Fighting acne? My mom says this honey and cinnamon face mask can be a saviour!

I remember how acne gave me all sorts of trouble during my teenage. Now also, it makes a surprise appearance once in a while. I am not the only with acne problem. It is estimated to affect about 9.4 percent of the global population, as per a 2015 study published in the US National Library of Medicine. This makes acne the eighth most prevalent disease in the world! While there are anti-acne products available in stores, my mom told me to try a homemade honey and cinnamon face mask. Let us find out what a dermatologist thinks about this home remedy for acne.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that is characterised by the blockage of hair follicles with a combination of oil and dead skin cells, explains Dr Kuna Ramdas, Senior Dermatologist, Kamineni Hospitals, L.B Nagar, Hyderabad. It mostly shows up in the form of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on the face, chest, back and shoulders.

What are the common causes of acne?

The primary trigger for acne is an excess production of sebum, an oily substance, by the sebaceous glands. This sebum can get mixed up with dead skin cells and obstruct hair follicles, says Dr Ramdas. Other factors contributing to acne are –

• Hormonal fluctuations (often observed during puberty and periods)
• Dietary choices, especially those high in glycemic foods
• Genetic predisposition
• Presence of skin bacteria, notably propionibacterium acnes.

Benefits of honey and cinnamon for acne

When it comes to natural methods, tea tree oil is believed to help kill acne-causing bacteria. Even green tea extract is said to help to reduce mild to moderate acne. As for honey and cinnamon, they are frequently suggested as home remedies for acne due to their potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, says the expert. Honey boasts natural antibacterial attributes that can inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for acne, while also delivering soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin.

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As for cinnamon, it contains compounds with antimicrobial properties that, when applied topically, may help to combat acne-associated bacteria. It also has astringent properties that can help to shrink pores. That in turn, can make the skin look more even and smoother. So, these two ingredients together offer a holistic approach to addressing concerns related to acne.

How to make honey and cinnamon face mask for acne

To make a honey and cinnamon face mask at home, you can follow these steps.

• Begin by gathering your materials — one to two tablespoons of honey, preferably raw or Manuka honey, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
• Combine these ingredients in a small bowl until you get a smooth paste.

Before applying the DIY face mask, cleanse your face gently and pat it dry. Spread the honey and cinnamon mixture evenly across your face, but avoid sensitive areas around your eyes and mouth. Allow the mask to sit for about 10 to 15 minutes then rinse it off thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.

While honey and cinnamon are safe for most people when used topically, there are a few considerations and potential risks to be aware of. Some people may be allergic to honey or cinnamon, so do a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying the mask to your face. Cinnamon can be irritating to sensitive skin, so if you experience redness, burning or itching, rinse your face.