Is cinnamon good for your skin? Know the truth

We all have heard of this wonderful spice that not only makes dishes lip-smacking but also serves as a loving ingredient in tea and coffee. But as we have moved forward in time, we are trying on novel things to enhance our lifestyles. Take this very cinnamon for example. We consider it as something that is meant for our guts. But, what if we tell you that in the market there are products leveraging themselves on the name of cinnamon and getting sold? Today, cinnamon is increasingly promoted as something that enhances our skin and makes us love it more. Is there any truth to it? Or is it another marketing gimmick that leaves us with a frown at last? Let’s find it out now.

A brief on cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that comes from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum family. It has a warm and sweet flavor; its this quality makes us use it often cooking and baking. But this is not all. Cinnamon also has some potential health benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving blood sugar control. Grown majorly in Sri Lanka, cinnamon is lately making a buzz in marketing and attracting skin-care enthusiasts toward itself.

Cinnamon for skincare?

Because studies have shown that cinnamon holds within itself anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, we thought ‘why not use these properties for skin?’ Some people believe that cinnamon can also be good for your skin and could help with acne and other skin conditions. But this is not all - cinnamon is also used as a natural exfoliant, which means it can help to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

• We all know that now there are cinnamon products in the market and people are using it. This might tempt you to buy it for yourself too. Understood. However, it's important to note that cinnamon is a potent spice and can cause irritation and even allergic reactions in some people. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin. Using cinnamon on your skin could potentially make your skin turn red and swollen, and make you itch it more. But we say ‘could’, not ‘always does’. So, here are the tips if you are ready to try it for yourself too.
• • Before applying cinnamon to your face, do a patch test on a small area of your skin to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction. This will save you from terrible reactions on a large scale.
• • Because cinnamon essential oil is very strong, it should never be applied directly to the skin. What you must do is mix a drop or two with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil.
• • Even when diluted, cinnamon oil should only be used sparingly. A little goes a long way.
• • Now, avoid applying cinnamon to sensitive areas like around the eyes or mouth. This is something to take strong note of.

While cinnamon does have some potential benefits for the skin, it's important to use it safely and with caution. There are many products out there that contain cinnamon and claim to treat your skin with care and quality. Take cinnamon soap for example. You may buy these from stores dealing in health and beauty products or from sites like Shopify, but free, which helps you save a few bucks too. However, before buying these products, make sure you properly have reviewed them. What you see on the internet should not be proof of its authenticity. Do your own research well and then go for what you think is correct.