Earlier this month, it was Valentine’s Day, which for many couples means the gift-giving of chocolate. While you may think this is bad for your waistline (which it very well may be, depending on the quality), did you know that consuming dark chocolate (with at least 70% cacao) is good for your skin? When we say cacao, we mean the real deal. Dark chocolate that has been processed is typically labeled as cocoa, while the raw variety that’s been minimally processed is often labeled as cacao. So in this sense, when we speak about dark chocolate being good for your skin, we are talking about the real deal, cacao. Besides being good for your health, there are numerous skin benefits of dark chocolate (cacao) you need to be aware of.
If you are a chocoholic, there’s good news. Raw cacao (dark chocolate) offers various health benefits and is even considered a superfood. In translation, high-quality dark chocolate is a delicious way to make you feel and look good (when consumed in moderation). To learn more about this amazing superfood, read about the many skin benefits of dark chocolate.
• Raw cacao can help keep your skin looking youthful and plump by preventing the breakdown of collagen, the wrinkle-fighting protein.
• When cacao is used on the skin, cacao can help soothe blemishes and redness, improving your skin’s complexion.
• Cacao is nutrient-dense, as it is rich in calcium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E.
• Excellent for sensitive skin. Dark chocolate is gentle on your skin and can work wonders when it comes to soothing irritated skin since it is a natural anti-inflammatory.
• Cacao is chock full of antioxidants and fatty acids (such as stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid) that helps keep your skin feeling smooth and protected by warding off free radical damage.
• If you are worried about suffering skin damage due to harmful UV rays, cacao can help due to its high antioxidant and flavonoids content. Because of this, it can even help prevent the signs of aging by promoting cell growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cacao refers to raw, minimally processed dark chocolate, while cocoa is typically more processed. The skin benefits discussed apply specifically to raw cacao, which retains more nutrients and antioxidants beneficial for skin health.
Dark chocolate, especially raw cacao, helps maintain youthful skin by preventing the breakdown of collagen, a protein that fights wrinkles. This helps keep the skin plump and reduces signs of aging.
Yes, using cacao on the skin can soothe blemishes and redness, improving overall complexion. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties make it gentle and effective for sensitive or irritated skin.
Cacao is rich in essential minerals like calcium, copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and iron, as well as vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. These nutrients support skin repair, protection, and overall health.
Cacao is packed with antioxidants and fatty acids such as stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids. These compounds help protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause damage and accelerate aging.
Yes, dark chocolate is gentle and beneficial for sensitive skin due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness without causing further irritation.
Consuming cacao can help protect skin from harmful UV rays because of its high antioxidant and flavonoid content. These compounds promote cell growth and may prevent signs of aging caused by sun damage.
