How Cocoa Butter Helps Skin

Introduction

Cocoa butter helps the skin in many ways. It lubricates and protects the skin and also helps to fade scars. It is a well-known folk remedy that has been used for decades. It is also a popular ingredient in skin care preparations. Cocoa butter is a natural product that is used in cooking so it is a safe to use on the skin. Cocoa butter is worth a try because it has a wonderful smell, is inexpensive and lasts for a long time.

Cocoa Butter and the Skin

The skin has three layers. Cocoa butter penetrates the top layer of the skin called the epidermis. The cocoa butter can also reach the dermis, the middle layer. Cocoa butter is made from the vegetable fat of the cocoa bean. It is very effective for lubricating dry skin. This natural moisturizer also softens the skin. Herbal Luxuries writes that "cocoa butter is an excellent emollient that is well absorbed by the skin. Its incredibly high content of vitamin E is responsible for its beneficial properties." Vitamin E is proven to help with skin renewal and repair. Cocoa butter is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals or toxins that damage tissues at the cellular level. The antioxidant property also provides a natural preservative so cocoa butter lasts for a long time. Cocoa butter is available in a few forms--creams, lotions and sticks.

Cocoa Butter and Scars

Cocoa butter is frequently recommended for eliminating stretch marks and other scars. Many people believe that cocoa butter has helped to reduce their scars. Even plastic surgeons have advised their patients to use cocoa butter on surgical scars. But there is no medical evidence that proves cocoa butter helps with scar tissue. A research study at the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon concluded, "Topical application of a lotion containing cocoa butter does not appear to reduce the likelihood of developing striae gravidarum (stretch marks.)" But there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that cocoa butter helps with scars. Many people see improvement in scars after applying the cocoa butter a few times each day. This natural product has a smooth texture so it is easy to apply and use.