Introducing cocoa – the super ingredient for the best natural skincare solutions
Cocoa is the rawest, purest form used to make chocolate (of course) as well as a range of other products in the natural skincare and health and fitness industries.
One of our favorite products with the super ingredient is Inlight Beauty's Chocolate Face Mask
Hmmm, is there anything as wonderful as the smell of chocolate? The chocolate mask smells so good you want to eat it, but we'll stick to putting it on our skin, at least for now ;).
Inlight Beauty founder, Dr. Spiezia discovered the power of cocoa through his work and research as a physician, herbalist, and renowned skin expert. After extensive testing, he created the formula for our favorite Chocolate Face Mask, which features organic cocoa and delicious hints of orange.
Dr. Spiezia says: "I formulated this intense and nourishing beauty mask to transform the appearance of the skin without the effects of harsh, chemical peels. These can damage the skin's protective mantle and cause it to secrete extra sebum, which can make the skin appear oily and reactive."
Use your fingertips or a mask brush to massage an even layer of the mask onto cleansed skin. Then sit back and relax for 10 to 20 minutes and let the mask work its magic. Remove with a warm, damp towel and apply Inlight Floral Tonic for the perfect finish. Finish with Inlight Deep Moisture Balm for velvety smooth, hydrated skin. Repeat this natural skincare ritual once a week for best results.
Where does cocoa actually come from?
Cocoa is the fruit of a tropical, evergreen tree, Theobroma cacao, that grows in the lush rainforests of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Today, it is also found commercially cultivated throughout Asia and parts of Africa. The tree takes four years to mature, after which it produces the cocoa fruit, which looks like an oblong pod. Inside the fruit are clusters of seeds or beans, which are harvested and roasted before being crushed into a powder used to make chocolate and other food products.
A raw material with roots in ancient tradition
The history of how cocoa has been used throughout the centuries is fascinating. This raw material has been traced back 5,000 years and archaeologists now believe it was one of the most important food ingredients consumed by ancient peoples such as the Maya, Toltec and Aztec.
Cocoa was hailed for its medicinal properties and value as a food ingredient, but it was also considered sacred and could embody spiritual qualities. That's why everyone from wellness gurus and scientists to nutritionists and natural skin care experts choose to call cocoa a superfood!
A spotlight on superfoods
The superfood trend took off in the late 20th century, after World War I. Bananas were the first fruit to receive this prestigious title, and the list has only grown since then. Superfoods are natural ingredients that are rich in nutrients and often also low in calories. Superfoods are potent in terms of health benefits, from boosting the immune system to promoting good circulation, which is why superfoods have become the heroes of the health industry.
Cocoa is undoubtedly a superfood that deserves its hype. It is one of the richest sources of magnesium and is incredibly powerful when it comes to delivering antioxidant energy. Cocoa is also rich in calcium, zinc, copper and selenium. These ingredients are known to activate neurotransmitters associated with elevated mood and mental well-being, as well as the “happy hormone” we can’t get enough of – dopamine. So what does this mean for our bodies?
Benefits for your body
As a superfood, cocoa has several important benefits for your body and mind, but also in an organic skincare product. Research says that eating foods containing cocoa has been shown to:
- Slow down aging by protecting your cells from oxidation
- Improve blood circulation
- Support cognitive function and brain health
- Lower blood pressure
- Increase energy levels and mental stamina
- Aids as a natural stress reliever
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes
What does this mean for your skin? This is where cocoa really shines. Organic skincare products containing cocoa can:
- Help reduce inflammation
- Increase blood flow and skin hydration
- Improve the vitality of your skin and promote a healthy glow
- Increase the skin's ability to repair itself
- Protect your skin from free radicals found in air pollution
- Improve your complexion
- Give your skin a moisture boost
PS There's more when it comes to cocoa
Throughout the world, cacao is used in sacred rituals and ceremonies as a traditional form of medicine. These ceremonies are performed by shamans as a form of healing therapy, accompanied by the hypnotic sounds of drumming, ceremonial music and singing. These ceremonies are known to enhance creativity, help people reconnect with their highest self, discover and harness their personal power and open the heart chakra for a journey of unity, love and ecstasy.
Here's an idea...
Why not incorporate the Chocolate Face Mask into your mindfulness or meditation routine? It's the perfect way to spend 20 minutes on self-care.
Photo: Katriina Mäkinen