17. CIRCuLATiON-BOoSTING BODY OiL
In the Bible, cinnamon was used in the holy anointing oil (Exodus 30: 23-14), which was made with myrrh, cinnamon, and olive oil. While you can use a version of this blend to make your own anointing oil if you’re so inclined, this oil serves best as a quick-absorbing body oil after your shower or as a warming massage oil.
People typically think of massages as something you have to go to the spa for, but you can perform a massage right at home— either on yourself or with the help of a partner. Whether it’s a head and scalp, hand and foot, back, or full-body massage, the benefits are numerous. It can help with anxiety and depression,1 boost your immune system, and lower your stress levels.2
Many masseuses like using coconut oil or lotion to lubricate the skin as they massage it, but this homemade version provides extra benefits: the jojoba and olive oils are less likely to clog your skin and are hydrating and quick-absorbing, so you won’t feel greasy or sticky afterward.
Cinnamon plays an important part in the warming process—it’s commonly known as a “warming spice” that can improve blood flow.3 Combined with other essential oils that also boost circulation, not only does this body oil smell great, but it will prepare your muscles for massage or keep you warm long after you’ve finished your shower.
WARMING CINNAMON BODY OIL
5 drops clove essential oil
15 drops cinnamon essential oil
5 drops ginger essential oil
10 drops vanilla essential oil
5 drops sandalwood essential oil
1/4 cup jojoba oil
1/4 cup olive oil
10 milliliters CBD oil (optional)
1. Combine all ingredients in a squeeze bottle and shake well. Use as needed.
18. FACE MASK
Not only are face masks a great way to relax and enjoy some self-care time, but they are also a way to give your skin powerful ingredients that it doesn’t typically get in your normal skincare routine. Masks nowadays are made with anything from snail mucus (yes, really) to the classic green clay. However, you don’t need fancy ingredients to have an effective face mask—you can create a potent face mask with products you already have in your pantry.
One of the benefits of DIY masks is you’re able to control exactly what goes into them. All the ingredients in this honey cinnamon mask are ones you can eat—that’s how you know it’s safe for your skin to absorb! The combination of cinnamon and honey is a powerful one—while both have antibacterial effects, once combined, the two ingredients are even more effective against acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis).4 Extra benefits of cinnamon include reducing fine lines by boosting blood circulation and relieving eczema.5
Honey has additional exfoliating properties; it naturally contains glycolic acid, which is a chemical exfoliant that gets rid of your dead skin cells without physically scrubbing them off. Additionally, honey keeps your skin moisturized by absorbing moisture from the environment and locking it underneath your skin.
AGNE-FIGHTING CINNAMON HONEY MASK
2 tablespoons honey (I recommend manuka honey)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1. Combine ingredients together to form a paste.
2. Spread all over your face and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
3. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry or let air dry.
4. Follow skincare routine as usual.
19. ACNE SPoT TREATMENT
Having healthy and clear skin is something people of all ages aim for. It has long been a symbol of physical health in our society and can boost self-confidence and emotional well-being in women (who can think of flawless skin as the canvas for any makeup they apply) and men alike.6
Beyond the emotional benefits of clear skin, it’s important to take care of your skin for many other reasons, including that it’s your body’s largest organ! Underlying health issues or allergic reactions can present themselves on your skin, meaning acne, rosacea, or other skin issues may be an indicator of a bigger environmental or health problem. If you find yourself with persistent acne, try taking a look at your diet and the products you are using in your home and on your body; seeing if you have any other symptoms, like fatigue, moodiness, or weight gain; and perhaps even visiting a dermatologist, traditional Chinese medicine doctor, or naturopath.
To recap: While there are a multitude of triggers for acne—including diet, skincare products, hormones, and your natural skin type—we can treat the actual spots the same, with the help of cinnamon. Acne is caused by the inflammation of hair follicles and their subsequent clogging of sebaceous (oil-producing) glands in the skin.7 Thus, cinnamon is effective at treating acne spots because of its anti-inflammatory properties—a little cinnamon can help your spots look less red and raised. When combined with raw honey and tea tree oil, which both have antibacterial benefits, you create a potent homemade spot treatment you can use anytime you need.
QUICK ACNE SPOT TREATMENT
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
3 teaspoons raw, local honey
1 drop tea tree oil
1. Combine all the ingredients to form a paste.
2. Spread the mixture on the desired spots.
3. Leave on for 15-30 minutes and wash off with warm water.
4. Follow with your regular skincare routine.
Note: It’s recommended that you test homemade treatments on your neck or arm first to check for any potential reactions or sensitivities.
Note: Spot treatments are designed to help existing acne disappear quicker; they will not prevent more acne from forming.
20. HAiR LiGHTENER
Cinnamon and honey naturally contain peroxide, an agent that lightens hair.8 Unlike store-bought hair dyes, using a cinnamon-based hair dye won’t strip your hair of its natural oils (or its natural healthy shine!). In fact, cinnamon—combined with the hydrating properties of the natural ingredients in this hair dye—will help you get sun-kissed strands and hydrate your hair. Bonus: It smells great as well.
CINNAMON HAIR-LiGHTENING MASK
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
1 tablespoon natural honey
FOR A BLONOER COLOR:
5 bags chamomile tea, steeped
FOR A REDDER COLOR:
6-10 tablespoons henna
1. Mix all the ingredients until they form a mask-like paste. Add more olive oil if the mask is too thick.
2. Coat hair evenly with the mask.
3. Put hair in a high bun and leave on for at least 2 hours. Cover with a shower cap if possible. You can even leave this mask on overnight; just be sure to cover your pillow with a towel to keep it clean!
4. Wash out with your regular shampoo and conditioner. It may take two shampoos to get all of the mask out of your hair.
5. Let hair dry naturally.
21. HAiR GRoWTH STIMULAToR
Thick, luscious hair is typically equated with good health and beauty. However, hair thinning and hair loss is a common problem as we age. According to the North American Hair Research Society, half of women experience some hair loss by the time they hit fifty.9 In addition, women who were post-menopause have been shown to have lower hair density (less hair on the scalp) and slower rates of hair growth.10 So how do we combat this?
Cinnamon essential oil can help! In an Indonesian study, cinnamon essential oil was proven to increase hair follicle length and diameter as effectively as minoxidil, a drug commonly used to stimulate hair growth and slow balding in both men and women.11
To boost your hair hydration and stimulate hair growth, you can use a conditioning oil. The recipe below combines certain botanicals that have been reported to stimulate hair growth with cinnamon essential oil for a fragrant hair-boosting treatment.12
HAIR-BOOSTING CONDITIONING OIL
1/4 cup almond oil
1/4 cup olive oil
5 drops cinnamon essential oil
1 teaspoon cayenne powder
1. Combine all ingredients in a dropper bottle.
2. Use one dropperful in wet or dry hair. Start by massaging into your scalp, then continue by bringing the oil all the way down to the ends.
3. Leave it in for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is recommended.
4. Shampoo out the next day as usual.
22. Lip ExFoLiANT
Nobody likes the feeling of dry, chapped lips. It’s especially common in the cold winter months—harsh winds, cold temperatures, and dry air all take a toll on our bodies and strip the moisture from our skin.
Exfoliation helps remove the dead skin from your lips, but that can also leave your skin dry if you don’t properly moisturize afterward or use a high-quality exfoliant. The hydrating yet effective combination of the ingredients in this homemade lip scrub will help you get rid of all the dead, flaky skin on your lips while providing your lips with much-needed hydration. Cinnamon not only provides a cozy scent and delicious taste to this lip scrub (while it is edible, we don’t recommend eating it!), it also helps boost circulation in your lips, leading to a plumping effect.13
CINNAMON-SUGAR LIP SCRUB
4 tablespoons organic brown sugar
1 tablespoon raw honey
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or vitamin E oil
1 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
1 drop vanilla essential oil (optional)
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
2. Pour into a glass container for storage (you can also use an old lip balm pot that you’ve cleaned and washed).
3. Apply a small amount to your lips and rub gently in small circles.
4. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
5. Follow with a heavy-duty lip balm to keep your newly soft lips nice and moisturized.
23. DRY SKiN SCRUB
For some, itchy, peeling, dry skin (also known as xerosis) is a common ailment in the cold winter months. The wind, indoor heating systems, long hot showers, and drops in temperature can all affect our skin’s ability to retain moisture, resulting in dry skin.
For others, dry skin is a year-round problem. As we age, our skin starts to lose its ability to retain moisture effectively, making dry skin more prevalent.14 Fortunately, most dry skin can be remedied with simple solutions.
Hydration starts from the inside out, so start by increasing your water intake. Then you can adjust your environment—take warm (rather than hot) showers and use a humidifier in your house, especially in the winter. Finally, oil-based products will help lock in moisture better than water-based products. The sugar scrub below has coconut oil to hydrate you while you’re in the shower, coffee grounds and cinnamon to increase circulation and provide scent, and honey to help keep your skin looking young.15
Gentle exfoliation is important to maintain smooth and supple skin—it helps scrub off the dry skin cells and reveal the new skin underneath. Be sure to moisturize with a hydrating cream, lotion, or oil after you get out of the shower to protect your newly exfoliated skin!
SWEET CINNAMON-SUGAR SCRUB
1 cup coconut oil, melted
2/3 cup coconut sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1. Combine all ingredients in a glass jar and mix thoroughly.
2. Seal shut and use as needed in the shower.
24. CINNAMON-BASED FOuNDATIoN
Foundation is immensely helpful in helping smooth out skin, absorb grease, conceal blemishes, and reduce redness. Essentially, it creates an even canvas for the rest of your makeup, but it also works on its own to create a natural glow.
Foundation has been used throughout the centuries—but most of it was toxic. For example, in Ancient Greece and Rome—and even into the Middle Ages and the Elizabethan Age—foundation made with deadly white lead was used to make women’s complexions fairer. Women who painted their faces with this mixture experienced side effects such as rotten teeth, hair loss, and even death.16
Over the years, the formula changed to become less toxic, but there was not a large variety of shades and the ingredients continued to be questionable. In the technicolor film era of Hollywood, powder foundation was introduced. It was meant to create a more natural look and was made out of dried and crushed pigments and oils. It was also during this time that liquid foundation was invented—for your legs.17
Nowadays, you can find liquid, powder, cream, and even stick foundations. Each type has its own benefits and provides a varying amount of coverage, but there are still challenges foundation-buyers face. Many common foundation brands still have toxins (less scary than lead, but still harmful) in their formulas, as well as common skin-clogging ingredients, like mineral oil. Not only that, but many brands do not have a wide-enough variety of shades for consumers to choose from and match to their natural skin tone.
Because your skin absorbs what you put on it, it’s important you only put on the cleanest ingredients.18 If you’re looking to cover up any blemishes, oiliness, or redness but don’t want to risk using a store-bought foundation, this DIY recipe is so clean, you can eat it if you want (though we don’t recommend it—it doesn’t taste great). The cacao powder provides color, while the cinnamon gives it depth and a blood-circulating effect.
HOMEMADE CINNAMON FOUNDATION POWDER
2 tablespoons zinc oxide or arrowroot powder
2 tablespoons arrowroot flour (you can find this in many baking stores or online)
2 teaspoons clay powder (optional, but I recommend bentonite clay, kaolin clay, or French green clay to help soak up oil)
2 tablespoons unsweetened 100% organic cacao powder (vary depending on your skin tone)
1/2 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon (vary depending on your skin tone)
1. Combine all ingredients except for the cacao powder and cinnamon.
2. Slowly add the cacao powder and cinnamon until the mixture closely matches your skin tone.
3. Shake well and store in an airtight container.
4. Apply using a large powder foundation brush.
25. TEETH WHiTENER
Proper oral hygiene isn’t just important for maintaining fresh breath; it’s also important for preventing disease and improving your overall health. Poor dental health has been linked to various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia. One theory Dr. Peter Alldritt, Chairman of the Oral Health Committee at the Australian Dental Association, suggests is that “bacteria from your mouth can travel through the bloodstream and set up inflammation elsewhere in the blood vessels in the cardiovascular system.”19
That’s why it is vital to brush your teeth at least twice daily in order to maintain proper oral health. But what you brush your teeth with is also important. Most store-bought toothpaste contains sulphates, gums, artificial flavors, sweeteners, and binding agents created to help make toothpaste more palatable. Think about the amount of toothpaste you likely ingest while you’re brushing your teeth—these ingredients are going directly into your body!
That’s why dentist Thomas P. Connelly says, “I feel the more natural [with toothpaste] you can get, the better off you are.” We can take a note from the Chinese, who first created a version of better-flavored toothpaste around 500 BCE by adding herbal products like ginseng, mint, and salt.20
This homemade toothpaste uses coconut oil, which has antibacterial properties; baking soda, which can whiten teeth while being largely non-abrasive; and cinnamon essential oil, which has antifungal properties.21
CINNAMON WHITENiNG TOOTHPASTE
4 tablespoons organic coconut oil, melted
4 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon xylitol powder or stevia (optional, can use less if needed)
15 drops cinnamon essential oil
10 drops peppermint essential oil
3 drops tea tree oil
1. Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
2. Store in a glass jar in a cool location and use as needed.
26. Dry SHAMPoo
Whether you’re avoiding over-shampooing your hair or just need a quick touch-up without a full wash, dry shampoo has your back. It’s designed to soak up the oil in your hair, providing your hair with a quick refresh. It was first produced in the 1940s and was made out of fuller’s earth, which is a clay that can soak up oil without harsh treatment (like bentonite clay).22
Since then, dry shampoo has gone through various forms; now there are spray (aerosol) and powder versions. Spray versions are primarily composed of alcohol plus cornstarch or clay, while powder versions are usually made of clay, talc, and starch, without the presence of alcohol.23 The starch helps absorb the oil in your hair without over-drying it. When you add cinnamon essential oil to the mix (like in the recipe below), you get the additional benefits of stimulating blood circulation, which makes for a healthy scalp.
CINNAMON CACAO DRY SHAMpOO
1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
2 tablespoons cacao powder (vary depending on your hair color)
4 drops cinnamon essential oil
1. Combine all ingredients together in a glass jar and shake vigorously. If you have dark hair, slowly add more cacao powder to obtain a color that resembles your hair color.
2. Use sparingly as needed on the roots of your hair. You can apply it with a powder brush or your fingers.
3. Let it set for 2-3 minutes before working it through with either your fingers or a brush.
27. BRONZER
Not only can bronzer give you a sun-kissed glow even in the dead of winter, but it can also come in handy if you are going to use contouring to shape your face. Contouring, or using makeup to define or minimize features on your face, was popularized by celebrities like the Kardashians, but it actually originated decades ago from within the drag community.24
To properly contour your face, you will need a product darker than your skin shade, which is where bronzer comes in. Bronzer should only be used for contouring when it’s matte (like the DIY version below); shimmery bronzer draws light to areas, whereas contouring bronzer creates the illusion of shadows on your face.
Like many other cosmetics, bronzer comes in a few different forms: cream, gel, loose powder, and pressed powder. Typically, loose powder looks the most natural and is the easiest to blend. The powder bronzer recipe below uses natural ingredients; unsweetened cacao powder gives the bronzer the dark color, while cinnamon and nutmeg give the bronzer more of a dimensional look.
CINNAMON COCOA BRONZER
1 tablespoons organic cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1 1/2 tablespoons organic unsweetened cacao powder (vary depending on your skin tone)
1 teaspoon (or less) organic cinnamon powder
1 teaspoon (or less) organic nutmeg
1. Place the cornstarch or arrowroot powder in a bowl.
2. Slowly add the cacao powder until it gets to your desired darkness. I recommend trying to match the color to one of your old bronzers or a sample from a makeup store.
3. Once you get your desired color, add tiny amounts of cinnamon and nutmeg to round out the color.
4. Store the bronzer in an old, cleaned-out mineral makeup jar or a clean glass jar.
5. Apply with a fluffy bronzer brush as desired.
HOW TO CONTOUR WITH BRONZER:
1. To define your cheekbones, suck your lips in to create a “fish face.” You’ll see hollows appear below your cheeks, forcing your cheekbones to look more prominent.
2. Place the bronzer in the hollows under your cheeks. Because the bronzer is darker than your natural skin tone, it will create the illusion of shadows below your cheekbones, making your cheecks look more defined and creating the look of a slimmer or more angular face.
3. You can also dust bronzer on your neck and on the sides of your face to create a slimming effect.
28. HELP TREAT ALOPECiA SYMPTOMS
Alopecia areata, also known as spot baldness, is an autoimmune disease where patches of hair are lost from the head, face, or other parts of the body. It’s present in people of all ages, sexes, and ethnic groups and affects as many as 6.8 million people in the United States, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.25 It’s a genetic disease, but both parents must have the genes to pass it on to their children (which is known as a “polygenic disease”).
Some people may choose to shave their head and face so the bald spots are not apparent; others wear wigs or choose hairstyles to help cover up the bare spots. Unfortunately, there is no treatment that works for everyone with alopecia. Because it’s an autoimmune disorder, it means your body’s own immune system is attacking the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. There are two routes for treatment: either suppress the immune system or stimulate hair growth; however, none of the current treatments or medications have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
While there are no holistic treatments that suppress the immune system, there are holistic treatments to help stimulate hair growth. Cinnamon leaf extract helps to enhance hair growth, which is why cinnamon essential oil has been found to possibly treat alopecia.26 It’s an easy, cheap, and low-risk way to help stimulate regrowth of your hair.
This hair and scalp mask not only helps boost circulation, but it also nourishes the hair that is already present on your head, thanks to the extra virgin olive oil, honey, and egg.
CINNAMON HAIR AND SCALP MASK
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 drops cinnamon essential oil
1 tablespoon honey
1. Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine.
3. Apply the mask on your hair and scalp—I recommend massaging it into your scalp and working it all the way through to the ends.
4. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic bag and let the mask sit for 20-30 minutes.
5. Shampoo the mask out in the shower (it may take two shampoos) and condition as usual.
29. LIP-PLUMPiNG LiP BALM
Take a look at the success of brands like Kylie Cosmetics’s lip kit and you’ll get a taste of just how popular “bee-stung” lips are. Inspired by celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Kylie Jenner, and Scarlett Johansson, women have been searching for ways to create plumper, fuller lips for the past two decades. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported from 2000 to 2018, there was a 66 percent increase in lip augmentation procedures.27
There are a variety of ways to get fuller lips, ranging from fairly inexpensive (lip-plumping glosses) to expensive (lip injections). If you search the internet, you might also see teens resorting to dangerous methods (like using shot glasses) to create a puffier-looking pout, but those methods should not be replicated.
Cinnamon can help safely create the look of plumper lips. It contains cassia oil, which increases blood circulation.28 Adding a little cinnamon essential oil to the lip balm recipe below helps boost circulation to your lips, making them look fuller. If you want an easy lip-plumping gloss, you can also take your favorite lip gloss and add 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil. Be sure to add them slowly and blend thoroughly so the cinnamon oil is evenly distributed.
CINNAMON LIP-PLUMPiNG BALM
1 tablespoon cocoa butter
1 tablespoon beeswax
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon shea butter
1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
5 drops cinnamon essential oil
1. Combine all ingredients in a small, heat-safe bowl.
2. Create a double broiler by bringing a pot of water to boil, then placing the heat-safe bowl in the water (make sure no water goes in the bowl).
3. Mix thoroughly until melted.
4. Pour into a small glass jar and let cool.
5. Use as needed when your lips need moisture and/or some plumping action.
30. CELLuLiTE-FiGHTING BODY CREAM
If you’ve found cottage cheese–looking areas or dimples on your body, you’re not alone. Those areas are caused by cellulite, and an estimated 80-98 percent of women will have cellulite at some point during their life.29
Cellulite is caused by the pressure of fat underneath the surface of your skin pulling against the fascia (web-like connective tissue) in your body. This creates the dimpled appearance you may see on the surface of your skin.
There’s a common misconception that cellulite is synonymous with weight gain, but that’s not always the case. In fact, people of all body types can have cellulite—even very thin people. Genetics play a huge factor in the presence and location of cellulite. For example, only an estimated 10 percent of men have cellulite.30 This is because men’s connective tissue is built differently than women’s, making it harder for cellulite to appear.
There’s no “cure” for cellulite, but there are ways to make it appear less visible. These treatments range from DIY home treatments, to creams and scrubs, to treatments done by professionals, such as light therapy, cool sculpting, and surgery.31 In fact, the market for cellulite treatment is expected to exceed more than $2 billion by 2024, according to Market Watch.
That being said, there are some steps you can take to prevent additional cellulite from appearing without spending an arm and a leg. Having healthy skin is one of those steps; if your skin maintains its elasticity, the appearance of cellulite can be reduced. Maintaining healthy blood flow is another step to help prevent cellulite from forming. Because cinnamon helps boost blood circulation, the DIY body cream below not only helps you maintain moisturized and healthy skin, but also helps increase your circulation!
CITRUS CINNAMON CELLULLTE-FIGHTING WHIPPED BOOY CREAM
1 cup extra virgin coconut oil
5 drops orange essential oil
5 drops grapefruit essential oil
5 drops cinnamon essential oil
1. Place coconut oil in a large bowl. Using a hand whisk or an electric mixer, whisk thoroughly until the coconut oil is light and fluffy.
2. Add the essential oils and continue whisking until the oils have been evenly distributed.
3. Spoon into a glass jar and store in a cool, dark place until use.
31. ANTi-CELLULiTE BODY SCRUB
Speaking of cellulite, you can create a whole anti-cellulite regime at home. While the routine won’t cure cellulite, it can help reduce its appearance. It also helps you carve out some time for self-care.
Before using any body scrub in the shower, it is a good idea to first dry-brush your skin. This jump-starts your circulation and helps remove dead skin—something the Native Americans and Greeks have practiced for centuries.32
The cinnamon- and caffeine-based body scrub below helps exfoliate even further. Caffeine is popular in cellulite scrubs because of its ability to dehydrate your fat cells and make them look less visible.33 Cinnamon helps boost circulation even further, plumping your skin and helping the cellulite look less apparent.
After you shower, dry off and use the cellulite-fighting cream on page “30. Cellulite-Fighting Body Cream” on page 73 to keep your newly exfoliated skin moisturized and firm.
CAFFEINE-BOOSTING ANTi-CELLLUITE BODY SCRUB
1 cup coffee grounds (fresh or used, but used saves some money!)
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil
3 tablespoons coarse sugar (I recommend turbinado or coconut)
5 drops cinnamon essential oil
2 drops frankincense essential oil
1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Spoon into a clean glass jar and store in a cool, dry place until use.
32. ACNE-FiGHTING OiL CLEANSER
Have you tried cleanser after cleanser that promises to get rid of your acne, without any success? That’s why there are so many acne-fighting cleansers on the market—it’s hard to find a cleanser that works perfectly for you. Additionally, many cleansers contain harsh chemicals that can actually trigger acne, not fight it.
However, there is a cleanser you can make right from your own home that can help fight acne—an oil cleanser. If you’ve never tried oil cleansing, it can sound counterintuitive. After all, if acne is caused by excess oil production in our skin, why would you add more oil on top of it?34
The answer is a “like-dissolves-like” situation. When our skin is clogged by hardened oils that have settled into our pores (usually in the form of blackheads), plant-based oils can help dissolve these oils and clear our pores.
Many people who have acne tend to over-cleanse their skin out of fear that acne is caused by dirty skin. The problem with that? Washing your face too often strips your skin of its natural moisture, causing it to overproduce. And that results in—you guessed it—more clogged pores. Because oil is deeply hydrating, it can help your skin balance out and control oil production.
Not all oils are created equal, however. The comedogenic scale measures how likely skincare ingredients are to clog your pores. Some oils, like coconut oil, are high on this scale and can actually clog your skin even further. Other oils, like hemp seed oil, are low on the comedogenic scale and have a very low chance of clogging your pores.35
The DIY oil cleanser below uses a mix of low comedogenic oils as the base. It also has cinnamon essential oil and tea tree oil to help fight acne—both oils have known antibacterial properties.
ACNE-FIGHTING oil CLEANSER
1 ounce castor oil
2 ounces hemp seed oil
0.5 ounces argan oil
0.5 ounces jojoba oil
5 drops tea tree oil
3 drops neroli oil
3 drops cinnamon essential oil
1. Combine all oils in a glass bottle (preferably one with a dark tint) and shake to mix.
HOW TO OIL-CLEANSE USING THE DOUBLE-CLEANSING METHOD:
1. Take approximately 1-2 tablespoons of your oil cleanser and massage into your face.
2. Rinse off with warm water, then use your regular cleanser to cleanse again.
3. Follow with your regular skincare routine.
33. CoZY BATH SALTS
Many people equate bath time to luxury—and for good reason. It can be incredibly relaxing to soak in a tub full of warm water (and maybe even bubbles). It’s the epitome of self-care—it gives you time to read, nap, drink wine, do a face mask . . . maybe all of the above!
Baths can be more than just a de-stressing activity, though. Athletes, especially runners, have been using Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) baths for years. By soaking in these natural minerals, you can get a variety of benefits. Epsom salt baths have been known to help in combating magnesium deficiency, fighting off colds, easing muscle aches, and improving sleep.36
Unfortunately, buying bath salts can be expensive, especially if you want to get fancy with scented baths. The good news? It’s quite easy to make your own! The recipe below gives you a cozy, luxurious bath experience to help you de-stress and soak away any sore muscles.
COZY AND LUXURIOUS BATH SALTS
2 cups coarse sea salt
2 cups Epsom salt
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
5 drops cinnamon essential oil
5 drops clove essential oil
5 drops vanilla essential oil
1 cup dried rose petals (optional)
1. Combine all ingredients together until evenly mixed.
2. Store in a glass jar.
HOW TO USE:
1. As your bathtub is filling with warm-hot water, add 2-3 tablespoons of the bath salts.
2. Get in, sit back, relax, and enjoy!
34. EXFOLiATiNG SoAP BARS
Soap is by no means a modern invention; the Ancient Babylonians were making soap as early as 2800 BCE. Their soap was made from fats mixed with ashes and was primarily used for cleaning wool before making it into cloth.37 In 1550 BCE, the Ancient Egyptians had a similar notion—they mixed both animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to create their own soap.CIRCULATION-BOOSTING BODY oiL 79
Throughout the rest of history, various civilizations continued to make soap out of some form of oil, fat, and salt. Unlike our modern-day soaps, however, these soaps were used for cleaning the house or household items, like pots and pans, rather than the body.
These days, we have a variety of soaps as well: dish soap, hand soap, body soap, face soap . . . the list goes on and on. Although the formulation of gels has made soap bars a little less popular, they can be a travel-friendly personal hygiene item and even bring you a little luxury while on the road.
The recipe below combines cinnamon for blood circulation and oatmeal for exfoliation to create a sweet-smelling soap you can use for yourself or give as a gift.
CINNAMON OATMEAL EXFOLiATING SOAP 5ARS
4-8 ounce block of clear glycerin soap base (you can get this on Amazon)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1. Cut the glycerin soap block into evenly sized cubes and melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to break up any clumps.
2. When all of the soap is melted, let it cool slightly. Then add the olive oil, water, oats, and cinnamon.
3. Stir ingredients together. Keep mixing for 1-3 minutes or until the mixture starts to thicken.
4. Pour the soap into a soap mold or repurposed empty container. Allow it to cool and harden (at least 1 hour).
5. Pop the soap out of the mold and store in a dry, cool place. Use within 3 months.
35. BATH BOMBS
Have you ever dropped an Alka-Seltzer tablet into a glass of water? Or any other dissolving tablet into a glass of liquid? If yes, then you know how bath bombs work.
The rainbow spheres were popularized in the 2010s for their ability to make bath time fun again. Once dropped into your bath, they dissolve and turn your bath into different colors and scents.
It works because the sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in the bath bomb reacts with citric acid (or, in our recipe below, cream of tartar) to release carbon dioxide, making the bath bomb fizz and dissolve.38
For a bath bomb experience of your own, make some at home with the recipe below and plop one in your next bath! They also make great homemade gifts, especially if you use food coloring to make them various colors.
LUXURIOUS BATH BOMBS
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon safflower oil
2 drops cinnamon essential oil
1/8 cup dried lavender
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon Epsom salt
1/2 tablespoon cream of tartar
Food coloring (optional; liquid is okay, but a dry/powdered food coloring is recommended)
1. Add the vanilla extract, safflower oil, and cinnamon essential oil to a small bowl and mix together. If you are using a liquid food coloring, combine it now with the liquid ingredients.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl. If you are using a dry/ powdered food coloring, combine it with the dry ingredients.
3. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.
4. Whisk until the mixture has started to clump together.
5. Spoon the mixture into a silicone or plastic mold (you can use ice cube trays or mini muffin molds).
6. Use a spoon to pack the mixture down tightly.
7. Leave the bath bombs to dry for 10 hours before using.
8. If storing before use, allow the bath bombs to dry for at least 24 hours.
36. FoOT PEEL
We commonly do masks and peels for our face, but what about the rest of our body? Like our feet, for example. It’s quite easy to take them for granted—after all, they’re all the way at the bottom of our bodies, so we rarely see them up close.
But they do so much work for us! From carrying us around in our daily lives, to being squished into uncomfortable shoes, to being dried out on the beach in the summer, they go through a lot.
And because of that, they often show signs of wear. It’s common for people to have cracked heels, calluses, and dry and rough skin on their feet. If the cracks are bad enough, they can deepen and become painful—maybe even infected.
To avoid this and keep your feet soft and healthy, you should exfoliate and use foot peels to slough off dead skin.39 This can be done using a variety of methods. Chemical exfoliants tend to be the most effective—they serve to dissolve the dead skin, so you can slough the peeling skin off with a foot file or scrub. The homemade scrub below uses aspirin tablets to help exfoliate the skin and contains cinnamon oil to keep your skin bacteria-free. After exfoliating, make sure your feet are clean and moisturized—use a thick balm on your newly soft feet and wear natural socks to lock the moisture in.
SMOOTH-AS-BABY-FEET FOOT PEEL
1 capful of non-coated aspirin tablets (they should be white on the outside rather than the typical pink-red color of the coated tablets)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
2 drops cinnamon essential oil
1. Pour aspirin tablets in a bowl and crush thoroughly.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
3. Apply the paste to the bottom of your feet, especially over any cracks.
4. Cover feet tightly with plastic wrap.
5. Put a thick pair of socks on over the plastic wrap and let sit for at least an hour.
6. Rinse your feet in warm water and pat dry, making sure to dry off any flakes of skin that have started shedding.
7. Apply a thick moisturizing balm (like Aquaphor) or coconut oil to your feet before putting on a clean pair of thick socks to help lock in the moisture.
8. It’s normal for skin to continue shedding over the next few days. Continue to keep your feet moisturized!
37. REDUCE FiNE LINES
Did you know that after age twenty-five, you start losing collagen and there is no way to prevent it? But don’t worry—there are things you can do to increase collagen production in your body.
But first, let’s backtrack. What is collagen and why is it important?
Collagen is a protein your body naturally produces; it’s found in many essential parts of your body, like your bones, muscles, skin, teeth, and nails.40 It is derived from the Greek word kolla, meaning “glue,” which is appropriate—you can think of collagen as the “glue” that binds your body together.
Cinnamon promotes collagen I biosynthesis in dermal fibroblasts, which are the cells in the layer of your skin called the dermis.41 These cells are important for generating connective tissue and helping repair your skin from any injury. Collagen also helps with skin elasticity, which gives you a youthful glow because elastic skin will not sag or wrinkle as easily as non elastic skin.
Consuming cinnamon and collagen supplements can help you boost collagen production, creating an anti-aging effect.42
38. GET A SuNLESS Glow
Want a healthy-looking tan without hitting the beach or the tanning salon? Understandable, seeing as spending too much time soaking up the sun’s rays or the tanning salon’s light can have harmful consequences. At the very least, the UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun or artificial tanning device can cause sunburn, but did you know the “tan” color your skin turns is a result of DNA damage? Too much UV exposure can also lead to chemical hypersensitivity, speed up aging, and even result in carcinoma (skin cancer).43
That’s where DIY bronzing lotion comes in. It helps you achieve a tan glow without the sun or a tanning bed. It uses cocoa powder and cinnamon to create a bronze color while moisturizing your skin at the same time.
SUNLESS BRONZING LOTION
1/3 cup 100% cocoa powder (vary depending on your skin tone)
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon mica powder (optional, for shimmer)
8 ounces plain body lotion
1. Combine the cocoa powder, cornstarch/arrowroot powder, and cinnamon in a small bowl; mix well.
2. If you desire a deeper color, continue adding cocoa powder until you achieve the color you want.
3. If you desire a shimmery bronzing lotion, add the mica powder.
4. Mix thoroughly into your body lotion (you may have to use a whisk to ensure it is mixed evenly).
5. Apply as needed.