Cocoa Butter & Cocoa Powder – Dynamic Duo for Happy Skin

May

2022

Cocoa butter and cocoa powder come from the same cocoa bean – and when you reunite them in skincare products amazing things happen! It is a joyous reunion.

Cocoa powder has many healing and medicinal properties, and its use goes back all the way to the Ancient Mayans and Aztec civilizations. An uplifter for dry, dehydrated, and dull skin, cocoa powder contains essential nutrients that nourishes your skin and leaves it healthy and happy.

Cocoa butter is a light-yellow vegetable fat that comes from cocoa beans. Producers ferment, dry, roast, strip, and press cocoa beans to extract cocoa butter.

Cocoa beans are grown in tropical regions around the equator — hot, humid climates are well suited for growing cocoa trees. Most of the world’s cocoa beans come from the West African countries Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.

Cocoa butter is versatile. Not only is it a required ingredient in US-produced chocolate, but it’s also a popular ingredient in skin creams, lotions, lip balms, and dessert recipes.

The Benefits of Cocoa Butter

1. INTENSE HYDRATION

Cocoa butter has fantastic moisturizing qualities as it is rich in essential fatty acids that nourish and protect the skin.

The butter is able to deliver deep, lasting hydration that doesn’t feel greasy or sticky, helping to keep your skin in its natural healthy balance.

2. IDEAL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

This butter is one of the most stable fats known and has a reputation for being an excellent soothing ingredient for those with sensitive skin.

Cocoa butter is very well tolerated by most skin types as it is extremely non-reactive. People with dry skin or eczema also need products that deliver lots of moisture to keep skin supple. Cocoa butter, with its intensive hydration properties, may be used to give skin a non-irritating moisture boost.

3. CONTAINS NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS

Not only do the naturally occurring antioxidants in Cocoa butter keep the product fresher for longer, they also help to fight free radicals that can have a damaging effect on the skin.

When environmental factors such as traffic pollution and cigarette smoke make contact with the skin they can spawn free radicals which are known to cause premature aging of the skin. Antioxidants are proven to help protect the skin from free radical damage and help to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.

The Benefits of Cocoa Powder

1. GIVES A YOUTHFUL GLOW

One of the benefits of cocoa powder for skin is that it leaves it with a youthful glow. The antioxidants present in skincare products like face washes help fight and reduce UV damage. Plus, it helps increase the blood flow to your skin and leaves it with a gorgeous flush and glow.

2. FIGHTS THE SIGNS OF AGING

Cocoa powder helps fight wrinkles and other signs of aging. The antioxidants present tackle the triggers that cause your skin to look older. The vitamin C and magnesium instantly brighten the skin and keep it healthy and protected. Cocoa powder is also rich in omega 6 fatty acids –– these help speed up skin healing too. So the next time you want to use a face mask, think cocoa powder!

3. BRIGHTENS YOUR SKIN

Thanks to its healing properties, cocoa powder speeds skin cell renewal. The theobromine present in cocoa powder has the ability to increase your blood flow to the skin’s surface. This reveals newer, brighter skin. The vitamin C present helps fade dark spots, reduces hyperpigmentation, and lightens any sort of blemishes.

Try this recipe!

SHEA COCOA FACE PAK

This recipe is perfect for normal to dry skin.

INGREDIENTS

250g of Baraka Cocoa Butter
250gr of Baraka Shea Butter
100gr of Baraka Kombo Butter
25gr tablespoon of Baraka Cocoa Powder
50gr tablespoon of Baraka Baobab Oil
Optional: Your favourite essential oils

STEPS

Melt shea butter and cocoa butter in a double boiler
Strain the melted butters into a small mixing bowl
Add Cocoa Powder, Baobab Oil
Mix thoroughly to dissolve the cocoa powder
Add in essential oils if desired

At this point you can put it into containers and it will be ready to use when it solidifies.

If you want a fluffier, lighter texture you can whip it. Just wait until it is starting to solidify and whip it until it gets to the desired consistency.

After whipping put ingredients in a plastic bag, cut the corner off and squeeze into containers.

You will enjoy making this and your face will be glad you did.

APPLICATION

This is an essential anti-ageing face pack. Apply every alternate day for soft glowing skin.

Massage gently in circular motions to exfoliate the skin. Wait for 10 minutes and then wash off using plain water. Reapply this cocoa butter face mask once every 2-3 days.