DIY Beauty: cinnamon & nutmeg acne mask
This mask consisting of grounded cinnamon, nutmeg and honey is great for acne flare ups. In fact, it is probably one of the best DIY masks I’ve tried in terms of results as just after three days of using the mixture, I noticed my acne calmed down tremendously and the red marks were a lot lightened. The only drawback is, this is extremely messy to use as there were lots of dripping!
Nutmeg is anti-inflammatory
I’ve tried using nutmeg with success as an ingredient to erase acne scars but I’ve only used it as a spot treatment and never the entire face. Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties and was used since ancient times for a variety of skin diseases including ringworms and eczema. Add it with honey which has antiseptic benefits and the concoction is supposed to help erase acne marks over time. It is also supposed to help lighten skin tone. However, based on my experience, the results were not immediate and you need to be patient.
Cinnamon is a natural exfoliant
But it’s a different story with the cinnamon added. Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years as an antiseptic, astringent, antifungal and anti-viral aid, among its many other uses. Additionally, cinnamon is an exfoliant and can stimulate the pores, thus helping other ingredients to work on the skin as well.
Easy recipe
This recipe is very straightforward. Just mix one teaspoon of grounded cinnamon, one teaspoon of grounded nutmeg and one teaspoon of honey together into a thick paste. Apply on your face for half an hour and then rinse off with warm water. Moisturize as per normal afterwards. I usually apply emu oil on the acne to speed up healing.
Option of using with lemon
The original version of this recipe is to add lemon to fade the spots but because my skin cannot tolerate the sting from the lemon juice, I left this ingredient out. In addition, lemon can cause photosensitivity. As for the honey, I used normal honey and it worked well to control the acne breakout and reduce the red marks.
Frequency of use
I used the mask a few days in a row before stopping for a day or two. If you have acne flare ups, doing so will help to calm down the acne, dry them up or at least flatten the bumps. Once the acne has calmed down, cut down to two or three times a week at most. The mask will help to lighten the marks but don’t expect miracles in the short term. It will lighten up with continuous application though.
Word of caution
While this is a great home remedy for acne, but this DIY mask is not for everyone. I wouldn’t recommend you to use this if you have sensitive skin as some of the ingredients maybe too strong for such skin type. Another point to note is despite what is recommended, please DO NOT rub or scrub with this mask as the ingredients will hurt your skin! Do not also exfoliate your skin during the period you’re using this mask as this has some exfoliation properties and you don’t want to aggravate your skin condition. Finally, be prepared for the dripping with some paper or cloth towels!
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Oh and also, how often am I suppose to use this mask? ?
When I had acne, I used it daily as a spot treatment.
I used to wash my face with a simple soap – OMG please dont do this! My dermatologist recommended the organic Citrus Clear products – I used their face wash and the Citrus Clear Pore Mask. Usually my face feels tight when I use a mask, and its tough to be scraping the product off. Not with Citrus Clear. My face felt soft & moisturized.
I went to bed right after and slept for about 4 hours. I went to the restroom and was amazed at how my face looked in the mirror. Prior to use of the mask, I noticed a red lump that clearly wanted to cause trouble.
There was no trace of it now. I’m serious.
Also, there was a blemish on my cheek that reduced so no one could notice it! I was so happy!
Hi! So I was wondering if the nutmeg can be left out of the recipe? I tried it once and I found that the nutmeg kind of irritated my skin a little bit. Just being curious thanks love the recipe ?
Val last post is: What’s Hot
Hi! I tried the mask once before and found that the nutmeg component slightly irritated my skin. Would it still work the same without the nutmeg?
Val last post is: What’s Hot
Yes, you can use without.
Hello. I used this mask on tuesday 11/4/14 and it burned my skin. I used 2-3 tablespoons honey and 1 table spoon of cinnamon and nutmeg, each. After about 5 minutes my skin was burning so i washed it off with cold water. My face was swollen and bright red for about 2 hours. After 2 day i have dry and scaly patches on my skin. Its horrible. Ive been using aloe vera gel to help. I just started the aloe today so i am not sure if it will help or is helping. Im scared that this mask caused permanent damage…. Do you think this is something i should be concerned about? The next day the redness way gone but skin felt dry. Please help!! ?
Please continue to use the aloe vera to soothe the skin. Do you have some shea butter? That is moisturizing and healing too.
I have tried dozens of masks over the years, and I have spent a small fortune. Each one promised the world. Some were good, but most did NOT help my acne. I tried this one you recommended, but the Citrus Clear Extracting Mask is a miracle for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. I have the beginnings of wrinkles, especially around my eyes. My pores are so huge that I am sure you can seem them from the Space Shuttle.
This Citrus Clear mask has worked wonders on evening out my skin tone. I find myself petting my face afterwards because it is so smooth, too!
Even on my sensitive skin, I haven’t had any major irritation.