There are oodles of do-it-yourself beauty recipes that promise flawless skin from common household ingredients. Few of them, however, have any scientifically proven benefits. Thank goodness for the mixture of honey, nutmeg and cinnamon, a homemade facial mask that seems to work. Medical studies show that honey is a humectant with antimicrobial qualities and has been shown to heal wounds. Nutmeg fights infection and inflammation, while cinnamon exfoliates and reduces the bacteria that cause acne. By combining these three, you give your body's natural defenses a boost without expensive beauty products or harsh treatments.
Step 1
Mix honey, nutmeg and cinnamon in a small bowl to form a chocolate-colored paste.
Step 2
Wrap the towel around your shoulders to catch drips, then apply the mask gently to your face. Viva Woman recommends you dab the mixture gently onto your skin without rubbing.
Step 3
Let the mask sit for up to 30 minutes. According to beauty blog BellaSugar, it will drip; make sure you keep the towel around your shoulders. If your skin stings, hurts or itches, wash the mask off right away.
Step 4
Wash your face with warm, not hot, water. Do not rub, but let the water wash the mask away.
Step 5
Pat your face dry with a towel and apply moisturizer if desired.
Step 6
Repeat the treatment twice a week, observing how it affects your skin. If it doesn't cause too much irritation, you may use it daily during acne flareups.
Tips and Warnings
- BellaSugar recommends rubbing your skin to exfoliate, but Viva Woman says rubbing can damage your face. The first time you try this mask, be gentle; if it doesn't result in smoother skin, try rubbing gently next time.
- Nutmeg and cinnamon are potent ingredients. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, or if you're currently undergoing treatment for acne, check with your dermatologist before using this mask.
Things You'll Need
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- Bowl
- Towel
References
- PubMed: Honey: A Potent Agent for Wound Healing?
- PubMed: Isolation and Characterization of Two Antimicrobial Agents from Mace (Myristica Fragrans).
- Ayurvedic Cure: Health Benefits of Aromatic Nutmeg
- PubMed: Effect of Cinnamon Oil on icaA Expression and Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus Epidermidis
- BellaSugar: This DIY Mask Really Works
- Viva Woman: DIY Beauty: Cinnamon and Nutmeg Acne Mask
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