Cocoa butter probably reminds you of chocolate and any other product from the chocolate industry, but this ingredient is also a staple in many skin care creams and other health and beauty products.
Unlike cocoa butter in chocolate, this in your skin care regimen won't add a few extra pounds. But how can it improve your appearance?
Cocoa butter is a type of fat that comes from the cocoa bean. To extract the cocoa butter, the beans are roasted, cleaned and pressed to separate the fat. The residue is then processed into cocoa powder.
Cocoa butter for the skin
1. Protects against free radicals
Free radicals are the enemy of youthful appearance. These unstable atoms are the result of oxidative stress. Too much of this stress causes the body to lose its ability to fight unstable atoms. Then wrinkles and gray hair begin to show.
To slow aging, you need antioxidants. Thanks to them, you can prevent dark spots, skin aging and grayish complexion.
Fortunately, cocoa butter is full of antioxidants and they are the reason why it is present in many skin care products such as face creams and body lotions.
2. Hydrates dry skin
When you need to nourish dry and itchy skin, cocoa butter acts as a deep moisturiser thanks to its fatty acids. Your skin will be more nourished, more hydrated and will look healthier.
3. During pregnancy
Many women around the world use cocoa butter to prevent and treat stretch marks, especially during pregnancy. Using the oil regularly helps to maintain skin elasticity and reduce the visibility of already existing stretch marks.
Cocoa butter for hair
Unrefined (raw) cocoa butter is extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants. These ingredients can be useful for treating a variety of hair problems.
1. Eliminates dandruff
One of the main causes of dandruff is dry scalp. Cocoa butter serves as an effective moisturizer, providing the necessary hydration to the scalp and reducing dryness.
2. Protects the scalp
The fatty acids in unrefined cocoa butter nourish the skin and help restore its protective barrier, which can reduce irritation and redness on the scalp.
3. Balances sebum levels
Unrefined cocoa butter can help balance the production of sebum (the skin's natural oil), which is another cause of dandruff.
How to use cocoa butter?
You will often see cocoa butter as an ingredient in body lotions and creams and as an additive in many lip balms as well.
Many sunscreens and suntan lotions also contain cocoa butter. It is important to note that cocoa butter is not a substitute for sunscreen and should not be used alone.
To hydrate your skin after a shower or bath, apply warm cocoa butter and massage until fully absorbed.
For soft and shiny hair, melt a small amount of cocoa butter and apply it along the length of your hair, combing it through. Leave the cocoa butter on for a few minutes or hours, depending on how much nourishment your hair needs, then wash it out.
To take full advantage of its benefits for soft and shiny hair, we also offer an easy recipe for a homemade cocoa butter mask.
Ingredients:
2-3 tbsp liquid cocoa butter
1 tbsp liquid coconut oil
1 egg
1 tbsp honey (for extra hydration and shine)
Directions:
- Mix melted cocoa butter and coconut oil in a small bowl.
- Add the egg and honey to the mixture and mix well until you have a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
- Apply the mixture to dry or slightly damp hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends.
- Tie your hair up and cover with a shower cap for about 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse hair thoroughly with lukewarm or warm water.
- Wash your hair with your favourite shampoo and conditioner.
This mask will leave your hair soft, hydrated and with an amazing shine. It is recommended to use the mask once a week or whenever you feel your hair needs extra care and hydration.
In conclusion, cocoa butter is a real treasure when it comes to skin care. Its rich and nourishing properties make it an indispensable helper in any beauty and skincare routine. If you want to make the most of its benefits for your skin and hair, choose natural products with proven origin.
