It might be the perfect addition to fancy coffees and baked treats, but cinnamon’s potent properties make it a strong player in the world of natural beauty remedies.
Not only is this magical spice chock-a-block full of antioxidants, it’s also antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Not to mention it’s endless benefits in blood-sugar control and weight loss. So settle down with your spiced latte and read on for six super fun and easy beauty uses for cinnamon, so you can start including it in your beauty routine.
Note: As with any new product or unfamiliar natural ingredient, be sure to do a patch test before going ahead with any treatment to avoid allergic reactions.
Pimple Prevention
Cinnamon is anti-microbial. It works to stop acne-causing bacteria in their tracks, helping to rid skin of breakouts and keep it fresh and clear. Mix one teaspoon of cinnamon powder with a few drops of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey in to a smooth paste. Spread over your skin or apply directly on to your spots. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes then rinse.
Hair Growth Booster
As cinnamon increases circulation, applying it directly to the scalp can help boost hair growth. To make the ultimate “long hair” mask, blend two tablespoons of organic plain yoghurt, one tablespoon of coconut oil with two tablespoons of honey and a heaped teaspoon of fine cinnamon powder. Work in to the scalp and use what’s left to moisturise the lengths and ends. Leave for 30 minutes, then rinse with plenty of lukewarm water.
Breath Freshener
If you feel your breath isn’t as fresh as it could be, try chewing a little piece of cinnamon bark. It tastes great and will kill the bacteria in the mouth, leaving you with fresher, cleaner teeth.
Skin Rejuvenator
Cinnamon works wonders for fatigued, lacklustre skin. As it improves micro-circulation, using a cinnamon skin treatment once a week will leave your skin looking radiant and more healthy-looking. Mix together one heaped teaspoon of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of turmeric and one teaspoon of almond oil. Spread the mixture thinly over the face, leave for 15 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water. While the cinnamon draws oxygen and nutrients to the surface of the skin, the almond oil will moisturise and the turmeric will get to work on dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Dry Shampoo
Dry cinnamon powder makes for a great hair refresher. Sprinkled on your roots, it not only soaks up excess oils, it also adds volume and stimulates growth. Mix 1/4 cup of corn starch, one tablespoon of cinnamon and one tablespoon of cocoa powder. Place the powder mixture in a clean salt shaker, apply it at your scalp and leave for a couple of minutes. Use a natural bristle brush to brush it out. This works best on darker hair and smells delicious.
Lip Plumper
Most over the counter lip plumping products contain some derivative of cinnamon as it boosts blood flow, leading to very mild swelling and a rosier colour. To make your own natural version at home, blend half a teaspoon of cinnamon with a little Vaseline or Shea butter if you have it. Work it in to the lips for a couple of minutes then wipe off. Finish with a slick of lip balm.
What are your favourite beauty uses for cinnamon? What are your favourite DIY recipes?
