is a great skincare ingredient is up for debate because of its known side effects.
Hypersensitivity is a common symptom that may occur with ingestion and topical application of cinnamon. Some of the allergic reactions from using or eating cinnamon include
- itching
- mouth tingling
- breathing difficulty
- stomach pain
Other common reactions to applying it on the skin include skin redness, rashes, irritation, burning, and discoloration.
In some cases, applying cinnamon oil directly to the skin can cause skin reactions. Although there are little or no reports on these cases, they do exist.
So, if you must use cinnamon products, it is advisable to speak to a healthcare professional about what works best for your skin. If you must use skin care products with cinnamon, you may want to do a small patch test first or simply avoid them.
Does Cinnamon Improve Hair Growth?
Yes it can.
According to science, cinnamon can boost hair growth and improve the texture and appearance of your hair. In several studies, there is a connection between procyanidin and quicker hair development.
Procyanidin is an active ingredient in cinnamon responsible for stimulating the hair follicles for quick growth. However, the procyanidin used in this study was obtained from apple juice.
One of the cinnamon oil benefits for skin on the scalp is to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating hair growth. However, this was based on an animal study that determined cinnamon oil can improve hair length in male rats. The main compound responsible for this hair growth in cinnamon is the cinnamaldehyde.
Despite the results from each study, it is still necessary to look out for more human research for accuracy.
Can Cinnamon Slow Hair Loss?
Hair loss happens when there is no blood flow in the hair follicles on the scalp. The growth of the hair depends on the nutrients that flow through the blood. In such cases, the cinnamaldehyde compound in cinnamon will ease the flow of blood on the scalp. According to a 2018 study, the effect of cinnamon can reduce excess hair loss in people that age.
However, this conclusion is still open to further research to better understand cinnamon’s effect on hair loss.
Does Cinnamon Treat Dandruff?
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that help fight Malassezia, the fungus causing dandruff. This fungus exists on adult scalps by feeding on the oil on the scalp and breaking it into oleic acid. Cinnamon may be a perfect treatment for scalp infections like dandruff. However, more research is required.
Side Effects of Using Cinnamon for Hair
Whether in powder or oil form, using cinnamon for hair may be considered safe but it may cause certain side effects for various people. Some of these side effects include rash, redness, burning sensation, and other skin irritation. These side effects are why you need to perform a patch test before applying cinnamon for the first time.
Some people react differently when cinnamon is used on the skin and when it is swallowed. If you are consuming cinnamon as a spice or oil, the right concentration is safe enough. To see the various cinnamon powder benefits for skin, you also need to use it the right way.
How to Use Cinnamon in Your Hair
If you want to use cinnamon in your hair to promote hair growth or treat dandruff, follow the instructions below. However, note that this method only works when applying cinnamon to your hair scalp.
- Over low heat, warm 1/4 cup coconut oil or olive oil in a pan. Do not allow the oil to boil.
- Add 3 to 5 drops of cinnamon oil or 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to create a hair mask.
- Divide your hair and carefully apply the mixture to your scalp with a brush or your fingers.
- Allow it to sit for a few minutes before washing your hair.
In cases where the scalp is oily, you may want to use yogurt or honey as a base instead of adding extra oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Cinnamon essential oil can be added to cosmetic products like body lotions, perfumes, lip balms, and body scrubs. Some people add cinnamon to their skincare products to lighten the skin, treat acne, and reduce wrinkles or other aging signs.
Mix two tablespoons of fresh cinnamon powder, one spoonful of honey, and some coconut oil in a bowl to make a thick paste. Carefully apply this paste to your hair and scalp and massage it gently. Leave the paste on your hair for a few minutes and wash after. Do this consistently to be able to improve your hair growth.
You can improve the look and feel of your skin by making a beauty face pack. Mix yogurt, cinnamon powder, mashed banana, and lemon juice in a bowl. Gently apply this mix as a face mask and let it sit to dry for some time. Wash off with lukewarm water for extra cleansing.
has anyone actually tried cinnamon for dry skin on their feet? sounds kinda weird but im curious lol. does it really work or is it just another internet thing
While I appreciate the insight on cinnamon’s potential benefits for skin, the article seems to overlook the need for scientific backing. Could Vitamins For Woman provide sources or studies that support these claims, especially regarding treating eczema?
i heard cinnamon can be harsh? like putting it on your skin isnt that gonna irritate it more just asking cause my skin is super sensitive and dont wanna mess it up
Cinnamon for plumper lips?! That sounds amazing and delicious. I’ve always been a fan of natural beauty hacks. Can’t wait to try this out!
It’s stated that eating cinnamon can have various health benefits, but there’s a lack of mention of the specific compounds that are responsible. Could you elaborate on the components in cinnamon that contribute to these effects?
every year there’s a new miracle cure. last year it was aloe vera, now cinnamon? i’ll believe it when i see it work for real.
interesting read about cinnamon. never thought about it more than just something for cooking.
Absolutely love the idea of integrating cinnamon into a beauty routine! Who knew my favorite spice could do so much more than flavor my pastries?
right?! i’m all about using what’s in the kitchen for skin care. cinnamon face masks here i come!
does anyone know if there’s a particular type of cinnamon that’s best for these uses? or are all types pretty much the same?
I can’t help but notice the absence of any discussion on the scientific mechanisms at play. How exactly does cinnamon affect hair growth and skin conditions? Without empirical evidence, these claims remain speculative.