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The secret to glowing skin? Here’s what you need to know about the skin-benefiting, anti-aging powers of cacao.
The Connection Between Diet and Skin Health
What we eat has a direct impact on our overall well-being and risk of developing numerous health conditions, we now know that to be an unarguable fact. So it's not surprising that nutrition influences the health of our largest organ: the skin. The saying, “you are what you eat,” appears to be true when it comes to the condition of your skin. Your dietary choices can have both positive and negative effects on your outer layer’s appearance and risk for conditions like skin cancer.
The Skin-Benefiting Powers of Cacao
As scientists do more and more research, they’re uncovering several foods that can help lessen the signs of aging skin, including wrinkles and dryness that could be giving your complexion some grief. One such skin-benefiting food is cacao. A study in the Journal of Nutrition determined that the consumption of high amounts of cocoa flavanols can reduce signs of photo-aging, namely by having a positive impact on facial wrinkles and elasticity. Other research suggests that cacao may offer a protective effect against photo-aging by inhibiting the breakdown of the skin dermal matrix, which leads to an overall reduction in wrinkle formation.
How Cacao Flavanols Benefit Your Skin
Flavanols are powerful antioxidants that are believed to protect your skin against the damaging effects of environmental stressors like UV rays. One study even showed that when people consumed a flavanol-rich cacao drink, blood circulation to the skin was increased, which could have a positive impact on appearance.
Choosing High-Cacao Products for Maximum Benefits
To get the biggest skin-enhancing boost you want to gravitate towards using products with a higher cacao content which will deliver a bigger dose of flavanol antioxidants. This would include Navitas Organics Cacao Powder, Navitas Organics Cacao Nibs and Navitas Organics Cacao Wafers.
Topical Benefits of Cacao Butter
Consuming raw cacao isn’t the only thing you can do for your skincare routine. Applying pure cacao butter topically can have several benefits, such as alleviating dry skin and improving skin elasticity. There is a reason why cacao butter is a common active ingredient in skin lotions, creams and lip balms. The fatty acids in cacao butter may help form a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture from escaping, and therefore stopping the skin from drying out and becoming rough. This is why some people use cacao butter to relieve dryness from skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Compared to some commercial oils and creams, cocoa butter tends to be absorbed well without leaving skin greasy. In case you are wondering, cacao butter is simply a plant-based fat pressed from the cacao bean. It is what gives chocolate bars their desirable melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Cacao is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. The polyphenols found in cacao help reduce inflammation in the skin, which can calm redness, soothe irritation and even reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts. Incorporating cacao butter into your skincare routine can help manage conditions like rosacea and acne, providing both moisture and anti-inflammatory benefits in one.
How to Use Cacao Butter for Skin Care
Cacao butter is hard at room temperature, but its melting point is 98 degrees, which is conveniently body temperature. This makes it easy to use as is: rub Navitas Organics Cacao Butter Wafers over your skin until it melts, then massage in the luxurious oil. You can use this same trick as a simple lip balm, too!
DIY Whipped Cacao Body Butter Recipe
This DIY whipped body butter feels luxurious and delivers maximum moisture to the skin, even for those with sensitive skin.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup Navitas Organics Cacao Butter Wafers
¼ cup unrefined coconut oil
¼ cup sweet almond oil
¼ tsp. favorite essential oil (optional)
DIRECTIONS
- Melt cacao butter, coconut oil and almond oil in a saucepan over low heat.
- Pour into a mixing bowl and place in the refrigerator until mixture begins to harden, about one hour.
- Add essential oil, if using, then whip with an electric mixer on high until light, fluffy peaks form, scraping the sides periodically with a spatula.
- Let the mixture cool completely. Spoon into a glass jar, cap and store at room temperature.
For more DIY skincare ideas, check out this DIY Cacao Face Mask.
Cacao’s Benefits Beyond Skin Care
Of course, your skin isn’t the only thing to benefit from including more cacao in your life. We now have evidence that consuming cacao can benefit heart health and brain functioning. The flavonols in cacao may help improve blood pressure numbers and vascular blood flow which is important in maintaining better heart and brain functioning. For more ways to incorporate cacao into your diet, read Reasons to Eat More Cacao.
Boosting Collagen Production
One of the lesser-known benefits of cacao is its potential to boost collagen production. Collagen is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness, and as we age, our natural collagen production decreases. Cacao contains procyanidins, which are compounds that can support the production of collagen in the skin, leading to a more youthful appearance. By consuming cacao regularly, you may help slow down the natural aging process, keeping your skin looking firmer and more radiant.
Enhancing Mood and Reducing Stress
Cacao isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it can also be a mood booster. Cacao contains compounds like theobromine and anandamide, often referred to as the “bliss molecule,” which can promote feelings of happiness and relaxation. Reducing stress is crucial for skin health, as stress can lead to breakouts, dullness, and other skin issues. By indulging in a bit of cacao, you’re not only treating your skin but also your mind, making it easier to maintain a glowing complexion.
How to Incorporate More Cacao Into Your Diet
Here are some ideas to work more delicious cacao into your diet for healthy skin and body, using products from Navitas Organics' cacao collection
- Sprinkle cacao nibs on yogurt, oatmeal, and even salads
- Blend raw cacao powder into smoothies or stir into oatmeal
- Use Navitas Organics Cacao Powder as a 1:1 swap for conventional unsweetened cocoa powder in baking recipes like brownies
- Use Navitas Organics Semi-sweet Cacao Wafers in place of conventional chocolate chips in cookies
- Nibble on dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao content)
Embrace the Power of Cacao with Navitas Organics
Incorporating cacao into your skincare and wellness routine offers a multitude of benefits—from boosting your skin’s elasticity and protecting it from UV damage to enhancing your mood and overall well-being. By choosing high-quality cacao products, such as those from Navitas Organics, you’re ensuring that you receive the maximum benefits from this powerful superfood. Whether you’re indulging in a cacao-infused treat or applying cacao butter to your skin, the potential for healthier skin and a happier you is within reach. So why wait? Start embracing the power of cacao today with Navitas Organics.
