Cinnamon goes far beyond its role in a traditional, autumnal apple pie. Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, it contains bioactive phytochemicals like eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. Eugenol is a naturally-occurring compound found in cinnamon which is also a component of various essential oils. Reported to be one of most potent antioxidants available, it’s able to kill a host of viruses and bacteria, which is why cinnamon is said to have proven itself a worthy adversary for acne-prone skin. Though there is no cure-all that works for everyone prone to acne, a fact about acne is that it is triggered by the formation of bacteria on the skin. This is why treating it with products that help to kill such bacteria can really help to tackle this common condition. Moving on to cinnamaldehyde, an organic compound responsible for lending cinnamon its distinct flavor and scent is, like eugenol, labelled as being anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Together, these compounds are said to help improve the complexion and promote clearer, younger-looking skin.
Those with acne or breakout-prone skin could find relief in a cinnamon-infused face mask or looking for a face wash with cinnamon essential oil in it. Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties can help to calm inflammation. In that vein, it’s important to note that mature skin can also benefit from cinnamon’s powerful effects. Often, cinnamon is employed as a natural lip plumper, which is why it’s a popular addition to homemade lip products, but that’s not all it’s good for. Such a plumping effect can temporarily help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Though not a permanent wrinkle eradicator, it goes without saying that cinnamon’s polyphenol antioxidants are a powerful anti-aging resource and have been said to contribute towards improving the appearance of the skin in the long-run, not just in the short term.
So, what are these benefits? One of the main upsides of cinnamon is its ability to help defend the skin against UV exposure. The process of glycation, in essence, is what occurs when our body’s proteins bind with sugar molecules, the result of which is the deformity and hardening of said protein. This can negatively impact the collagen in your skin since glycation, when it happens, can occur anywhere in your body. One main consequence of this is, if glycation impacts collagen and elastin production, wrinkles can follow. This is where cinnamon comes in. Another downside of glycation is that it can make the skin more sensitive to other aging aspects like exposure to UV rays. Research into cinnamon’s effect on such damage has come back positive in the fact that cinnamon appears to noticeably slow the effects of UV damage, which is good news for your skin.
Aside from its role in skincare products and DIY recipes, cinnamon’s been shown to help strengthen both your immune system and digestive health. It’s no secret that good skin starts from the inside out, and keeping your internal organs in good working order is a step in the right direction.
You should be warned, however – if you’re looking to incorporate cinnamon into your anti-aging diet, you should try to be aware of the amount of coumarin it contains. Coumarin is a naturally-occurring aromatic chemical compound found in cinnamon that has been linked to liver damage and increases your risk of cancer when consumed in high doses. It’s perfectly safe when eaten in moderation, but you should always consume with care. The recommended daily amount of cinnamon to safely consume is around that of 1 tsp. Any more than that, and you increase your risk of suffering from side effects.
If you’d like to discover more about mature skin as well as other types, visit our Skin Types page to find out more.