Benefits of Cocoa Butter
Cocoa is synonymous with childhood when a good chocolate hot drink would be all you would look forward to. It was a comfort drink that could wipe away all the sorrows of every child. As you grew up, the association most likely would have moved to chocolate desserts; however, it still would be a hot favourite with most of you. What’s interesting, the same ingredient also produces butter and works wonders for your hair and skin as there are numerous beauty benefits of cocoa butter use. The aroma is heavenly and so are its properties that have been used across civilisations for thousands of years. While it has been around, it is recently that everyone has again woken up to the myriad of benefits and since it is natural, you are in love too.
#1 – Hydration
Cocoa butter is an effective hydration agent and permeates through the layers of skin. Since it contains a high amount of fatty acids, it can nourish the skin for a much longer time. It also relaxes the skin and improves elasticity.
Cocoa butter is great for lips which are one part of the body that is not equipped to keep itself hydrated. Cocoa butter makes great lip balms, they keep the lips moisturized and help them look fuller and give a great soft texture. The texture, the aroma and the full lips will surely make you look sexy and wanting to be kissed. You can mix natural colours to create fun lip shades.
How to use
Rubbing cocoa butter products on your skin or lips every day as part of your skincare routine will keep your skin hydrated.
#2 – Skin Repair
Cocoa butter helps in skin repair. It is not just good for dry skin and the little nicks but also can help recover from stretch marks. Many women enjoy the benefits of using cocoa butter post-pregnancy and additionally loss weight rapidly. The elasticity and suppleness that cocoa butter introduces are what helps the skin in such situations. Even in cases where folks are trying to recover from injury or surgery related marks, cocoa butter has helped in reducing the spots and creating an even skin tone.
For those who have skin-related infection, e.g. dermatitis or eczema, cocoa butter has a very soothing effect. This alleviates the irritation and allows the skin cells to repair much faster and prevents unnecessary friction.
How to use
You can combine cocoa butter with various oils such as coconut oil or vitamin E oil and use the mixture as a moisturizer.
#3 – Hair Conditioning
Most of the hair related problems start from the scalp rather than the hair strands itself. Most of the time the scalp is either too dry and itchy or has an infection that is causing the problem. When someone uses cocoa butter to soothe the scalp, it hydrates, seals the moisture and reduces the chances of infection to set back in. It also improves the quality of your scalp, keeps the follicles strong and healthy. Ones who have stiff hair, it works as a great conditioner and will lead to thicker hair.
How to use
Use a double boiler method to melt 2 tbs of cocoa butter and 1 tbs of coconut oil together. Once it gets melted, add 1 tbs jojoba oil. Before the mixture completely solidifies, whip it for about 4 to 5 minutes to get a whipped cream texture substance. Use it as a hair conditioner after shampoo.
#4 – Anti-ageing
Cocoa butter is loaded with antioxidants, which are effective in promoting the growth of new skin cells. They help in reducing the darkening of the skin and protects it from becoming dull. Along with this, it continues to repair the skin from damage, thus leaving you looking healthier and brighter for a much longer time.
When cocoa butter is applied, it naturally forms a fine layer over the skin which locks in the moisture and acts as a natural protector from the harmful UV rays present in sunlight. The chemical composition of Cocoa butter aided with massaging of the skin during application improves blood circulation in and around the skin. These properties work very well in consequently slowing down the onset of wrinkles and aging of the skin.
How to use
Melt ¼ cup of cocoa butter, shea butter, and safflower oil – ¼ cup using double boiler method and add 15-20 drops of frankincense essential oil, Geranium essential oil, and rose otto essential oil. Whip the cream until it becomes fluffy and white and apply it once a day.
#5 – Smooth Shaving Experience
Cocoa butter comes with a different texture, it is very creamy. Thus, making it a great addition to shaving creams and aftershave lotions. This texture aids in smoothing the shaving experience and while you shave it soothes the skin. It can be used in conjunction with your shaving lotion or can be used independently. The antioxidants in it help skin repair and reduce the irritation which is a by-product of shaving.
How to use
Take ¼ cup melted cocoa butter and add to it 1/2 cup sweet almond oil, 1/4 cup raw honey, 10 drops essential oils of your choice and 1/4 cup castile soap. Finally, mix 3/4 cup warm water and use the solution as and when required.
#6 – Relaxation
A good body massage with cocoa butter can leave you fresh and feeling relaxed. It will remove the dryness of your skin and gently relax your muscles. You should follow it up with a good warm bath and if you are still up for it add a couple of dollops of cocoa butter in your bathtub. This will improve the absorption and when you come out your need for the usual round of moisturisation is already taken care of. Not only your skin, you will be smelling great.
The same cocoa butter can be used differently for aromatherapy. If you indulge in this therapy before hitting the bed, you will be pleasantly surprised by the improvement in the quality of your sleep. If you mix it with Neroli oil, it will also help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Mesmara’s natural cocoa butter is also available at Amazon, Flipkart and other partner sites.