Cinnamon is renowned for its high levels of antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds, making it a fascinating ingredient in various applications, including skin care. Nevertheless, it's important to note that there is no substantial research backing the assertion that it provides tangible benefits for skin health. This beloved spice is derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum), and it graces dishes across the globe as a flavor enhancer while also serving as a natural source of antioxidants. From Indian biryanis to Australian desserts, cinnamon is a versatile player in the culinary world.

Often, cinnamon essential oil is included in cosmetic products such as perfumes, creams, lip balms, and scrubs. For instance, many individuals incorporate it into their homemade skin care concoctions, hoping to achieve lighter skin, combat acne, and diminish signs of aging. Despite its popularity, cinnamon has sparked debate as a skin care component due to its reputation as a potential skin irritant. Critics argue that it should be avoided in skin care formulations, while supporters claim it contributes to healthier skin.

This article explores whether cinnamon can truly enhance your skin or if it’s best to keep it solely for culinary use.

Properties

Cinnamon is a powerhouse of plant compounds known as polyphenols, including cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and various flavonoids. These compounds are celebrated for their impressive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which play a crucial role in combating cell-damaging free radicals that can lead to various health issues.

The most commonly available type of cinnamon in grocery stores and food products is called cassia cinnamon, sourced from the Cinnamomum cassia tree. This variety is noted for containing significantly lower levels of polyphenols compared to its counterpart, known as Ceylon cinnamon (also referred to as True Cinnamon).

Ceylon cinnamon, which is derived from the Cinnamomum verum tree, is renowned for having a higher concentration of health-promoting antioxidants. Unfortunately, it is less readily available, often harder to find, and tends to be pricier than cassia cinnamon. While Ceylon cinnamon boasts more health-enhancing antioxidants than the cassia variety, the latter remains the most prevalent type found in culinary applications and on grocery store shelves worldwide.

Does Cinnamon Influence Skin Health?

Cinnamon, a spice abundant in antioxidants, is often associated with the promotion of vibrant and healthy skin, whether consumed as a food ingredient or applied directly to the skin.

Ingesting Cinnamon

Incorporating cinnamon into your diet, especially the antioxidant-rich Ceylon (Cinnamomum verum) variety, is believed to offer numerous health advantages. This spice might function as a natural anti-inflammatory, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Nonetheless, there is a lack of extensive research specifically examining its impact on skin health. Theoretically, a diet abundant in antioxidants—including those found in cinnamon—might support skin vitality by combating free radicals. These unstable molecules can harm skin cells and hasten the appearance of aging signs such as wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity. Despite these theories, scientific evidence directly linking cinnamon consumption to improved skin health remains limited, indicating a need for further inquiry. However, if you appreciate its flavor, feel free to incorporate this spice into your culinary creations.

Topical Application of Cinnamon

Applying cinnamon to the skin may offer certain advantages. A study conducted in 2012 demonstrated that Ceylon cinnamon extract could enhance collagen synthesis. Collagen is a key structural protein in your skin that diminishes with age, leading to sagging and increased wrinkle formation. Similarly, a 2008 investigation indicated that a cream containing extracts of Ceylon cinnamon, along with aloe vera, pomegranate, licorice, turmeric, and other antioxidant-rich botanicals, improved skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration. However, it is important to note that these benefits could not be solely attributed to cinnamon.

Researchers have proposed that the high levels of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon may contribute to its collagen-boosting effects, while its antioxidant properties might shield the skin from free radicals that degrade collagen. Furthermore, several test-tube and animal studies suggest that cinnamon extract could aid in skin wound healing due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics. Cinnamon may also inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in the formation of brown spots in food products. Some individuals speculate that this effect might extend to brown pigments in the skin, leading them to use cinnamon for addressing hyperpigmentation; however, this application lacks substantial research support. Beyond these studies, there is currently no clinical evidence from human trials to substantiate cinnamon as an effective ingredient in skincare for aging signs, acne, skin discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, nor for skin lightening.

Additionally, most studies utilize cinnamon extract, which contains a higher concentration of antioxidants compared to standard cinnamon powder. Therefore, employing regular cinnamon powder in skincare regimens is unlikely to yield significant benefits. While cinnamon can be a delightful addition to a nutritious diet, the existing research does not support its efficacy for addressing anti-aging, skin lightening, acne, discoloration, or other skin-related concerns.

Preparation and Forms

Cinnamon, known for its warm and aromatic flavor, is not only a cherished culinary spice but also finds its way into various skin care and cosmetic products due to its delightful scent and alleged health benefits. However, the incorporation of cinnamon in commercial items is somewhat restricted because it can potentially irritate the skin. In contrast, it shines brightly in the realm of homemade skin care remedies, especially in the form of face masks and body scrubs. Among these, honey and cinnamon face masks have surged in popularity as a potential remedy for acne, although scientific evidence supporting this claim is lacking. Some individuals opt to utilize cinnamon on its own as a facial scrub; nevertheless, this practice may lead to skin irritation and is generally advised against. While cinnamon's presence is rarely seen in commercial skin care products due to its common irritant properties, it remains a favored ingredient in homemade concoctions, although caution is still recommended.

Risks

Cinnamon, a popular ingredient in skin care, often raises concerns due to its potential side effects. It is essential to be aware that hypersensitivity to cinnamon can occur not only through ingestion but also via topical application. When consumed, allergic reactions to cinnamon can manifest as tingling in the mouth, itchiness, abdominal discomfort, wheezing, and even difficulty in breathing. These symptoms can be quite alarming and should not be ignored.

On the other hand, when applied directly to the skin, cinnamon can cause various reactions such as rashes, redness, discoloration, irritation, and a burning sensation. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is advisable to stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Furthermore, the use of cinnamon essential oil on the skin can result in irritation and, in rare instances, has led to reports of second-degree burns. Such incidents highlight the need for caution when using concentrated forms of this spice.

For those considering commercial skin care products containing cinnamon, it is crucial to conduct a patch test before full application. To do this, apply a small amount of the product on your inner forearm and observe the area for 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions. As for homemade skin care remedies featuring cinnamon, it may be wiser to steer clear of them to avoid potential complications. It’s important to remember that cinnamon hypersensitivity is a relatively common issue, often resulting in undesirable side effects like skin irritation, discoloration, and burning sensations. In exceptional cases, using cinnamon essential oil can lead to severe skin burns.

The Bottom Line

Cinnamon, a flavorful and nutritious spice, is cherished in cuisines globally, from Indian curries to Australian desserts. Known for its rich content of antioxidants and beneficial phytochemicals, cinnamon is increasingly recognized as a potential ingredient in skin care products. Many enthusiasts believe it can assist in treating hyperpigmentation, combat acne, brighten the complexion, and reduce visible signs of aging. However, it is important to note that there is currently no scientific research validating these assertions. While incorporating cinnamon into your diet enhances the flavor of various dishes, utilizing cinnamon powder or essential oil in skin care formulations can lead to adverse effects such as skin irritation, discoloration, and even burns—especially when these products are homemade. Therefore, it is wise to keep cinnamon stored in your pantry rather than applying it to your skin.