CINNAMON AS A NATURAL ANTI-ACNE AGENT: A REVIEW OF ITS BIOLOGICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL ACTIVITIES, MECHANISMS OF ACTION AND DERMATOLOGICAL POTENTIAL.

Abstract

Cinnamon is a popular spice that comes from the bark and leaves of Cinnamomum trees. People have valued it for centuries due to its wonderful scent and flavor, as well as its many health benefits. The main active compounds in cinnamon, especially cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and various polyphenols, give it strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Recent studies show that these natural substances can fight Propionibacterium acnes, the bacterium mainly linked to acne. They do this by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, preventing biofilm development, and reducing inflammation in skin follicles. Moreover, cinnamon extracts help lower oxidative stress and may speed up skin healing. Traditional acne treatments often cause irritation, can be costly, or may lead to antibiotic resistance. This makes cinnamon an attractive natural choice. This review highlights the biological and phytochemical features of cinnamon, elaborates the effects of its individual components on acne through their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, and examines its potential as a safe, plant-based treatment for acne in dermatology. In conclusion, current evidence suggests that cinnamon could be effectively used topically, but further clinical research is necessary to confirm its benefits for human skin.