#IngredientSpotliht: CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a household name on the spice rack and is best known for its uses in both sweet and savoury foods. Native to Sri Lanka and parts of South America, this spice is loved for its fragrant essence and sweet, warming flavor.

Though more commonly used for flavouring and as a condiment in cooking, Cinnamon is also a staple ingredient in many traditional medicines across various cultures.

Here are some of the skin benefits of cinnamon that make it a wonder spice for skincare:

 

  1. Combats Acne-Prone Skin

Cinnamon is rich in antifungal, antibacterial properties that are effective in keeping the skin protected from harmful micro-organisms and can benefit those who are prone to breakouts and sensitivity! The warming effect of Cinnamon is also know to stimulate regular blood flow in the skin – which can encourage healthier cell turnover to create plumper looking skin with a glowing, radiant complexion!

Mix in a little cinnamon powder with honey and apply as a paste on your skin as a face mask and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse and follow with a soothing moisturizer. *Cinnamon masks may irritate the skin depending on the skin type, so they should not be applied more than once a week.

  1. Protects The Skin From Signs Of Aging

Chock full of antioxidants, Cinnamon is an extremely powerful ingredient that helps combat the damage caused by free radicals in the environment. Every day, our skin cells are subject to harmful particles known as free radicals, which seek to damage our healthy cells and collagen. The result if we do not protect our skin from such particles is fine lines, pigmentation and dull looking skin.

Massaging one teaspoon of cinnamon powder along with two tablespoons of olive oil on the face can help to hydrate your skin and keep it protected from such damage. Say hello to supple, younger looking skin!

 

  1. Exfoliating Capabilities To Reveal Brighter Skin

Thanks to its coarser texture, Cinnamon also makes for an excellent scrub which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and encourage healthier skin cell turnover – revealing a more radiant and healthy complexion! This is especially useful for those of us who want a natural solution in treating dry skin.

Combine salt, olive oil, almond oil, honey and ground cinnamon to create your at-home spa peel that is gentle and nourishing for the skin!

  1. Soothes Skin and Helps Calm Sensitivity

You can’t have a miracle ingredient without talking about anti-inflammation. Cinnamon is an excellent anti-inflammatory which can help soothe redness and discomfort caused by skin conditions such as acne, eczema and overall sensitivity. It also does wonders in helping to speed up the process of healing of blemishes and scars.

If you have dry/sensitive skin, mix 1 part cinnamon oil with 2 parts coconut oil and apply a thin layer over your face to pamper your skin.

 

Now that you have this miracle ingredient that even doubles as a delicious ingredient in your meals, it’s time to let Cinnamon weave magic on your skin (and in your belly)!