How to Use Cinnamon for Acne: 6 DIY Masks for All Skin Types

From teenagers to adults, acne and breakouts is a common problem that knows no age limit.

Finding ways to deal with it can be frustrating, especially when you see advertisements for uniquely formulated acne serums that promise to cure the problem but will break your bank at the same time.

Acne occurs due to excessive production of oil produced naturally by your skin (sebum), which ends up blocking the pores.

Blocked pores lead to whiteheads and blackheads. When bacteria enter the clogged pores, it causes further inflammation and red or pus-filled bumps.

Cinnamon has potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that make it highly effective for fighting acne. This sweet spice can be used to make a variety of skin masks to treat acne for all skin types.

Cinnamon helps reduce the redness and irritation, dry out pimples, and promote quicker repair of acne-affected skin.

By boosting circulation, it also helps improve your skin’s overall health and prevent other types of blemishes. It is available in various forms.

Natural Ways to Treat Acne with Cinnamon

To use cinnamon for acne, you can use powdered cinnamon, cinnamon essential oil or grate cinnamon bark fresh every time to prepare natural masks.

Just make sure you use good quality, organic cinnamon for acne. For best results, use Ceylon cinnamon, which is much better quality than the Chinese cinnamon or cassia.

Also, wash your face using a mild cleanser before applying any of the masks.

Method 1: Cinnamon & Honey Masks

Cinnamon and honey both have strong antimicrobial properties, while honey also helps moisturize and heal the affected skin.

# Cinnamon & Honey

You can make a very basic mask for treating acne by simply mixing organic cinnamon powder with raw honey.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic cinnamon powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Raw honey (acts as humectant) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Mix cinnamon and honey

• Put 1 teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder in a small mixing bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey as well.
• Mix them well.

Step 2. Apply it on the areas with acne

• Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture as a spot treatment for the acne or breakouts.
• Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Wash it off with warm water and pat dry your skin using a soft towel.

Repeat 2 or 3 times a week for at least 2 weeks to treat severe acne breakouts.

# Cinnamon, Honey & Yogurt

This recipe uses cinnamon and honey along with yogurt to make a highly effective mask for treating acne.

The plain yogurt contains lactic acid that acts as a natural exfoliant and also helps fade acne scars, giving you smooth, blemish-free skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic cinnamon powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Raw honey (acts as humectant) – 1 tablespoon
• Plain yogurt (contains lactic acid and milk proteins) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Combine yogurt, cinnamon, and honey

• Put ¼ cup of plain yogurt in a mixing bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder.
• Add 1 tablespoon of raw honey as well.

Step 2. Mix well and apply the mask

• Mix well to form a uniform paste.
• Using clean fingers, apply the mask all over your face.
• Let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes, then wash it off using circular motions for exfoliation. Use warm water for easy removal.
• Gently pat dry your face using a warm towel.

Apply this face mask every 3 days for 14 days to eliminate acne completely.

Method 2: Cinnamon & Lemon Juice Mask

You can make a great mask to get rid of both acne and acne scars by mixing cinnamon with freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent, brightening your skin and smoothening the surface.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic cinnamon powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Freshly-squeezed lemon juice (natural bleaching agent) – 2 teaspoons

Step 1. Combine cinnamon and lemon juice

• Put 1 teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder in a small bowl.
• Squeeze in about 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.

Step 2. Mix well and apply the mask

• Mix the ingredients well.
• Use a cotton swab to apply the mask on the acne-affected skin or breakouts.
• This mask may sting a bit. Do not worry, as it means that it is working. However, if the burning sensation feels too strong, wash it off immediately.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water and gently pat dry your face using a soft towel.

Apply this mask at least 2 or 3 times a week to use cinnamon for acne. You will get clear skin after at least 2 weeks of regular use.

Method 3: Cinnamon & Milk Mask

This anti-acne mask with cinnamon and milk acts as an excellent exfoliant and moisturizer, making it especially effective for those with dry skin.

Milk contains lactic acid that also helps fade acne marks as well as natural proteins that nourish and hydrate your skin, leaving it clearer and softer than before.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic cinnamon powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 2 tablespoons
• Milk (contains lactic acid and proteins) – 2 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine cinnamon powder and milk

• Put 2 tablespoons of organic cinnamon powder in a container.
• Add 2 tablespoons of milk as well.

Step 2. Mix well and apply on the acne-affected areas

• Mix the ingredients well to get a uniform mixture.
• Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture on your pimples and areas with severe acne breakouts.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes; then wash it off using lukewarm water.
• Gently pat dry your face using a soft towel.

Apply this mask 3 or 4 times a week on your acne to get clearer and well-nourished skin within 3 weeks of regular use.

Method 4: Cinnamon & Aloe Vera Mask

Aloe vera is nature’s wonder remedy and can be combined with cinnamon for acne. It can be used to treat skin problems like a sunburn, along with healing minor wounds and burns.

It has potent antimicrobial properties and also contains vitamin E. It helps soothe and heal the irritated skin and also can be used to prevent breakouts in the future.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic cinnamon powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Aloe vera gel (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 2 teaspoons

Step 1. Whisk cinnamon and aloe vera gel together

• Put 1 teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder in a bowl and add 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel. You can buy organic aloe vera gel or make your own at home.
• Use a small, motorized whisk to blend the two ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2. Apply the paste on the acne

• Use a cotton swab to apply the paste on the areas with acne.
• Gently rub the paste into the skin using circular motions.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes, then wash your face with water.
• Gently pat dry your face using a soft towel.

Use this mask at least 3 or 4 times a week to eliminate acne and also get younger-looking skin in the process.

Method 5: Cinnamon & Turmeric Mask

Turmeric is another spice with strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be combined with cinnamon to effectively treat acne.

It also helps heal the damaged skin, giving it a lighter and brighter appearance.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic cinnamon powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Organic turmeric powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Raw honey (acts as humectant) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine cinnamon, turmeric, and honey

• Put 1 teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder in a mixing bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of organic turmeric powder.
• Finally, add 1 tablespoon of raw honey.

Step 2. Mix well and apply it on the acne

• Mix the ingredients well to form a uniform paste.
• Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture on the acne breakouts. You can apply it all over your face as well.
• Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then wash your face with warm water.
• Gently pat dry your skin using a soft towel.

Apply this mask 3 or 4 times a week to get acne-free skin.

Method 6: Cinnamon & Oil Masks

You can also use cinnamon for acne by combining it with various oils to make highly effective anti-acne face masks.

# Cinnamon & Coconut Oil

Extra-virgin coconut oil has potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used by itself to get rid of acne.

Mixing it with cinnamon creates a powerful mask for severe acne breakouts.

Coconut oil also acts as a great moisturizer and is especially recommended for those with dry or combination skin.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic cinnamon powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Extra-virgin coconut oil (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 2 teaspoons

Step 1. Combine coconut oil and cinnamon powder

• Put 1 teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder in a small bowl.
• Add 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin coconut oil.

Step 2. Apply the mix on the acne breakout

• Mix the ingredients well.
• Use a cotton swab to apply the mix on your acne spots.
• Leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Gently pat dry your face using a soft towel.

Apply this mask 3 or 4 times a week to get rid of acne and prevent future breakouts as well.

# Cinnamon & Essential Oil

Apart from using powdered cinnamon, you can also use cinnamon essential oil to get rid of acne.

If you have extra oily skin, this mask is especially for you. It contains natural clay powder that absorbs all the excess oil from your skin, while the plain yogurt in the mask has a nourishing and skin-brightening effect.

Last but not least, this mask contains tea tree oil that is another powerful antimicrobial agent that helps get rid of acne.

Things you’ll need:

• Tea tree essential oil (strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 3 drops
• Cinnamon essential oil (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 or 2 drops
• Clay powder (oil absorbent) – 1 teaspoon
• Plain yogurt (contains lactic acid and milk proteins) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine yogurt and clay powder

• Put 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt in a mixing bowl.
• Add 1 teaspoon of clay powder.

Step 2. Add cinnamon and tea tree essential oils

• Add 1 or 2 drops of cinnamon essential oil to the mix.
• Add 3 drops of tea tree essential oil as well.

Step 3. Mix well and apply it on the acne-afflicted areas

• Mix the ingredients thoroughly to get a uniform mixture.
• Apply the prepared mask.
• Keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse your face using lukewarm water.
• Gently pat dry your skin using a soft towel.

Apply this face mask every 3 days to eliminate acne and prevent future breakouts.

Additional Tips

• You can also use DIY peel-off face masks to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads.
• You can use DIY homemade face washes and cleansers to properly wash your face without the use of harsh chemicals.
• Remember to always check for allergic reactions with all ingredients and remove immediately if you have a reaction.