Types of cocoa butter
Unrefined cocoa butter
In other words, this is cold-pressed oil that has not undergone further processing, which is how it is obtained from cocoa beans. It is a brown liquid with a pleasant characteristic odor of cocoa. The oil has a very large amount of nutrients. In cosmetology it is recommended to use this type of cocoa butter.
Deodorized cocoa butter
Once extracted from the cocoa beans, the cocoa butter is deodorized to reduce the strong natural chocolate odor. As a result, the product has a more delicate aroma than unrefined cocoa butter. Deodorized cocoa butter has the same specific chocolate smell, but is not so strong and has less effect on the final result.
Deodorized cocoa butter is pale yellow or light brownish in color.
Refined cocoa butter
Refined cocoa butter goes through special purification. It is softer and more delicate, lighter in color than unrefined oil, odorless, and has a longer shelf life.
Cocoa butter
Lump cocoa butter has an even light yellow color, without foreign impurities or odors. This butter is made by pressing cocoa beans with a special heavy press. Next, the oil is heated to 32 degrees Celsius, after which it melts.
Cocoa butter cream
Cocoa butter can be successfully added to various creams, which enhances the nutritional and moisturizing properties of the original product.
What kind of oil is this?
Cocoa butter is a unique product in its own way. It is obtained from the beans of the chocolate tree. First, the fruits undergo fermentation, that is, soaking in tanks, after which the pulp is easily separated from the seeds.
Then the grains are dried and roasted, and after such actions the shell becomes fragile and can be removed very easily. Next, the seeds are crushed, and after that, oil is obtained from them using hot pressing.
Surprisingly, cocoa butter becomes liquid only at temperatures above 30-40 degrees, and at room temperature it solidifies. In the solid state it has a milky color, and after melting it becomes whitish-transparent.
The aroma is very pleasant, but the taste is not so bright, although this oil is often used in cooking. For example, it is on its basis that high-quality chocolate is made. But this product has found wider application in cosmetology and medicine.
Indications for use
Cocoa butter has been successfully used for cellulite.
You can use cocoa bean oil for the skin of the body; it perfectly moisturizes and softens, gives the skin firmness, smoothness, elasticity, and saturates it with nutrients.
Features of treatment for children
The use of oil in the treatment of children requires prior consultation with a doctor. The specialist will select the optimal method and dosage of the drug, taking into account the disease and the individual characteristics of the small patient.
Children usually like to treat themselves with "chocolate" milk (a mixture of milk, melted chocolate and cocoa butter). And if the child does not have allergies, then honey can be added to the drink. A natural medicine relieves pain and sore throat, reduces cough, and helps lower fever. You can enhance the positive therapeutic effect by lubricating the nasal mucosa and rubbing the chest and back of the small patient. After taking the medicine and rubbing the baby, it is better to wrap it up.
Methods of use for stretch marks
Cocoa butter contains fatty acids that fight stretch marks and make them less noticeable. The product can also be used during pregnancy, as during this time weight gain occurs and stretch marks appear. To combat stretch marks, oil can be used:
- In its purest form. The butter must first be melted in a water bath, since it initially has a solid structure. A few drops of oil are rubbed into problem areas with massage movements, this is done 1-2 times a day.
- Wraps. Mix 2 tbsp. l. cocoa butter with 2 tbsp. l. linseed oil, apply the mixture to problem areas for 20 minutes. Cover with film, then a blanket or blanket for 20–30 minutes. Take a warm shower. The session is carried out once a week.
Hair masks
Depending on the additional ingredients used and the method of application, it is possible to extract various beneficial effects for the hair.
With cocoa and coconut oils:
- Combine the components in equal proportions,
- Melt the duet over the steam of boiling liquid,
- Supplement the composition with avocado ester in a 2:1 ratio accordingly (this step can be excluded),
- Distribute the resulting product over the hair (the ends are lubricated with special care, the roots are not affected),
- Cover with polyethylene
- Insulate (it’s convenient to use a hat),
- Leave for 60 minutes,
- Carry out the standard washing procedure twice.
This product will enrich the hair with nutrients and improve the hair structure.
With cocoa and shea butters:
- Combine ingredients
- Melt them down
- Apply the duo to the hair roots and lengths,
- Wrap in plastic
- Wrap up
- Leave for 1/3 hour,
- Remove residue by performing two standard shampooing procedures.
The components normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, reduce the intensity of hair loss, enrich the hair with a pleasant smell, and give a healthy shine.
The ratio of cocoa and shea butters is selected as follows:
- for high fat content – 2:1,
- for dry hair – 1:2.
With cocoa butter and honey:
- Combine the oily component with honey and cocoa powder (proportions - 2, 1, 1 tbsp., respectively),
- Take half a banana, mash it to a pulp, add to the mixture,
- Apply to hair
- Cover with polyethylene
- Keep warm for 1/2 hour,
- Rinse off as usual.
This procedure has a nourishing effect, serves as an effective treatment for “lifeless” hair and can be used as a preventive measure for this condition.
For extreme dryness:
- Combine cocoa butter and olive oil in equal proportions.
- Bring the duet to a warm state over the steam of a boiling liquid,
- Add one egg yolk,
- Pour in aloe juice and vitamin B12 (amount – 1 and 2 amps, respectively),
- Add 5 drops of vitamin A, E (an oil-based product is used),
- Process the root part,
- Distribute the rest along the length,
- Give a light massage
- Keep warm for half an hour,
- Wash off any residue using your usual hair washing routine.
- Use a balm/rinse.
Means:
- activates growth,
- increases strength,
- strengthens the root system,
- restores hair health,
- increases the speed of metabolic processes and regeneration,
- moisturizes,
- suitable for combating weakness after the autumn-winter period.
For hair growth:
- Melt 2 tablespoons cocoa butter,
- Add ylang-ylang, tea tree and rosemary ether (3 drops each) to the liquid base.
- Apply to roots and entire length,
- Keep warm for 60 minutes,
- Remove residues using shampoo.
For the ends of the hair:
- Melt the cocoa butter in a water bath,
- Apply to split ends
- Leave for 2/3 hours
- Proceed with the standard hair washing procedure.
For Tan
Use in this direction is due to the influence of cocoa butter on the production of melanin, as well as the ability to soften and soothe skin “traumatized” by ultraviolet radiation.
Usage consists of the following sequence of actions:
- Melt cocoa butter
- Apply a minimal layer to the skin,
- Get the desired dose of ultraviolet radiation (do not forget about safety),
- Reapply the product.
The described procedure is useful at sea and when getting a tan in a solarium.
A significant drawback is the lack of cocoa butter's ability to protect against aggressive sunlight.
For massage
Use cases in this direction can be different:
- general massage (it tones the body, improves the condition of the skin, accelerates metabolic and regenerative processes),
- chest rub (used to treat coughs),
- massage areas where stretch marks and orange peel appear.
Massage tricks
Cocoa butter helps in the fight against red stretch marks that appear due to sudden weight gain. Mix the product in a 1:1 ratio with bergamot, cinnamon or lavender oil. Before the massage, prepare the skin by taking a warm shower or bath, as nutrients penetrate into open pores much more easily.
1. Classic (regular) massage, in which the composition is rubbed into the skin.
2. Pinch massage works better than classic massage; it is recommended for old stretch marks. The oil is driven into the skin. The massage therapist grabs and twists problem areas of the skin.
3. Cupping massage not only eliminates stretch marks, but also removes cellulite and tightens aging skin. The skin enters the jar, a vacuum is created, which improves fat and water metabolism and blood circulation.
Possible contraindications
Cocoa butter and cocoa powder are plant-based ingredients, so they cause virtually no adverse reactions. However, due to its specific composition, the use of the product is not recommended for the following diseases:
- diabetes mellitus: depending on the type and stage of the disease, the doctor may allow the use of cocoa butter for coughing;
- obesity: due to the high calorie content of cocoa, overweight people should not take the product orally;
- increased stomach acidity, gastritis: possible risk of exacerbation of pain;
- hypertension: caffeine is contraindicated in patients with high blood pressure;
- allergy to cocoa.
Allergies in pregnant women
During pregnancy, women can use cocoa-based products, but under the supervision of a doctor and in small doses, since excess can provoke allergies. Also, caffeine-containing products impair the absorption of calcium, and this macronutrient is very important for the developing fetus. Pregnant women are advised to avoid this product and replace it with, for example, raspberries: the berry is also useful for dry and wet coughs.
To treat children, approval and instructions from a doctor are required, since the child’s body may react inadequately to caffeine in the powder and oil. If a child drinks cocoa for the first time, then there is no need to give him a large dosage right away. The amount should be gradually increased starting from a small amount to avoid potential negative reactions. For children under 2 years of age, taking the product is generally prohibited.
Cocoa is a healthy plant product from which you can make delicious warm drinks. Together with milk and honey, cocoa is used in the form of butter and powder and helps against respiratory diseases. Before use, you must ensure that there are no contraindications. It must be remembered that drug therapy cannot be abandoned - cocoa only complements the main treatment.
Cocoa butter wraps
For this procedure, the product is enriched with any additional elements, since cocoa butter enhances its properties in combination with certain components:
- castor oil, olive oil, geranium oil, bergamot oil, jojoba oil (mix in a 1:1 ratio);
- seaweed, pre-steamed with warm water (add to oil, stir);
- pepper or cinnamon (add to oil, stir).
The skin is first cleaned with a scrub to remove dead particles, the composition is applied to problem areas and covered with a film, then with a blanket or blanket for 40–45 minutes, rinse off the residue with warm water. The procedure is effective in the treatment of stretch marks, as well as aging skin. The session is carried out 1-2 times a week.
