Can You Use Cinnamon on Your Skin to Help Lighten Dark Spots and Make You Look Younger?

Cinnamon is a popular aromatic spice that is used in a variety of dishes and homemade skin care remedies around the world. Ceylon cinnamon extract can increase collagen synthesis in your body, which might slow down signs of aging like wrinkles.

Cinnamon is a popular aromatic spice that is used in a variety of dishes and homemade skin care remedies around the world. It’s multifunctional and works as a flavor enhancer in food and an antioxidant in cosmetic products. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the skin benefits of cinnamon, how to use cinnamon for skincare, and more.

Cinnamon is obtained from the bark of Cinnamomum trees. There are several different types of cinnamon. The most common cinnamon variety, which is often found in grocery stores and used in food items, comes from the Cinnamomum cassia tree.

Another variety is Ceylon cinnamon, which comes from the Cinnamomum verum tree. It’s native to Sri Lanka and is relatively more expensive and harder to obtain. This type is notable because of its higher polyphenol content. 

Other types of cinnamon are also rich in polyphenols. Common polyphenol examples include flavonoids, cinnamic acid, and cinnamaldehyde. Polyphenols have been associated with many health benefits.

For example, polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, meaning that they can protect against infections and tissue damage caused by harmful substances like free radicals.

However, cinnamon can be quite controversial as a skincare ingredient. This is because cinnamon can act as an irritant, so it must be applied carefully to avoid any harmful effects.

Cinnamon can be used in two main ways:

1. Consuming cinnamon as part of your diet

Cinnamon, particularly Ceylon cinnamon, contains a lot of antioxidants. It has been associated with many health benefits. For instance, cinnamon has been documented to lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and fight against infections.

Studies have also shown that eating other foods rich in antioxidants can enhance your skin health by minimizing free radical damage. Free radicals are harmful because they can injure your skin cells and cause premature skin aging, increased wrinkles, and decreased skin elasticity.

Additional research is needed to confirm these findings in the case of cinnamon and among large human populations, but for now, you can consider adding a dash of cinnamon to your dishes not only for its aroma and flavor but also for its potentially beneficial effects on your skin.

2. Applying cinnamon on your skin

Collagen is the main structural protein in your skin. It begins to deteriorate with age, eventually resulting in decreased skin elasticity (sagging skin) and the development of wrinkles.

According to a lab study, Ceylon cinnamon extract can increase collagen synthesis in your body, which might slow down signs of aging like wrinkles. This effect may be due to the high cinnamaldehyde content in cinnamon, which promotes the production of collagen. In addition, the antioxidant content in cinnamon protects the skin from collagen-destroying free radicals.

In another study, a cream made of Ceylon cinnamon extract and other herbal ingredients like licorice and turmeric was found to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness. Animal/lab studies have further demonstrated that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon are great for healing damaged skin.

Cinnamon can also block the activity of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which is responsible for brown spots in food products. Thus, the application of cinnamon may be able to reduce brown spots on your skin, promote skin lightening, and minimize hyperpigmentation.

Further research is needed to confirm these findings among a large group of participants, though.

Cinnamon is commercially available in powder, oil, extract, and gel forms. Cinnamon is also commonly added to face masks and body scrubs.

Cinnamon gels have been proven to be effective for acne treatment, and if you’re looking for a homemade skin care remedy for treating acne, honey and cinnamon face masks are particularly popular. 

Here is a recipe you can use:

• Add two tablespoons of honey to approximately half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. 
• Mix well until you have formed a paste. 
• Wash your hands well or use a clean cotton swab to apply the mixture. 
• Apply it evenly on your face or on individual blemishes.
• After 30 minutes, use lukewarm water to wash the mixture off. 
• Pat dry with a soft cloth to avoid irritating the skin.

Before using this remedy for the first time, though, conduct a small patch test. Apply a coin-sized amount on your inner forearm and wait a day or so to check for any allergic reactions or skin irritation.

For best results, opt for high-quality, pure, and organic ingredients that are free of any additives.

Eating or applying cinnamon can cause allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) in some cases. If you have an allergic reaction after eating cinnamon, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Tingling sensation around your mouth
• Stomach ache
• Itching
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing

If you experience an allergic reaction after applying cinnamon (in any form) on your skin, you may also have the following symptoms:

• Burning sensation at the application site
• Redness
• Irritation
• Rashes
• Skin discoloration

In rarer but more severe cases, people have experienced severe irritation and even second-degree burns after applying cinnamon essential oil directly on their skin, so stop usage immediately and consider seeking medical attention as soon as you experience any symptoms after use, even if they’re mild.

If you plan to use any cinnamon concoctions or cosmetic products for skin care, it might be best to first perform a small patch test. To do so, apply the product you’re testing on a small area of your skin, preferably the inner forearm, before using it on your face. You should then wait for at least a day to see if there are any negative reactions or harmful skin changes like redness, rashes, or irritation at the test area.  

Because of its chemical properties and beneficial constituents, cinnamon can be used for skincare, but it may not be suitable for everyone and all skin types. Always be cautious and seek expert advice before adding any new products to your regular skincare routine.