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Create your free business website! www.ascpskincare.com 5 The smell and taste of cinnamon takes us back to our youth: gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, and French toast. Fast-forward to adulthood, when cinnamon not only makes great treats but can also encourage healthy skin. Cinnamon has been used for centuries in Asian medicine for health maintenance. The use of cinnamon dates back to 2000 BCE, with the importation of the humble spice from China to Egypt. Historically, it has been used to treat gastrointestinal upset and circulatory issues. Now, its uses move beyond the pantry as an active ingredient for effective skin treatments. The active constituent of cinnamon is cinnamaldehyde, the organic compound that gives cinnamon its flavor and aroma. In a 2012 study, researchers showed that cinnamaldehyde can facilitate collagen biosynthesis. 1 The study results suggested cinnamon extract is useful in the antiaging treatment of skin through its activation of IGF-1 signaling. IGF-1 is a growth hormone that has been shown to be the most potent stimulator of collagen biosynthesis, as well as a promoter of healthy muscle, bones, and tissue. In other words, IGF-1 stimulates collagen synthesis, which results in plump skin, improved complexion, and reduced wrinkles. Used in both ground and oil forms, cinnamon has the ability to improve blood circulation to the skin. In doing so, it causes minor irritation and provokes swelling, resulting in plumping of the skin and reduction of fine lines. You can use a mixture of cinnamon essential oil and wellness olive oil to achieve this effect. As a bonus, applying this mixture to lips will make them look fuller. However, be aware cinnamon can cause burning, so avoid the eyes if you are trying to resolve crow's feet. Cinnamon also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and has been found to provide relief for eczema and acne. Some recipes suggest using a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 3 tablespoons of honey and applying the paste to skin lesions. If you are using this mixture for acne, you can apply it to the acne lesions and leave overnight. Please note this treatment should only be used once a week, as it can be quite irritating. Cinnamon has also been noted as a wonderful exfoliant. Combined with honey, sea salt, and olive oil, cinnamon has Cinnamon Girl Discover the Benefits of this Simple Spice by Shelley Burns the ability to remove dead skin cells and restore shiny, healthy skin. So go ahead: add a little spice to your skin care regimen and savor the results. Note 1. N. Takasao et al., "Cinnamon Extract Promotes Type I Collagen Biosynthesis via Activation of IGF-1 Signaling in Human Dermal Fibroblasts," Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 60, no. 5 (February 8, 2012): 1, 193–200. Shelley Burns, a doctor of naturopathic medicine, completed studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and has certification in complementary and integrative medicine from Harvard University. She can be reached at the Executive Health Centre at 416-222-5880 or shelley.burns@executivehealthcentre.com. When using cinnamon, it is important to use Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka, and not Cassia/Chinese cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon contains a negligible amount of coumarin, a natural blood thinner, and can be used on a regular basis. Cassia contains higher amounts of coumarin and is not recommended for repeated use.