Chocolate has a rich history dating all the way back to Mesoamerica and the Aztecs in 1900 BC. The Aztecs believed cacao(the main ingredient in chocolate) to be able to grant those who consumed it strength. The Spanish brought cacao back to Europe where it was initially unpopular. The rise of sugar plantations, and the reduction sugars price changed this, and thus cacao became chocolate, and shot up in popularity, spreading across the world.
Not just one of the worlds favourite treats, chocolate also boast a number of health benefits when consumed. Although the health benefits seem to be limited to chocolate with 75% or higher cocoa solids content. The negative effects of chocolate come mostly from the sugar content. This discovery has created a whole new health market for cocoa. This is especially prominent in the vegan marketplace with raw cacao sold as a healthy dessert alternative.
Though popular as food it wasn’t until 2004 that cocoa in skincare rose to prominence. The various benefits that the cocoa has was seized upon by the industry, where now even products that don’t smell like chocolate often contain cocoa. From exfoliates, to soap, lotions, body butters, and even shampoos, chocolate is now ubiquitous. A big part of the reason is the extraordinary properties chocolate contains. These include anti-oxidants, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals, and even components that can help you distress and aid relaxation.
The flavonoids in chocolate help protect, and reverse damage caused by UV radiation. Which if you’ve been following our blog you’d know is responsible for a large part of premature ageing. There is even evidence in it improving skin thickness which helps your skin look youthful. This combined with its hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties make it a must have ingredient in your skincare. For a healthy dose of the good stuff try out our cocoa body butter. It’s exceptionally hydrating, and remarkably nourishing, plus you’ll smell delicious! All the body butters we produce are made with a cocoa butter base.
It’s benefits against sun damage has made cocoa butter a popular choice as an after sun lotion. It’s also been hugely popular with pregnant women, as it was often touted to be able to reduce stretch marks, although the evidence for this is inconclusive. Cocoa butter does hydrate a lot deeper into the skin layers than a lot of other moisturizer, which is why the stretch mark reducing properties were often touted. Having hydrated skin will reduce the appearance of lines, dullness, and wrinkles.
Cocoa butter makes for great skin food. Especially those who are regularly exposed to the sun, or suffer from dry skin, peeling, or dullness. Its also beneficial for lips, and hair. Cacao is one of natures most incredible gifts that we’ve only just started to utilize to its full potential.
