--- title: Chocolate's Benefits for Skin Health description: The skincare benefits of chocolate, its historical significance, and how to incorporate it into spa treatments for hydrated, toned, and radiant skin. image: https://blog.lmoor.com/hubfs/30-700x700.png --- [![LMoor](https://blog.lmoor.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LMoor_June2021/images/lmoor-logo.svg "LMoor")](https://lmoor.com/) - [Shop](https://lmoor.com/en/shop) - Shop by Product Categories - - [Skin Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1359) - [Body Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1360) - [Sun Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1517) - [Hair Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1362) - [Waxing](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1366) - [Lash & Brow](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1374) - [Foot Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1377) - [Manicure/Pedicure](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1386) - [Equipment & Furniture](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1419) - [Massage](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1439) - [Spa Needs & Clinic Essentials](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1446) - [Products on Sale](https://lmoor.com/shop?product_for_sale=1) - Shop by Brands - - [Esse Microbiome Skin Care](https://lmoor.com/en/taxonomy/term/1591) - [Moor Spa Skin & Body Care](https://lmoor.com/brand-product/moor-spa) - [PreEmpt Disinfectants](https://lmoor.com/brand-product/preempt) - [Light Elegance Nail Enhancements](https://lmoor.com/brand-product/light-elegance) - [Equipro](https://lmoor.com/en/brand-product/equipro) - [Refectocil](https://lmoor.com/en/brand-product/refectocil) - [Green Cricket](https://lmoor.com/en/brand-product/green-cricket) - [LYCON Wax System](https://lmoor.com/en/taxonomy/term/1650) - [Learning Centre](https://info.lmoor.com/learning-centre) - [Spathentic Blog](https://blog.lmoor.com/en) - [About us](https://lmoor.com/about-us) - [Contact us](https://lmoor.com/contact-page) - Shop - Shop by Product Categories - [Skin Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1359) - [Body Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1360) - [Sun Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1517) - [Hair Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1362) - [Waxing](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1366) - [Lash & Brow](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1374) - [Foot Care](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1377) - [Manicure/Pedicure](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1386) - [Equipment & Furniture](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1419) - [Massage](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1439) - [Spa Needs & Clinic Essentials](https://lmoor.com/taxonomy/term/1446) - [Products on Sale](https://lmoor.com/shop?product_for_sale=1) - Shop by Brands - [Esse](https://lmoor.com/en/taxonomy/term/1591) - [Moor Spa](https://lmoor.com/brand-product/moor-spa) - [PreEmpt](https://lmoor.com/brand-product/preempt) - [Light Elegance](https://lmoor.com/brand-product/light-elegance) - [Equipro](https://lmoor.com/en/brand-product/equipro) - [Refectocil](https://lmoor.com/en/brand-product/refectocil) - [Green Cricket](https://lmoor.com/en/brand-product/green-cricket) - [LYCON Wax System](https://lmoor.com/en/taxonomy/term/1650) - [Learning Centre](https://info.lmoor.com/learning-centre) - [About us](https://lmoor.com/about-us) - [Contact us](https://lmoor.com/contact-page) - - # Chocolate's Benefits for Skin Health ![](https://blog.lmoor.com/hubfs/30-700x700.png) Published by [Makes Scents Natural Spa Line](https://blog.lmoor.com/en/author/makes-scents-natural-spa-line) on Jan 10, 2025 3:26:03 PM When we hear the word “chocolate,” most of us think of an indulgent treat. However, this superfood is much more than a relished dessert — it’s also a powerhouse ingredient in the world of skincare. Chocolate has been found to help stimulate blood circulation, hydrate, tone, and brighten skin. Let’s look at its backstory and delve into chocolate’s benefits for the skin and overall wellness.  ## ![Chocolate Benefits for Skin Health | Makes Scents Natural Spa Line](https://makesscentsspaline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cacao2-300x249.jpg)History of Cocoa ### Then The Mesopotamians believed the Gods discovered the cacao tree and used its fruit as food, which is why the botanical name (Theobroma cacao) translates to “food of the gods.” Beginning around 1500 BC, people in the Mesoamerica region of North America and Central America used cacao as a ceremonial beverage. They believed cacao connected humankind to the gods, used it ceremonially in important life events, revered it as a healing beverage, and considered it a luxury. Next to maize, it was the most important plant food in Mesoamerica.  The Mayan and Aztec cultures in tropical regions of Central and South America, where cacao is native, believed cacao was connected to creation and symbolic of the start of life. They baptized their children with a mixture of cacao, virgin water, and crushed flowers during an initiation ceremony.  Cacao made its way to Europe around the 1500s after the Spanish conquest and began to spread worldwide.  ### Now Today, we use cocoa in various forms to elevate skincare products with its beneficial properties. Whether at the spa or home, a new-age skincare regimen, incorporating cocoa ingredients can help skin stay hydrated and healthy. ## ![Chocolate Benefits for Skin Health | Makes Scents Natural Spa Line](https://makesscentsspaline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/30-300x300.png)Cacao, Cocoa, and Cocoa Butter: What’s the Difference? Although the terms cocoa, cacao, and chocolate are often used interchangeably, a few significant differences exist in their composition and skin benefits. ### What Is Cacao?  Cacao is the raw, dried, and fully fermented fatty seed of the fruit of the cacao tree. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, it’s often found in powder form.  **Cacao Benefits** Some skincare products contain cacao nibs because they work well as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and promote cell growth.   ### What Is Cocoa? Cocoa refers to roasted seeds (beans) of the cacao tree.  **Cocoa Benefits** Cocoa is rich in polyphenols (micronutrients that occur naturally in plants) and contains [more antioxidants than other “superfoods” like green tea, pomegranate, goji berry, and blueberry](https://bmcchem.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1752-153X-5-5). Cocoa beans also contain several minerals — such as magnesium, copper, potassium, and calcium — that enhance vascular function and help reduce the risk of hypertension.  ### What Is Cocoa Powder?  Cocoa powder is a concentrated form of cocoa. It is the end product that results after cacao beans have been fermented, roasted, and pressed to remove most of the cocoa butter from them.  **Cocoa Powder Benefits** Cocoa powder, or dark chocolate, contains flavonoids, iron, zinc, and magnesium — elements known to help support immune function, cardiovascular health, and metabolism. Its potential benefits for skin include helping to improve skin elasticity, reduce scarring, and remove toxins.  ### What is Cocoa Butter? Cocoa butter (cocoa seed butter) is the oil found in cacao. It is a mixture of monosaturated and saturated fatty acids.  **Cocoa Seed Butter Skin Benefits** With vitamin E and polyphenols, cocoa butter offers some anti-aging benefits. It helps promote healing, combat free radicals, protect against the sun’s UV ray damage, and add moisture to the skin.  ## Scientific Research on Chocolate’s Health Effects While cacao traditions date back to ancient times, modern-day researchers have been studying chocolate’s potential health advantages when consumed orally and topically.  - [Cocoa and Chocolate in Human Health and Disease](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/#:~:text=Cocoa%20can%20protect%20nerves%20from,%2C%20cognitive%20function%2C%20and%20mood.) \[1\] - [Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation Influences Skin Conditions of Photo-Aged Women: A 24-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/146/1/46/4585665) \[2\]   - [Cocoa Bioactive Compounds: Significance and Potential for the Maintenance of Skin Health](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4145303/) \[3\] - [Enhancing Human Cognition with Cocoa Flavonoids](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28560212/) \[4\] These studies and others have shown promising but mixed results, so more research must be done to explore the possibilities and limitations of cacao’s potential to enhance health.  ## Incorporating The Benefits of Chocolate Into Your Spa Treatments ![Chocolate Benefits for Skin Health | Makes Scents Natural Spa Line](https://makesscentsspaline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Chocolate-Decadence-Scrub_IMG_0103_crop-300x300.jpg)The skin is the largest organ of the body, serving as a protective shield against light, heat, injury, and infection. So, it’s well worth investing in the very best quality products to help your clients maintain its health. Now that we’ve discussed how chocolate is good for your skin, consider our cruelty-free Chocolate Decadence spa products to help you offer your clients the benefits of pure cocoa ingredients.  - **Chocolate Decadence **[Dry-Base Body Wrap](https://lmoor.com/en/product/body-care/makes-scents-natural-spa-line/makes-scents-chocolate-decadence-dry-base-body-wrap) — made with organic cacao powder, colloidal oat powder, aloe vera and milk thistle for smooth, nourished skin. - **Chocolate Decadence **[**Body Scrub**](https://lmoor.com/en/product/foot-care/makes-scents-natural-spa-line/makes-scents-chocolate-decadence-body-scrub) — made with natural, organic cacao powder and raw cacao beans — gently exfoliates, softens, and brightens skin.  - **Chocolate Decadence **[**Body Butter**](https://lmoor.com/en/product/body-care/makes-scents-natural-spa-line/makes-scents-chocolate-decadence-body-butter) — made with pure, unrefined virgin cocoa butter — softens skin and restores moisture.  All ingredients in Makes Scents Natural Spa Line products are ethically sourced and free of harsh chemicals. We manufacture our products in our cGMP-certified production facility to ensure unparalleled quality and consistency.  ***Have questions about our chocolate spa products or any of our other offerings? [Contact](https://lmoor.com/en/contact-page) theClient Success team at L'Moor today!*** Research citations: 1. Katz, D. L., Doughty, K., & Ali, A. (2011). Cocoa and chocolate in human health and disease. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 15(10), 2779–2811. [https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2010.3697](https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2010.3697) 2. Hyun-Sun Yoon, Jong Rhan Kim, Gyeong Yul Park, Jong-Eun Kim, Dong Hun Lee, Ki Won Lee, Jin Ho Chung, Cocoa Flavanol Supplementation Influences Skin Conditions of Photo-Aged Women: A 24-Week Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 146, Issue 1, January 2016, Pages 46–50, [https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.217711](https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.217711) 3. Scapagnini, G., Davinelli, S., Di Renzo, L., De Lorenzo, A., Olarte, H. H., Micali, G., Cicero, A. F., & Gonzalez, S. (2014). Cocoa bioactive compounds: significance and potential for the maintenance of skin health. Nutrients, 6(8), 3202–3213. [https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6083202](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu6083202) 4. Socci V, Tempesta D, Desideri G, De Gennaro L, Ferrara M. Enhancing Human Cognition with Cocoa Flavonoids. Front Nutr. 2017 May 16;4:19. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2017.00019. PMID: 28560212; PMCID: PMC5432604. Tags: [Body Treatments](https://blog.lmoor.com/en/tag/body-treatments) [Back to Blog](https://blog.lmoor.com/en) ## Related Articles ## [What is "slugging", and is it good for your skin?](https://blog.lmoor.com/en/what-is-slugging-and-is-it-good-for-your-skin?hsLang=en) Oh, those fads... 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