Cacao is known for its delicious taste and high nutritional value. However, few people know that cacao also has many wonderful uses in beauty care. Let’s explore the uses of cacao in beauty!
Few people know that the delicious cacao powder that we often use to make food and drinks contains extremely effective beauty secrets. From nourishing the skin, anti-aging to protecting hair, cacao brings unexpected uses. Let’s explore the wonderful benefits of using cacao for beauty with !
Cacao and its nutritional components
Cacao is a precious nut that has been known and used by humans for thousands of years. Today, not only is it the main ingredient to create delicious chocolate bars, cacao is also considered a “superfood” with countless benefits for health and beauty.
Cacao has been exploited and used for thousands of years.
The nutritional composition of cocoa is extremely rich and diverse. In 100g of pure cocoa, you will find:
- Energy: Cocoa provides a significant amount of energy, mainly from fat and carbohydrates. However, don’t worry, most of the fat in cocoa is monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, which is very good for the heart.
- Protein: Cocoa is a source of high-quality vegetable protein, which helps build and repair cells in the body.
- Fiber: Cocoa contains high fiber content, supports a healthy digestive system, creates a feeling of fullness for a long time and helps control weight.
- Minerals: Cocoa is rich in essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese. Iron helps transport oxygen in the blood, magnesium supports nerve and muscle function, copper and manganese play an important role in energy metabolism.
- Vitamins: Cocoa also provides a significant amount of B vitamins, which help strengthen the immune system and support nerve function.
- Antioxidants: This is the most prominent feature of cocoa. Cocoa contains very high levels of antioxidants, especially flavonoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
What do you know about the beauty benefits of cocoa?
Uses of cocoa in beauty
Cocoa contains a large amount of flavonoids – powerful antioxidant compounds, which help protect skin cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, preventing premature aging. Flavonoid molecules can prevent the destruction of collagen and elastin – two important components that create elasticity and firmness for the skin. Thanks to that, cocoa helps to reduce wrinkles, minimize the appearance of fine lines, giving you smooth, youthful skin.
Cocoa is also known for its ability to deeply moisturize the skin. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in cocoa have a moisturizing effect, prevent water loss through the skin, keeping the skin soft and smooth. This is especially good for dry and sensitive skin.
Not only does it have moisturizing and anti-aging effects, cocoa is also a “savior” for acne-prone skin. Anti-inflammatory compounds in cocoa help soothe red, swollen acne, reduce inflammation, and prevent the formation of new acne.
In addition, cocoa is also a rich source of vitamins such as vitamin E, which has antioxidant effects, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots, inhibits the production of melanin – the pigment that causes dark spots, helps even out skin tone, and restores your skin’s natural bright pink color. Minerals such as iron and magnesium in cocoa help increase blood circulation to the skin. Thanks to that, you get healthy, rosy skin. Vitamin B in cocoa can promote collagen production, help firm and elastic skin and reduce wrinkles. Some types of vitamin B help regulate oil secretion, prevent acne and reduce oiliness. This vitamin also has anti-inflammatory effects, helping to soothe irritated skin.
Nutrients in cocoa are suitable for skin care purposes.
How to use cocoa in beauty
You already know what the uses of cocoa are in beauty. And to maximize the benefits that cocoa brings to the skin, you can use cocoa in your daily skin care routine in many different ways.
One of the simplest and most effective ways is to use cocoa masks. By combining cocoa powder with other natural ingredients such as honey, yogurt, and oatmeal, you can create versatile skin care masks suitable for each skin type. For example, cocoa masks combined with honey help deeply moisturize and soften the skin. Cocoa masks combined with yogurt and lemon help brighten the skin and reduce dark spots. Cocoa masks combined with oatmeal have the effect of exfoliating and cleaning pores. Depending on your skin condition, you can adjust the mask formula accordingly. The ideal frequency of using cocoa masks is 2-3 times/week.
In addition to using masks, you can also use cocoa for bathing. When cocoa powder is dissolved in water, it forms a thick mixture that gently cleanses the skin, removes dead skin cells, and provides moisture and nutrients to the skin.
Another way to use it is to mix cocoa powder with water into a thick mixture and then apply it to the skin all over the body or massage the skin all over the body. Regular bathing with cocoa powder helps you relax and makes your skin softer, smoother and more youthful.
Currently, there are many skin care products on the market containing cocoa ingredients such as facial cleansers, lotions, soaps, etc. However, when choosing to buy these products, you should prioritize products of natural origin, benign ingredients and do not contain too many chemicals.
Cocoa mask can be used for both face and body skin.
So, through the above article, we have together discovered the uses of cocoa in beauty. With high levels of antioxidants and essential nutrients, cocoa not only helps slow down the aging process but also improves many skin problems such as acne, dark spots, and dryness. Take advantage of the benefits of this natural ingredient to have beautiful skin!
