Cocoa butter or theobroma oil is a natural, meltable oil extracted from cacao bean. It is the fat source used to make chocolate, which is responsible for giving it its melt-in-your-mouth and silky feel.
Just like other sources of healthy fatty acids like coconut oil or raw shea butter, cocoa butter is great for naturally healing sensitive and dry skin. Real cocoa butter is edible and has a faint smell and taste similar to dark chocolate. Also it is used very often in lip balms, lip glosses, skin lotions and other beauty ointments.
Beauty Benefits of Cocoa Butter:
1. Heals Chapped Lips
Cocoa butter can be used on the lips through homemade lip balms. It can be used with essential oils such as vanilla, grapefruit, peppermint oil and orange to make flavorful lip balms that are also hydrating for delicate skin.
Cocoa butter is an emollient, meaning it adds a protective layer of hydration to your lips. It is useful for blocking the effects of very cold temperatures, indoor heat and sun damage which can leave your lips dry.
2. Use as Shaving Cream
Cocoa butter can be use to shave and hydrate your skin at the same time. You can use a small amount before shaving to prevent nicks and to have that smooth, shaven skin feeling.
You can also use it after showering, since heat can open up pores and makes it absorb products better.
3. Soothes Sensitive Skin
Cocoa butter is considered to be the best remedy for sensitive skin. Cocoa butter moisturizers are good at protecting your skin from heat, healing eczema and other skin problems. It will also help keep your skin soft and supple.
4. Source of Antioxidant
Cocoa butter is a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free radicals and save your skin from the inevitable signs of aging and other environmental stressors.
You can use cream, lotion or oil form and even eat raw cocoa butter. Just remember that cocoa butter is high in calories.
5. Soothes Rashes, Burns and Infections
You can put a small amount of pure cocoa butter into burnt skin to help the skin replenish. Just make sure it is pure and does not contain any alcohol, fragrances or any other additives that can lead skin inflammation. You can also use it as a natural treatment for eczema, rash and dermatitis.
6. Restorative Quality
The body cannot function well without tryptophan, dopamine, zinc, omegas 6 and 9. Everyday stress have a negative impact on your skin.
Cocoa butter is the most important set of health-giving elements. Avoid eating junk foods, sleep well and use cocoa butter regularly to restore your skin in no time.