Cocoa - Studies and benefits for the skin
Cocoa beans come from the pods, the fruit of the cocoa tree, whose Latin name is Theobroma cacao. Cocoa has countless benefits, including some that benefit the skin.
The data presented in this study clearly showed that cocoa components have functions: 1
- Antioxidants
- Anti-inflammatories
- Important photoprotective effects on the skin.
A study evaluated the influence of cocoa polyphenols on several indicators of skin elasticity and tone, namely glycosaminoglycans and collagen I, III and IV. This was carried out using a model of ex vivo human skin explants maintained in survival, on which cocoa polyphenol extract was applied. After processing by standard histological techniques, the influence of cocoa polyphenols on the evaluated parameters was quantified by image analysis. The results obtained show that cocoa polyphenols exhibit a positive action on the evaluated parameters, and the dose at which they most improve the parameters associated with skin tone and elasticity was determined. 2
Another study demonstrated that long-term ingestion of flavanol-rich cocoa provides photoprotection against UV-induced erythema and improves skin condition in women. Two groups of women consumed either high-flavanol (326 mg/d) or low-flavanol (27 mg/d) cocoa powder dissolved in 100 ml of water for 12 weeks. Epicatechin (61 mg/d) and catechin (20 mg/d) were the major flavanol monomers in the high-flavanol beverage, while the low-flavanol beverage contained 6.6 mg of epicatechin and 1.6 mg of catechin as the daily dose. Photoprotection and skin condition indicators were measured before and during the intervention. After exposing selected skin areas to 1.25 x the minimum erythema dose of radiation from a solar simulator, UV-induced erythema decreased significantly in the high-flavanol group by 15 and 25%, after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, respectively, while no changes occurred in the low-flavanol group. Ingestion of flavanol-rich cocoa resulted in increased blood flow to cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues, as well as increased skin density and hydration. Skin surface area assessment showed a significant decrease in skin roughness and scaling in the high-flavanol cocoa group compared to those with lower flavanol powder. 3
The study mentions that dietary flavanols in cocoa contribute to endogenous photoprotection, improve cutaneous blood circulation and affect skin surface and hydration variables from a cosmetic point of view.
In this other study 4 , cocoa pods were extracted and used as anti-wrinkle active ingredients in a gel. Cocoa pods potentially contain antioxidant compounds; these compounds are linked to skin protection against wrinkles and can be used as functional cosmetic ingredients. This gel was tested on 12 people to determine its effectiveness in reducing skin wrinkles and improving skin condition.
They found that cocoa pod extracts contain malic acid, procyanidin B1, rosmarinic acid, procyanidin C1, apigenin, and ellagic acid, all of which may contribute to its properties. The results showed that cocoa pod extract is a potential ingredient for reducing wrinkles. Skin wrinkles were reduced by 6.38 ± 1.23% with the application of the gel within 3 weeks and further improved significantly (12.39 ± 1.59%) after 5 weeks. Skin hydration increased (3.181 ± 1.06%) after 3 weeks of gel application.
They concluded that the extract, which is non-toxic to skin cells, helps reduce skin wrinkles and can be used as an active ingredient in anti-wrinkle products, and prolonged application can lead to significant visual changes to the naked eye.
References:
1. Giovanni Scapagnini, Sergio Davinelli, Laura Di Renzo, Antonino De Lorenzo, Hector Hugo Olarte, Giuseppe Micali, Arrigo F. Cicero, and Salvador Gonzalez. Cocoa Bioactive Compounds: Significance and Potential for the Maintenance of Skin Health, Nutrients. 2014 Aug; 6(8): 3202–3213. Published online 2014 Aug 11. doi: 10.3390/nu6083202 PMCID: PMC4145303 PMID: 25116848.
2. Gasser P, Lati E, Peno-Mazzarino L, Bouzoud D, Allegaert L, Bernaert H. Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuring. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2008 Oct;30(5):339-45. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2494.2008.00457.x. PMID: 18822039.
3. Heinrich U, Neukam K, Tronnier H, Sies H, Stahl W. Long-term ingestion of high flavanol cocoa provides photoprotection against UV-induced erythema and improves skin condition in women. J Nutr. 2006 Jun;136(6):1565-9. doi:10.1093/jn/136.6.1565. PMID: 16702322.
4. Abdul Karim A, Azlan A, Ismail A, Hashim P, Abd Gani SS, Zainudin BH, Abdullah NA. Efficacy of cocoa pod extract as antiwrinkle gel on human skin surface. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 Sep;15(3):283-95. doi:10.1111/jocd.12218. Epub 2016 Apr 4. PMID: 27041391.
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized medical advice. No treatment should be undertaken based solely on the content of this article, and the reader is strongly advised to consult a healthcare professional for any questions regarding their health and well-being. None of the information or products mentioned on this site are intended to diagnose or treat any disease.
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