The composition and properties of cinnamon oil in cosmetology. Who can use it for cosmetic purposes, and who better to refrain from experimenting? Methods of using cinnamon oil in the care of the skin of the face, hair, body, real reviews.
Cinnamon oil is a golden yellow transparent liquid with a bright, seductive aroma and a pungent aftertaste. However, you definitely should not taste it, since the oil is by no means intended for consumption. But it can help to straighten the face and hair, get rid of cellulite, lose weight and even take control of seasonal depression.
Description and composition of cinnamon oil
In the photo, cinnamon oil
The history of human interaction with cinnamon - pieces of the bark of the Ceylon Cinnamon tree twisted into thin sticks - goes back more than one thousand years. The first mentions of it are found in the writings of Chinese healers, written in 2700 BC. e., and the contemporaries of Herodotus and Cleopatra mention cinnamon as a well-known, albeit incredibly expensive spice, which was supplied to Ancient Egypt and Greece straight from the Middle Kingdom.
Cinnamon essential oil was born much later, when people learned to extract a fragrant liquid from the bark and leaves of the same tree, as well as its closest cinnamon relatives growing in India, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles. Fortunately, by that time, these countries had already been discovered by Portuguese navigators, and the spice dropped in price. Its purpose has also changed: if previously solid pieces of bark were used to prepare expensive dishes or to perform religious ordinances, now the unique properties of cinnamon oil have provided it with a direct path to cosmetology.
This was especially true in relation to the liquid extracted from the leaves and young shoots of cinnamon. Its chemical composition includes:
- The high content of eugenol (80-90%), which has antibacterial properties, expels toxic substances from cells, improves the activity of the sebaceous glands, preserves the natural hydrolipid mantle of the skin and extinguishes inflammation. In many respects, it is thanks to eugenol that the use of cinnamon oil in cosmetology has acquired such a scale.
- A little cinnamaldehyde (5-6%). It is responsible for the aroma, taste and dark shade of the oil, stimulates the regeneration processes in the skin, but rather mercilessly irritates it - up to burns.
- The remaining 4-15% are divided between limonene carbon, natural camphor, pinene and camphene substances, alcohols and resins. Together they stimulate blood circulation in the capillaries and lymph flow through the vessels, activate collagen synthesis, remove excess grease, fight acne, whiten the skin, restore firmness, freshness and elasticity to it.
With the composition of the essential oil of cinnamon, obtained from the bark of a tree by grinding it, soaking it in salt water and distilling it with steam, the situation is exactly the opposite. It contains up to 90% aldehyde and a scanty amount of eugenol, which is why it cannot be used for skin care. The niche of this oil is found, for the most part, in perfumery.
Useful properties of cinnamon oil in cosmetology
The chemical composition and beneficial properties of cinnamon essential oil have made it indispensable in the care of oily skin prone to inflammation and rashes.
In addition, the oil is successfully used to combat the first signs of wilting - wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dull complexion. It is also useful for getting rid of age spots or freckles: it will lighten, even out, invigorate, rejuvenate, cleanse the sebaceous glands.
Cinnamon powder is often used in hair care, but the oil does not stand aside either. Its active (even slightly aggressive) components wake up "lazy" follicles, accelerate growth and improve the condition of the strands. In addition, after a mask or washing with cinnamon oil, the hair retains an alluring subtle aroma for some time.
The oil in the foot masks softens the hardened areas of the feet and facilitates the fight against calluses.
Added to the body formula, it resists cellulite, helps keep skin taut and boosts fat burning. By themselves, oil wraps will not help you lose weight, but in combination with other activities, they will greatly facilitate the matter.
Finally, the oil helps control hunger. Breathing in its vapors, despite a clear association with mouth-watering homemade baked goods, contributes to quick satiety.
Contraindications and harm of cinnamon oil
Before using cinnamon oil, remember that this substance is insidious and requires extreme care with itself. Therefore, do not exceed the dosage indicated in the recipes and do not apply oil to the skin without a greasy base.
Test the oil on your wrist or the crook of your elbow before using it for the first time to make sure you are free of allergies.
Those who definitely won't benefit from cinnamon oil are people with delicate, sensitive skin and incipient rosacea. Under the influence of cinnamaldehyde, their problems will only worsen.
You cannot deal with a fragrant cosmetic product even if:
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- you have high blood pressure;
- you are sick with diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, varicose veins, cardiovascular disorders, oncology.
Note! Sometimes the smell of cinnamon aggravates existing insomnia, causes headaches and nervous strain.
How to choose cinnamon oil?
In the photo, Styx cinnamon oil at a price of 2000-2200 rubles. for 10 ml
You can distinguish one type of cinnamon oil from another by its shade and smell: the liquid extracted from the leaves will have a soft, unexpressed color, and notes of cloves will be mixed with the cinnamon aroma. But to be sure, check the label on the packaging: a good manufacturer will definitely indicate from which part of the tree the oil was produced.
How to buy cinnamon oil and get it right:
- Make purchases at the pharmacy or on the manufacturer's website.
- Choose a product from well-established brands that monitor the quality of their products.
- Don't be cheap. The production of essential oils is an expensive process, and therefore the final product cannot cost a penny. If you are offered a bottle worth 150-200 rubles, you can be sure that this is a synthetically created smell.
- It is important that the oil is poured into amber glass bottles equipped with a pipette dispenser. If these conditions are not met, it will either deteriorate before the expiration date, or it will be used up too quickly.
Note! There is a myth that cassia is a cheap analogue of the "real" Ceylon cinnamon tree. In fact, this is not entirely true, but Ceylon Cinnamon does give a brighter aroma, so it makes sense to look for oil marked Cinnamomum verum on the package.
Decent brands and their cinnamon oil prices:
- Karel Hadek (Czech Republic), 1700-1900 rub. for 10 ml;
- Styx (Austria), 2000-2200 rubles. for 10 ml;
- IriS (Russia), 2400-2600 rubles. for 10 ml.
If the price tags of the professionals unpleasantly struck you with the number of zeros, you can try making cinnamon oil at home. This is done like this:
- Buy cinnamon sticks and grind them into powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Take any odorless fatty oil, lightly heat in the microwave and mix with cinnamon in a 1: 5 ratio (1 part cinnamon to 5 parts oil). Use a dark colored jar!
- Place the oil in a cupboard for 10 days, away from sunlight. Shake the can from time to time.
Of course, the quality of the resulting infusion will be much lower than the essential oil of cinnamon used in cosmetology, but it will be able to serve as a cheap and affordable home replacement for a pharmacy.
Ways to use cinnamon oil in cosmetology
If you have no contraindications to the use of cinnamon essential oil, you can start spa treatments at any convenient time. But let's make a reservation right away: here we will only talk about pharmacy essential oils. Do-it-yourself homemade ones are used according to different rules: they are applied instead of a cream, rubbed into the hair in a pure form, and make wraps.
Cinnamon oil for face
The easiest way to use cinnamon oil for your face is to fortify your night cream. Just add just under 1 tsp to your regular serving. a drop of oil and stir it thoroughly.
You can make a refreshing tonic based on cinnamon oil. Whisk well in a bottle with a tight lid 100 ml of pure water with 2 tsp. lemon juice and 3 drops of essential oil, soak a cotton pad in the liquid and wipe your face after washing. Shake the bottle vigorously before each use.
Another interesting remedy based on cinnamon oil is lip balm. Steam 1 tsp. natural beeswax, add 1 tsp to it. flower honey and coconut oil, add the contents of 3 capsules of Aveit and 3-5 drops of cinnamon oil. Transfer the mixture to a small jar and set aside. Each application of the balm will cause tiny swelling and, as a result, lip enlargement. Use the product no more than 3 times a day.
Recipes for effective cinnamon oil face masks:
- Rejuvenating … One of the most interesting cinnamon oil face masks is the life-giving mixture of 1/2 avocado pulp, 2 tsp. olive oil or melted cocoa butter, 1 tsp. ground walnuts and 2-3 drops of cinnamon oil. The mask is kept for a quarter of an hour, washed off with warm water.
- For acne … To do this, you need to take 1 tbsp. l. honey and minced oatmeal, combine with 2 tsp. warm milk, add 3 drops of cinnamon oil and apply to acne areas. Wash off after 20 minutes with warm water.
- For toning the face … Rub the pulp of a ripe banana in mashed potatoes, mix with 1 tsp. grape seed oil and 3 drops of cinnamon oil. Leave the mask on your face for half an hour.
In cosmetology, cinnamon oil regularly appears in tandem with other skin-friendly supplements. Fatty will benefit from white clay and cocoa powder, dry - yolk and sour cream, wilting - flaxseed decoction and fresh parsley. And any remedy can be made more useful if you enhance it with just 1-3 drops of cinnamon ether.
Note! Cinnamon oil masks are best done on the eve of the weekend. In this case, even if they cause redness of the skin, it will have time to calm down and get in order.
Cinnamon body oil
If you want to get smooth hips, get rid of a couple of centimeters at the waist and restore elasticity to the skin - turn to the miraculous elixir of the cinnamon tree. Its active substances will make the cellular metabolism work, accelerate the excretion of waste products through the lymph, activate fat burning, invigorate the skin, and the enchanting aroma will cause a surge of strength and the desire to move mountains. You will definitely succeed!
A fairly popular way to use cinnamon oil for the body is to prepare firming scrubs on its basis. You will need 3 tbsp. l. grounds of sleeping coffee or finely ground sea salt to remove dead cells, 1 tbsp. l. favorite fatty oil for better glide and nutrition, 1-2 tsp. honey for rejuvenation and 3 drops of cinnamon oil to activate all of these processes. Mix, apply to damp skin, rub vigorously and rinse with water. Finish with a soothing lotion on your body.
Wraps can be made on the basis of cinnamon oil. To do this, you just need to dilute a handful of blue clay with warm cream so that you get a moderately liquid gruel, season it with 2 tbsp. l. honey, stir in the same amount of fruit puree and 3-5 drops of cinnamon oil. The mask is applied to the thighs or, if desired, other parts of the body after a hot shower, wrapped in cling film and laid down in a bed covered with an old sheet. And then you need to take a nap under a warm blanket for 30-40 minutes and then go to the shower again. In wraps with cinnamon oil, you can add granulated sugar instead of honey, kelp tincture instead of cream, or a little fresh grated ginger. Don't be afraid to use your imagination.
Plus, cinnamon oil can help get rid of cellulite and stretch marks. Take 3 tbsp. l. any fatty oil as a base and stir in 2 drops each of cinnamon, orange and rosemary essential oils. You can also take juniper, nutmeg, grapefruit and tea tree. Apply the mixture 1-2 times a day to areas of the body with cellulite and stretch marks, then knead and rub vigorously. By using cinnamon oil for massage on a regular basis, significant results can be achieved within 3-4 weeks.
With the participation of cinnamon oil, you can make a scented bath. Essential oils do not mix with water, so for a bath with cinnamon oil, add 5-6 drops to a handful of salt, which is then diluted in water. Such bathing invigorates the body and spirit, makes toxins leave the body, and improves overall well-being. Remember that the water in the bathroom should be pleasantly warm, but not hot, and you can relax in it for no more than 20 minutes.
Also, cinnamon oil will help nourish your feet. Transfer to a ceramic or glass container 2 tbsp. l. foot cream and mix with 3 drops of cinnamon oil. Apply to cleanly washed feet, put on cotton socks and thick woolen socks over them and go to bed. Do night wrap with cinnamon oil for the skin of the feet every other day, and soon the calluses and corns will soften, and the legs will acquire a pleasant smell. In addition, you will definitely not freeze at night thanks to the warming effect of the oil.
Note! As much as you want to get in shape faster, you should not drink the cinnamon oil shakes for weight loss, so often found on the Internet. This product is not intended for oral consumption! Instead, try to subdue your appetite by hanging a bottle with a few drops of fragrant oil around your neck.
Cinnamon oil for hair
Cinnamon oil for hair is good primarily for its ability to accelerate blood flow and provide the follicles with an uninterrupted supply of nutrients and oxygen. Hair follicles are strengthened, strands become stronger and grow faster, and dandruff is rapidly reduced.
First of all, cinnamon oil is used for hair by adding it to shampoo. Just 2 drops per handful will make your regular shampoo twice as beneficial.
Masks are made on the basis of cinnamon oil for weakened hair. It will take 3 tbsp. l. palm or coconut oil, 1 tbsp. l. honey, 2-3 tbsp. l. cinnamon powder and 3 drops of cinnamon oil. Everything is mixed, applied to the hair from roots to ends, insulated with a plastic bag and a towel, and then wait half an hour. Wash off the mask with warm water and shampoo.
Mixtures are prepared with cinnamon oil for enhanced hair growth. You need to beat with a whisk 2 tbsp. l. fatty kefir with the same amount of flaxseed, olive, castor, coconut oil or macadamia oil, add 2 yolks, 1 tsp. honey and 5 drops of cinnamon oil. Stir again and apply the mixture to the hair. The mask is kept under the bag and towel for 20-30 minutes.
Making masks with cinnamon oil for hair is required 1-2 times a week for a month. At the same time, it is better for owners of oily hair to reduce the volume of cosmetic oils in mixtures or increase the time intervals between procedures to 10-12 days.
Real Reviews of Cinnamon Oil
Reviews of cinnamon oil are mostly positive. With a reasonable approach and compliance with safety measures, the oily substance has a beneficial effect on the skin, hair and mood, but you cannot relax with it. The ambiguous properties of cinnamon oil and its use in cosmetology according to strict rules oblige to treat this tool extremely responsibly, otherwise unpredictable consequences are possible. Here are some informative reviews about cinnamon oil from women who have already tested its power on themselves.
Anya, 28 years old
Somehow I came across the simplest recipe - add a few drops of oil to shampoo or balm for better hair growth. Well, since everything is so simple, I decided to give it a try. After a couple of weeks, I couldn't believe my eyes! I have such a not weak undercoat of new hair! To be honest, I didn't expect such a quick effect. In general, now I use this recipe all the time.
Alena, 23 years old
3 months have passed since the start of application. The condition of the skin is getting better and better every time, but it is still far from ideal. At the very beginning, there was a feeling that the cream with cinnamon oil aggravates the skin condition a little, it seemed that the stretch marks became a little more noticeable. But in fact, this is how the alignment takes place. Visually more inconspicuous fresh pits in comparison with the main old stretch marks began to tighten and, accordingly, acquired a noticeable white tint. To the touch, the depth disappeared. The contours of the stretch marks have become more blurred, and their relief has smoothed out. The skin has acquired elasticity and a healthier complexion.
Christina, 30 years old
In general, I decided to use the blue clay wrap. I diluted the composition as needed, 50 g of clay + 3 drops of EO, diluted all this with a small amount of water. She wrapped her stomach with cling film, jumped under the covers. I kept it on the skin for 40 minutes. The first 10 minutes burned, but bearable. Then the whole thing washed away and I notice that the skin is red! I read that right after wrapping it is normal, but the next day the situation worsened. The skin itches like hell, all red, covered with bumps, blisters, cellulite has become more noticeable. General conclusion: this essential oil should be used … however, it is better not to use it at all, I cannot name a single harmless way of using it.
How to use cinnamon oil - watch the video:
