How Diet Affects Skin Health: Benefits of Nutraceuticals and DIY Cocoa Scrub Recipe

Many dermatologists agree that while there are no studies proving the link between diet and skin health, what we eat can significantly influence the beauty of our complexion.

A healthy, balanced diet rich in foods containing large amounts of nutrients, such as nutraceuticals, helps the skin regenerate. This results in healthier, brighter, and blemish-free skin.

So far, we have talked about how important it is for our health to add these superfoods to our diet for their nutritional value. But why not also leverage the intrinsic characteristics of these “superfoods” to enhance skin beauty?

Cocoa and Its Properties

Cocoa has one of the highest antioxidant powers. Cocoa powder contains a large amount of flavonoids, a subgroup of polyphenols. The amount of flavonoids depends on the processing the cocoa has undergone.

NaturaleBio cocoa powder is 100% pure and natural and comes from raw beans. Raw cocoa maintains high levels of all nutrients, including flavonoids. Conversely, when cocoa powder is alkalized, i.e., treated with alkaline salts, this process significantly reduces the percentage of flavonoids.

The flavonoids in cocoa are absorbed when we consume high-quality cocoa through our diet. But, in a lateral way, it is also possible to exploit these important characteristics of cocoa powder to make a fragrant and truly effective cocoa body scrub for the skin.

Cocoa and Coconut Oil Body Scrub

To make this simple recipe, you will need a few ingredients. It can be applied to the body, for example, to help with ingrown hairs, and to the face, ideal for imperfections and blackheads. This scrub can remove dry skin, leaving the skin incredibly smooth and velvety.

The mixture of cocoa and sugar inside becomes a natural exfoliant for the skin, while the coconut oil hydrates and softens it. Moreover, the antimicrobial properties of coconut oil will thoroughly cleanse the area and promote healing processes.

Let's find out how to prepare the cocoa body scrub with coconut oil.

Recipe: Cocoa and Coconut Oil Body Scrub 

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons of NaturaleBio cocoa powder

• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

• NaturaleBio coconut oil as needed

• NaturaleBio matcha green tea as needed (optional)

Preparation:

1. Take a bowl and add the brown sugar with the cocoa.

2. Then add the previously melted coconut oil and mix carefully until you get a creamy mixture.

3. At this point, if desired, you can add matcha green tea until a thick cream forms.

4. Apply the cocoa body scrub with coconut oil to the desired areas on damp skin, making circular movements for at least 5 minutes. If applied to the face, it is important to be gentle to avoid irritating the skin.

5. Finally, rinse with plenty of water.

This cocoa body scrub keeps well if properly closed and stored in a cool, dry place. To avoid contamination, it is advisable to scoop out the mixture with a clean, dry spoon or spatula. It can be applied up to twice a week on the body; on the face, it is recommended only once a week because the skin is more sensitive. If you have delicate skin, carefully evaluate the use of this scrub before using it, perhaps testing it on a small area first.

If applied in the shower, be very careful as the coconut oil can make the surface slippery!