ANCHIALO Universal Massage Cream with Cocoa Butter, 420 ml

Description

What is cocoa butter?

Cocoa butter (Theobroma oil) is a vegetable fat extracted from cocoa beans by pressing. The raw cocoa beans are fermented (together with their husks), dried and then coarsely ground to produce cocoa mass. This is pressed further and the cocoa butter is extracted. The residue left by this process is milled into a fine powder to give cocoa powder. These are the two main raw materials used to make chocolate. Raw cocoa butter is cold-pressed, which allows the valuable nutrients within it to be preserved.

Cocoa butter is one of the most stable fats and contains natural antioxidants that protect it from turning rancid. It helps to normalise blood pressure and prevents cardiovascular problems. It is also suitable for external use, as it has a highly beneficial effect on the skin.

Cocoa beans are found in parts of Central and South America and have been harvested to make natural moisturising cosmetics in places such as Mesoamerica and the Caribbean for centuries. As cocoa butter has a delicate aroma, a smooth texture (thanks to its emollient properties) and is intensely moisturising, it is now a hugely popular ingredient across the world and features in a wide range of commercial beauty products.

Another remarkable benefit of cocoa butter? Cocoa beans are high in antioxidants, as they contain a significant amount of polyphenols and flavanoids. In fact, cocoa beans are one of the greatest sources of polyphenols in our diet. Some of these antioxidants remain in the cocoa butter even after it has been separated from the beans, which means it boosts immunity, reduces inflammation and improves heart health.

8 benefits and uses of cocoa butter

1. Protects the skin from dryness and flaking – Cocoa butter is an excellent skin moisturiser, but besides hydrating the skin, it helps heal it from the inside out. It is a wonderful source of the natural antioxidants found in cocoa beans (the same types found in real dark chocolate, which are linked to benefits such as heart health and improved cognitive function). The saturated fats are particularly beneficial for dry and cracked skin, because they are easily absorbed and remain on the skin for hours.

Natural moisturising products also tend to cause far less irritation for people with sensitive skin, while still locking in moisture, as they are free from the additives, fragrances, colours and dyes used in most commercial products. To use it on your skin to prevent or treat dryness and flaking, try blending it with other beneficial products such as essential oils or argan, castor or jojoba oil.

If you prefer the more fluid texture of coconut oil and a tropical scent, you can blend pure cocoa butter with coconut oil. If you have very sensitive and dry skin (or eczema), always use pure cocoa butter and make sure beforehand that you are not hypersensitive to it, so as not to trigger unwanted skin reactions.

2. Helps with chapped lips – one of the most popular uses of cocoa butter is for softening the lips, most often in handmade lip balms. Cocoa butter can be combined with essential oils such as grapefruit, vanilla, orange or mint to make lip balms that hydrate this delicate skin.

Cocoa butter is an emollient, which means it adds a protective layer of hydration to the lips and is useful in very low temperatures, harsh sunlight or high indoor heating, all of which can dry the lips out.

3. Fights the first signs of skin ageing – Cocoa butter contains compounds called polyphenols, which according to scientific research can help reduce the signs of ageing, as well as soothe sensitive skin suffering from dermatitis or rashes. Polyphenols are types of antioxidants that promote health both internally, when eaten, and when applied topically to the skin. The polyphenols in cocoa butter have been used to combat various chronic problems, skin degeneration, sensitivity and even cellular mutations.

Research shows that its polyphenols have several positive effects on skin health, including improved skin elasticity and tone, better collagen retention and production, and better hydration.

4. Soothes burns, rashes and infections – Cocoa butter is an excellent rescue remedy for the skin in cases of burns. Rub a small amount of pure cocoa butter onto the skin, but check beforehand that it contains no alcohol, fragrances/perfumes or other additives that could lead to increased sensitivity and skin inflammation.

Cocoa butter is so gentle that it can be used as a natural treatment for eczema and dermatitis. Aloe vera or tea tree oil are two other great additions for applying to burnt or sensitive skin.

5. Helps clear up mouth ulcers – If your mouth is prone to developing painful sores, or your lips often crack and develop cold sores, use cocoa butter to keep them hydrated.

6. A great shaving cream – You can use cocoa butter as a shaving cream that moisturises your skin at the same time. It melts easily in warm water and there is no risk of it blocking the drain in your bathroom 😉 Scoop out a small amount of cocoa butter just before shaving to prevent the heightened skin sensitivity that usually follows. After showering, apply cocoa butter to your skin, as the warmth opens the pores and helps products absorb better into the skin.

7. Helps improve heart health – While saturated fats have been blamed for contributing to heart problems, plant-based saturated fats are in fact beneficial in reducing the risk of cardiovascular abnormalities. Cocoa has been shown to have a favourable effect on lipid metabolism and to reduce the risk of vascular events such as heart attack.

8. Boosts immunity – Many studies have shown that the polyphenols contained in cocoa butter help strengthen the immune system and fight inflammation. Plant polyphenols exert antioxidant power within the immune system, combating inflammation. Using cocoa butter can reduce inflammation overall and help with hormonal balance and brain health – all while acting as an ally to the immune system.

Suitable both for home treatments and for professional rehabilitation, recovery, SPA & Wellness centres. Put your trust in our high-quality ANCHIALO cosmetic products with Black Sea lye and liman mud. Health and beauty from Bulgarian nature.

Natural Bulgarian cosmetics for face and body, produced by Azimut 6000 Ltd, Pomorie

Source: www.zdravei.org