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There are a number of ways to use cocoa butter for the body. One of which is as an ingredient to healing the skin. Over the years, cocoa butter has been a primary component in many emollient products, medicine, and lip products. But is it also beneficial for certain skin conditions like stretch marks?
You can fade stretch marks with cocoa butter with its skin-hydrating properties. The high fatty acids it contains are capable of nourishing and enhancing skin elasticity. This can prevent skin from tearing so easily however, it will not completely remove stretch marks.
Though it doesn’t erase your stretch marks away, cocoa butter should strongly be considered for treating stretch marks. More will be explained below.
Table of Contents
- The Benefits of Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks
- How To Use Cocoa Butter on Your Stretch Marks
- How Long Does It Take To Fade Stretch Marks With Cocoa Butter?
- Are There Any Side Effects?
The Benefits of Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are usual scars that are acquired after undergoing body changes like pregnancy, weight loss and gain, and puberty. They pose little to no harm to the body but they can cause discomfort and lack of confidence.
Although stretch marks can heal on their own, it usually takes a long time. Thankfully there are products like cocoa butter that can help in dealing with stretch marks.
As we have briefly discussed, cocoa butter has many benefits to the skin and body. However, researchers are yet to confirm the benefits of cocoa butter for stretch marks.
In a research study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, cocoa butter and a placebo product were used and tested for their effectiveness on stretch marks. It was concluded that cocoa butter didn’t produce any significant effect to stretch marks just like the placebo.
On a lighter note, a research study published on MDPI noted various benefits of cocoa components in treating and preventing skin diseases that include:
- Skin cancer
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Healing wounds
There are differing opinions about the benefits of cocoa butter at the moment. Nevertheless, here is what we came to know from scoping different credible sources and studies about using cocoa butter for your stretch marks and overall skin.
1.) Keeps The Skin Hydrated
Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids that are great for hydration and skin nourishment. Hydration helps reduce itching and improves the overall appearance of stretch marks.
2.) Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common part of having stretch marks. While there is no harm in discoloration, it can catch the attention easily. You can fade stretch marks with cocoa butter by utilizing the fatty substance and antioxidants it contains. This can help in holding off free-radical effects that cause dull skin and dark marks.
3.) Delays Skin Aging
In addition to fatty acids and antioxidants, cocoa butter has phytochemicals that are lauded for their benefits in improving the flow of blood and delaying skin aging. These phytochemicals also protect the skin from damaging UV rays.
Cocoa butter also has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent inflammation from stressing your skin cells resulting in more youthful skin.
4.) Reduces The Overall Appearance of Skin Marks and Scars
When cocoa butter rehydrates the skin, the elasticity of the epidermis is maintained resulting in the prevention and reduced appearance of skin marks and scars like stretch marks. Similarly, cocoa butter heals these skin problems.
5.) Helps In Treating Different Skin Conditions
Skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis are some of the most difficult health conditions to deal with. Thankfully, natural ingredients like cocoa butter can aid in minimizing their symptoms and treating them, It can also help in the prevention of these diseases. For people with certain skin conditions, cocoa butter can help in treating their stretch marks as well as other skin conditions.
(Also Read: Easy Guide To Using Shea Butter For Stretch Marks)
How To Use Cocoa Butter on Your Stretch Marks
To fade stretch marks with cocoa butter you’ll need to know how to use it for best results. The most common way to use cocoa butter for the skin is to use a product like lotion or moisturizer that used it as an ingredient. They are widely available and easy to buy from different shops.
You can also opt to buy cocoa butter sticks to have more cocoa butter and avoid other harsh ingredients. These sticks can be pure or combined with a minimal amount of added product like oil.
If you want to begin from scratch and make your own cocoa butter with your favorite oils and essential oils, you can always buy raw cocoa butter. Raw cocoa butter comes in two forms namely refined and unrefined.
Unrefined cocoa butter is 100% raw
Making your own cocoa butter is not complicated at all. Here are the steps to make your own cocoa butter.
- Melt your raw cocoa butter on low heat by using a frying pan or pot.
- Transfer your molten butter to a clean container or jar.
- Let it cool in the fridge until it reaches a semi-solid consistency.
- Combine your favorite oil and cocoa butter in a food processor
- Blend until it reaches a fluffy consistency
- Transfer the blended mixture to a clean container.
- Mix in your favorite essential oil using a spoon.
- Keep in a cool and dry place.
When stored properly, cocoa butter can last up to five years,
Once you have decided which cocoa butter form is most suitable for you, you should be ready to apply it. Here is how you can use cocoa butter for your stretch marks.
Step #1. Pour an ample amount on your palm (Break off a tiny piece)
Depending on the product you are using, you might need to pour or break off the cocoa butter you will be using.
If you are using a lotion to fade stretch marks with cocoa butter, pour an ample amount of the product on your palm. For cocoa butter sticks or pure raw cocoa butter, break off a tiny piece for your usage. You can also shave it off if you want.
Step #2. Apply cocoa butter to your stretch marks
When applying hydrating products like cocoa butter, it is ideal that the skin is damp for better absorption.
Apply the cocoa butter to your stretch marks gently. If you use pure cocoa butter or stick, the friction will melt the cocoa butter piece and will not hurt your skin.
If the cocoa butter doesn’t melt, simply melt it in the microwave or place the cocoa butter in a bowl and let it sit on top of a cup with hot water.
Step #3. Let the cocoa butter be absorbed by your skin
Unlike other hydrating products, cocoa butter doesn’t leave off any feeling of grease or discomfort. Let the cocoa butter stay on your skin for as long as you can for sufficient absorption.
Step #4. Apply cocoa butter to your skin daily
Any skin care regimen takes patience and consistency to obtain good results. Remember to apply cocoa butter to your stretch marks twice a day on a daily basis.
(Also find out: Is It Normal For Men To Have Stretch Marks?)
How Long Does It Take To Fade Stretch Marks With Cocoa Butter?
With consistent application, the effects of cocoa butter can be seen after 14 days. For faster results, you can add Vitamin E and essential oils.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Cocoa butter itself is a natural ingredient making it safe to use without any adverse side effects. It is safe to use even for pregnant women and children. However, people with certain health conditions like cocoa allergy should consult their doctor first or better not use any products with cocoa.
When using products that use cocoa butter only as an ingredient, check the additives for potential irritants. If you are prone to getting body acne, don’t use cocoa butter as it may clog your pores resulting in breakouts.
Over and above, remember to always conduct a patch test to see the product’s compatibility with your skin. Simply place a small amount of product on your skin and observe for any skin reactions within 24 hours. Don’t use the product if symptoms like rashes, redness, itching, and swelling occur.
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