Cocoa Butter on the Face

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Cocoa butter is the cream-colored fat that is extracted from cocoa beans or cacao seeds. Used primarily as a moisturizer, cocoa butter has a reputation for working magic on problem skin and conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. According to an article on Vitaminstuff.com titled "Cocoa Butter", recent research has found that cocoa butter relieves stress, boosts the immune system and helps to prevent cancer. Cocoa butter can be used as a moisturizer on the face, lips and rest of the body.

Function

Cocoa butter is typically used as a lotion for skin moisturizing and healing. It is a good treatment for facial skin care, as it has been known to treat skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and is also used to prevent or treat stretch marks in pregnant women. As a moisturizer, cocoa butter is a natural emollient that melts at body temperature and is easily absorbed into the skin. It is helpful for sensitive skin as well, acting as a barrier between the skin and the outside environment while preserving moisture.

Uses

Cocoa butter is used as an additive in a wide variety of lotions, as well as tanning oil, soap and cosmetics. Its pleasant aroma is frequently used in aromatherapy, and, of course, it is an ingredient in chocolate. Being rich in Vitamin E, cocoa butter soothes dry skin and acts as an evening agent. It is often used in massage therapy to soothe sore muscles and itchy skin.

Negative Effects

Cocoa butter, like all lotions, can have negative effects on sensitive skin or skin with lesions, rashes, acne and eczema. Though cocoa butter has been commonly known to improve acne and eczema, in certain cases it does further irritate skin with these conditions. Cocoa butter is not recommended for use of those with nut allergies, and should not be confused with a sunscreen, as there is no SPF value in lotions with cocoa butter additives.

History

The first recorded use of the cocoa tree dates back to early South American Indians, and the first people group to cultivate the cocoa tree were the Mayans, who would later become one of the greatest users and consumers of the cocoa bean. Cocoa butter was first appreciated in chocolate itself, and used in early stages medicinally and as an aphrodisiac. In more recent history the healing properties of cocoa butter have been discovered, and as of 2010 it is widely used.

CMP and Anti-Oxidents

Cocoa butter has been found to possess CMP, a chemical that can prevent heart attacks and fights against arthritis. This chemical can be absorbed through the skin, thus providing healing properties for external and internal body parts. Cocoa butter also carries large quantities of anti-oxidants that lower cholesterol.