We’ve already written about the remarkable benefits of ceremonial cacao for the body and soul, so it’s time for cacao for the skin. For some time now, we have been able to observe how chocolate has been conquering the spa market with great momentum. No wonder, it is not only tasty but brings significant benefits to the skin. Chocolate spa products are based on real, natural cacao and are starting to play an increasingly important role in cosmetics. Today, top spa salons offer a wide range of chocolate products and treatments. And this is because natural cacao is a real bomb of vitamins and minerals for the skin. This is accounted for by an unparalleled cocktail of antioxidants and nutrients.
The science of cacao
The idea to use cacao for skin care came in the early 21st century when dermatologists and cosmetologists discovered that cacao’s remarkable nutritional properties could also be used for skin and hair care. Cosmetic products based on cacao and cacao butter began to appear on the market. In cosmetics, cacao is used mainly for its high content of antioxidants, which delay the ageing process and accelerate fat burning. That’s why these types of creams, lotions and other spa products are steadily gaining popularity and taking the beauty market by storm. After cacao and chocolate cosmetics, the skin is not only perfectly nourished and smooth but imperfections and blemishes disappear. That’s not all, cacao stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which affect the firmness and tone of the skin, strengthen its structure and improve its overall condition. Natural, unprocessed chocolate contains large amounts of zinc, which tones the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect. Real cacao can do even more. It protects the skin from free radicals and makes it more resistant to sun damage. [1] Cacao is known as one of the best natural sources of magnesium. This ingredient facilitates the absorption of other nutrients and stimulates circulation.
Real cacao
The cacao tree is known by its Latin name Theobroma Cacao, which means meal of the gods. The Aztecs believed that the tree existed to be food for the Gods and deities that existed in nature. Cacao has been used as medicine since the beginning and served during special rituals. Shamans handled cocoa beans with great reverence, as they treated the tree as a sacred plant. Ceremonial cocoa is still prepared in the traditional way, just as it was thousands of years ago. The process involves initial fermentation and gentle roasting to preserve valuable substances. Real cacao, from which chocolate is made, is naturally bitter, has a delicate aroma, and a very intense, dry taste.
Red cacao fruit Ecuador Nacional
How cocoa and cacao butter work on human skin
Modern science has discovered that cacao is a product that few substances can match. It contains anti-inflammatory and disinfectant substances and can protect nerve endings and coronary vessels, promoting heart function and blood circulation [2]. Of course, this is high-quality, unprocessed, natural cacao, so-called ceremonial cacao obtained from cacao paste. Such cacao retains almost all the original properties hidden in the cacao bean. This makes it a luxury product sought after by experts in cosmetology and nutrition.
For cosmetic purposes, cocoa is usually combined with milk, natural cream, cottage cheese, yoghurt, or kefir. We obtain chocolate masks, creams and balms. How about a chocolate bath? Sounds good, doesn’t it? Chocolate releases hormones of happiness that have the power to reduce and lower the level of stress hormones. So let’s love cacao and let it seduce us. Let’s look at the benefits of chocolate therapy.
Natural cacao butter in pieces
Cacao paste
Skin cell rejuvenation
One of the best news about cacao in cosmetics is its powerful anti-ageing effect. It contains a large dose of amino acids and antioxidants. This makes it perfect for dealing with free radicals and delaying skin aging. Energizes tired and dull skin. It prevents the breakdown of collagen in the skin [3] and strengthens the skin’s scaffolding. The effects can be seen almost immediately after application.
It lightens scars
Cocoa contains many minerals and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help lighten scars by renewing the skin at a cellular level. Cacao improves blood microcirculation, stimulates collagen production, and accelerates healing, as it contains xanthine and theobromine. Substances that reduce and prevent phlebitis. They also increase blood flow, indirectly affecting the growth and formation of new cells, making the skin visibly younger and regenerating faster. [4]
Remineralization of dehydrated and dry skin
Cocoa is excellent at detoxifying, and removing toxins and harmful metabolic products from cells. [5] Mainly due to its iron, copper, calcium, potassium and magnesium content. Magnesium is responsible for protein synthesis and energizing cells. Cacao can effectively nourish and moisturize even dehydrated and rough skin, and it can do so in a very short time. All it takes is a few minutes of skin contact. The key, of course, is a good quality product.
Cacao versus cellulite
Cacao fights cellulite, mainly due to two components, flavonols and endorphins [6]. Flavanols stimulate microcirculation. The second of the ingredients – endorphins, commonly referred to as “feel-good hormones.” Happiness hormones that affect fat metabolism in cells.
Cacao for sun protection
Cacao flavonoids make the skin more resistant to sunburn, as they react almost twice as slowly. It’s also more durable, exceptionally nourished, and moisturized. As a result, it becomes more resilient to external factors and can defend itself against overheating, sunburn, and harmful UV rays.
Cacao for stress
Imagine a rainy, grey day, and you immerse yourself in the scent of sensual chocolate prepared from ceremonial cacao. You smell notes of exotic Peru or Guatemala. The scent of sunshine and warm chocolate envelops your skin. It sounds good, and it is. Chocolate has always been a luxury food product, and now it’s also a luxury for the skin Stimulates serotonin production. Thus, it acts as a natural antidepressant. It has anti-inflammatory, soothing, and mildly pain-relieving properties, calming and smoothing your skin. [7], [8] Full of relaxation and bliss – that’s exactly what chocolate made from ceremonial cacao has to offer us.
Smooth, even smoother
Cacao is an ingredient in many hair removal creams. And that’s because it quickly nullifies irritation, and nourishes and conditions the skin already during the treatment. With the scent of cacao, the treatment becomes almost a pleasure. Some companies have specialized in a series of such products, so finishing the treatment you can moisturize the skin with chocolate lotion, and the irritation quickly disappears.
It’s time for a home spa or some ideas for cosmetics with cacao
You can make some cosmetics yourself at home if you have good quality natural cacao. It requires some effort and time, but it is worth it. Check and see it for yourself.
Pore cleansing mask
Mix very thoroughly, preferably with a blender or mixer, four heaping tablespoons of ground coffee and four tablespoons of raw natural cocoa powder. Then add 8 tablespoons of almond or coconut milk, two full tablespoons of honey and two tablespoons of natural fresh lemon juice. Mix until you achieve a smooth and concise consistency. Apply the mask to the face and neck, and wait for about 25 minutes. Wash off with a gentle makeup remover or lukewarm water. Do it carefully, as the mask has strong peeling properties. You can then use it at the end as a gentle exfoliating peel, massaging gently in circular motions for a few minutes. We recommend, of course, homemade based on cacao or cocoa butter. Preferably non-greasy, without added oils. We recommend a homemade one based on cacao or cacao butter, of course.
Cacao lotion for dark hair
Mix three tablespoons of natural, unsweetened cottage cheese with a teaspoon of cocoa powder until you achieve a smooth, uniform consistency. Apply the prepared balm to your hair and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off the hair and wash it again with your favourite mild shampoo. This mask will make your hair regain its natural shine.
Anti-wrinkle cacao
Mix a tablespoon of cacao with a teaspoon of sweet, but not sweetened, good-quality cream, a little natural cottage cheese, four teaspoons of honey, and a teaspoon of fine oat flakes or oat flour. It’s best to use a blender to grind everything into a smooth paste. Apply to cleansed facial skin. Let it dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Gently pat your face dry with a towel. Do not rub so as not to wipe off the lipid filter that has remained on the skin and will continue to absorb for some time.
Cacao anti-cellulite lotion
You will need grounds from the coffee you brewed earlier. Coffee contains natural enzymes that detoxify the skin, activate cells to burn fats and release trapped water. You’ll need a whole cup of grounds leftover from brewed coffee (or grounds from an espresso machine). You will need 4 teaspoons of cacao powder. Mix these ingredients with two teaspoons of salt and a bit of warm water to achieve a smooth paste consistency. Massage it in circular motions into areas where cellulite is visible or most prone, such as the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. For enhanced effect, wrap the treated areas with cling film. Substances will penetrate the skin faster and deeper due to the temperature. Leave the compress on the skin for 20 to 45 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water. Repeat the treatment at least once a week. This compress also helps with varicose veins. Accelerates blood circulation, and stimulates water movement in tissues.
Cacao enzyme scrub
Blend cacao powder with natural yoghurt, preferably Greek yoghurt, to a thick consistency. You can dissolve cacao in a little milk or water to release all its nutritional properties faster. Remember that natural cacao is difficult to dissolve, so it’s best to use a mixer for this. Apply to damp skin on the face and neck. Rub the skin in circular motions clockwise and then counterclockwise. Wash off the scrub with cold water. This will remove dead cells and increase the radiance of your complexion.
Mask for oily skin
With this type of skin, there’s a natural tendency for pimple breakouts. In this case, we mix dark cacao, such as from Ghana, with Multani Mitti clay, which effectively absorbs sebum and tones. You can add lemon juice to enhance the tonic effect. The skin after this mask is shiny, smooth and silky.
Mask for dry skin
In this case, we add milk to cacao, which is rich in lactic acids. You can also add a teaspoon of olive oil or honey. Both ingredients are excellent for moisturizing the skin.
Time for cacao butter
Cacao butter is a raw material extracted from the cacao beans and is one of the best, if not the best, cosmetic butter. And this is thanks to several of its unusual features. It is easily absorbed by the skin, very deeply moisturizes and nourishes it. It is especially recommended for dry or combination skin. It works brilliantly as an emollient, leaving a protective lipid film on the skin, softening and improving skin elasticity. It nourishes and moisturizes by penetrating into the deeper layers of cells. When used regularly, it thickens and firms the skin’s texture. It is a luxurious addition to lipsticks, lip balms, soaps, hair conditioners. It has a pleasant velvety texture. It provides excellent protection in winter and protects from the cold wind during autumn walks.
Possessing the same properties as cacao, with additional intensified moisturizing and lubricating effects, it is an excellent base for regenerating and conditioning creams for tired smoker’s skin and for aging complexions, acting as an anti-wrinkle agent. The effects are usually visible after the first application. It contains many unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, min. Oleic and stearic acids, which activate the metabolism and cell renewal of skin tissue. It is very effective on scars, stretch marks, smoothing, softening and elasticizing scar tissue. It protects the skin from harmful climatic effects. It contains phytochemicals that help strengthen the skin’s structure and reflect the sun’s harmful rays. No wonder cosmetologists love this product. Of course, the better quality the butter, the more effective it is for the condition of the skin.
Unrefined cacao butter for making homemade cosmetics
There is a significant difference between refined and unrefined cacao butter.
Refined cacao butter, or partially processed cacao butter, is made from raw cacao beans and processed to remove some of the compounds naturally found in cacao beans. The refining process includes purification, decolorization and deodorization. As a result, refined cacao butter is usually lighter in color and has a less intense cacao flavor and aroma. We get a pale, slightly yellowish butter. Such butter is successfully used as an ingredient in commercially available luxury skin care products. The scent of natural chocolate here is very delicate. Nevertheless, through the processes of treatment, preservation and processing, some of the valuable components of butter are lost.
Unrefined butter is also made from raw cocoa beans, but is not further processed. The result, among other things, is a slightly darker yellow color. Processing here is minimal, so it usually retains the strong aroma and flavor of cacao. It may also contain more nutrients. Unrefined cacao butter is often darker in color and has a stronger taste and smell. Such butter does not basically lose any of its properties. It penetrates deeper into the next layers of the skin. We can use it to prepare unparalleled homemade cosmetics or spa treatments.
The shelf life of the product, depending on storage, is estimated to be quite long, although shorter than that of the refined product. Properly stored in a dry and cool place, it does not lose its valuable properties for as long as two years. So the right place for the butter is key. Stored for too long, butter may lose some of its valuable ingredients, as some of them may naturally decompose or oxidize. Some of the phytochemicals, for example, are no longer as active as in very fresh cacao butter.
Tips and interesting facts about chocolate butter
- Good quality butter can be stored for up to two years if it has the right conditions, i.e. a dry place and sufficiently cool. Butter does not like moisture and heat.
- It’s worth having cocoa butter shavings on hand, it’s easy to spread them on sun-dried or frostbitten skin, they melt on contact. You can grate them yourself and store them in a jar; such chips can make a great addition to your favorite cream or mask, dissolving when you rub the cream into your skin.
- Butter begins to melt at a temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius (body temperature dissolves butter, you will melt it faster by rubbing it on your skin for a few minutes). They should therefore be stored in a cool place, away from the cooking area or seasonally heated areas.
- Heated butter takes the form of an oil, which can be used for cosmetic purposes as long as the heating temperature is not too high so as not to destroy the valuable ingredients. It would be advisable in this case, for example. steam bath. The butter dish can be placed in another larger vessel with warm or hot water. Butter, you can melt by patiently rubbing the cube on the skin. You can also mix melted butter with a little coconut butter or Vaseline. It will be soft enough for direct use on chapped lips or dry elbows, for example.
- Natural butter does not always blend with other ingredients with intense fragrance, so if you want to compose your own cream or lotion carefully choose the ingredients, preferably unrefined as well. The scent of the butter is very delicate, easily drowned out by other fragrances. Too bad, because nothing smells like chocolate, right?
- Unrefined butter is richer in nutrients, so it is excellent for softening and smoothing difficult skin areas, such as elbows, knees, heels, chapped hands.
- The butter can be mixed with other natural vege oils e.g. shea butter, coconut butter to create amazing lotions for the body, hands, feet and face.
- It can be used to obtain high-quality ointments for various skin problems. The skin maintains such a protective barrier for a long time. So it is an excellent idea for a winter filter. Instead of the classic lip balm, we can successfully use a piece of cacao butter. Quickly regenerates dry and sun-, wind- or frost-damaged areas on the skin.
How does cacao butter compare with well-known butters?
Shea butter is recommended for various types of skin eczema, and helps rebuild damaged skin, as it is extremely rich in plant sterols. The same is true of cacao butter. A matter of preference and liking which butter you are more likely to reach for. Cacao butter is recommended for dry damaged and poorly firm, thin and delicate complexions. It is not recommended for acne-prone skin and prone to excessive sebum production. However, it also has gentle antiseptic properties and contains significant amounts of zinc, which regulates excessive sebum production, so it’s an individual matter how the skin reacts to it. Sometimes, even with difficult skin, the effects are surprising. Cacao butter makes the skin radiant and healthier-looking, that’s for sure.
Remember to buy only the highest quality products for cosmetic purposes.
As you can see, it is worth reaching for chocolate for health and beauty. Every season likes cacao. They are loved on rainy, gloomy autumn afternoons, during winter frosts and snowstorms, as well as sunny days when we expose our skin to intense sunlight. Cacao will take care of the health and beauty of your skin, presenting an unparalleled array of benefits and possibilities. Your skin will love cacao, just like you.