John KIRAGU
- Jan 12
- 5 min read

Have better skin in 2023: Cocoa butter vs. aloe vera?

"Cocoa butter creams are suitable for mature and dry skins as they need a lot of moisture, while aloe vera suits oily skin types."

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Healthy and glowing skin makes you feel good and younger. Different moisturizers may be used depending on the type of skin. Both aloe vera and cocoa butter are crucial for your skin care, but they offer different levels of moisture to your skin; therefore, cocoa butter is essential for intense moisture, while aloe vera is vital for its relieving and soothing effects.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a gel that is extracted from a succulent plant found in hot and dry climates. It contains anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial properties that help in moisturizing and healing the skin while preventing skin aging. It also has various minerals and vitamins, such as zinc and vitamins C and E, which are helpful for skin health.

Benefits of aloe vera

1. It slows down the signs of skin aging

Aloe vera is rich in vitamins C and E, which help to prevent the formation of free radicals that are linked with cell damage.

Aloe vera helps to stimulate elastin and collagen fibers, which promote skin elasticity, keeping it hydrated, supple, and firm.

It facilitates the production of collagen, which helps the body produce new cells and turnover the damaged skin cells, thereby decreasing the appearance of fine lines on the skin.

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2. It helps soothe sunburn

Aloe vera is the most well-known for soothing the skin that is affected by sunburn. The humectant in aloe vera binds your skin with natural moisturizer. It has subsequent healing properties on skin burns, and it contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties that boost your skin's healing process. Aloe vera contains one antioxidant protein known as metallothionein, which has a protective property on the skin that has been damaged by the UV rays. It also helps in combating skin peeling, an effect of post-sunburn.

3. It helps to moisturize your skin

It has moisturizing properties because it is rich in water, which helps to hydrate your skin and maintain the moisture. Aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharide, a sugar that is essential for retaining moisture in your skin. Aloe vera is crucial in increasing the water content on your skin, typically on the stratum corneum, which makes it incredible for dry skin types.

4. Help to prevent hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a dark spot on the skin that can leave marks on your skin. The faded dark spots may be due to acne, sun exposure, or the normal aging process, which can make you feel irritated. Aloe vera contains aloesin, which is a compound that combats hyperpigmentation. It is also crucial for treating post-acne and UV-induced hyperpigmentation.

5. It helps to soothe eczema and psoriasis

Aloe vera is essential for treating a compromised skin barrier due to psoriasis and eczema. A broken barrier on your skin increases the risks of bacterial and fungal infection, and aloe vera is the best at combating bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Treating psoriasis with aloe vera reduces the redness, scaling, and irritation caused by the disorder.

How to use aloe vera

If you have dry skin, take a bowl of mashed cucumber and honey. Mix it with fresh aloe vera and leave the mixture for about 15 minutes. After applying it on the skin and leaving it for some few minutes, wipe it off using a hot towel. The additional ingredients are incredible hydrating agents that will make your skin glow, kill bacteria, and boost the blood flow in your skin. You can also apply aloe vera to the acne breakout area and leave it overnight. Then wipe it off in the morning to reduce irritation and redness.

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Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is a powerhouse of vitamin E, which is vital for not only benefiting your skin but also promoting a healthy brain, reproduction, and supporting your vision. It also has readily available fatty acids, which make it the best primary ingredient in skin cream.

Cocoa butter nourishes your skin, makes it hydrated, and improves its elasticity. It also improves the blood flow to the skin as it contains compounds known as phytochemicals.

Cocoa butter is incredible at protecting the skin against harmful UV rays.

Benefits of cocoa butter

1. It delays skin aging

Using cocoa butter lotions and creams provides anti-aging effects as it contains antioxidants and polyphenols. They both facilitate the softening and reduce the dryness of the skin. Cocoa butter reduces the signs of pigmentation, blemishes, wrinkles, and dark spots. The use of cocoa butter daily enhances the production of collagen, which aids in glowing skin and makes it more youthful.

2. Help to prevent stretch marks

Cocoa butter is incredible at soothing the skin, promoting skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars. Cocoa butter contains nourishing fatty acids that are essential for keeping your skin smooth, replenishing, and protected. Cocoa butter makes your skin glowing and supple.

3. It reduces inflammation

Cocoa butter contains vitamin E, which has a soothing action that can help with inflammation. The availability of antioxidants and the fatty acids in cocoa butter make it suitable for reducing skin inflammation. It is crucial for treating all the inflammations related to acne, psoriasis, and rashes. It gives you a soothing relief and quick healing. This is what makes cocoa butter a better choice for treating any allergic reactions and healing the skin.

4. Cocoa butter is high in antioxidants

Antioxidants are essential for your skin because they help reduce the risks of UV damage. Cocoa butter helps maintain the skin's health and texture. It contains polyphenols that have numerous benefits not only for skin but also for hair health. Cocoa butter contains a compound that promotes blood flow, which aids in the reduction of the aging process. It also protects against free radicals and lowers the chances of skin inflammation.

5. It acts as a potent moisturizer

Cocoa butter is an incredible moisturizer with emollient properties because it contains fatty acids. It helps to hydrate your skin, preventing peeling and drying of the skin. It also contains oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, which are essential for skin nourishment and the prevention of dry skin. Fatty acids bind to the skin's protective coating, sealing in moisture.

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How to use cocoa butter

Melt about 1/2 cup of cocoa butter and mix with the melted almond oil. Allow it to cool until it almost solidifies and becomes opaque. You can then whip it with your hands and rub the cocoa butter on your skin for about 35-60 seconds. Give it about 5-15 minutes to be absorbed by the skin. You can use cocoa butter in a wide range of products for skin care, including hydrating lotions, nourishing creams, salves, and lip balms. You can buy a stick of pure cocoa butter and make your own salves for a better outcome. Pure cocoa butter contains all the essential nutrients vital for your skin's health.

Both cocoa butter and aloe vera offer numerous benefits to your skin, such as repairing the skin, providing treatment, preventing free radicals, and moisturizing the skin. Consider the use of cocoa butter for dry skin and aloe vera for oily skin. You should consult your dermatologist before starting any new skin care regime. Using either of these natural moisturizers will make your skin glow and look younger.