Extracted from cocoa beans, natural emollient cocoa butter is known for its antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-wrinkle properties that are believed to help with stretch marks, occurring commonly in obese people and during pregnancy.
Does cocoa butter really work for stretch marks
There are differences in expert opinions concerning whether it actually makes existing stretch marks go away completely, but when it comes to preventing them, positive results have been seen. Some studies have also shown it to successfully fade the marks, at least to some extent.
How does cocoa butter help to get rid of stretch marks
Stretch marks result from the of lack of collagen, a flexible structural protein, making the skin itchy and dry. For this, cocoa butter, the source of vitamin k, is a suitable choice as it moisturizes the affected area. It is also believed to improve the blood circulation in the area when massaged properly. The antioxidant properties are known to fight free radicals, likely to form along with stretch marks.
How to use cocoa butter to remove stretch marks
Using only cocoa butter
Often known as theobroma oil, take some raw and organic cocoa butter and massage it directly on the affected skin in a circular motion. Keep on massaging for around ten minutes until it is completely soaked up and then wash off with water. Repeat the step twice daily in the morning and night preferably after a bath.
However, warm Shea butter can be used instead, if cocoa butter is not available.
Along with lemon juice
Make a mixture of half cup of cocoa butter with two tablespoons of lemon juice and apply gently on stretch marks in a spherical motion. Let it stay for some time before rinsing off with water. Daily usage has shown old stretch marks to appear much lighter.
Along with vitamin E
Melt together cocoa and shea butter in equal amounts. Add some vitamin E oil afterward and store the mixture in the refrigerator. Apply the solid mixture on your stretch marks daily and rinse off after few minutes.
For a homemade anti stretch mark cream, mix olive oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E cream and apply on the surface.
Using the above remedies on stretch mark prone areas such as the lower abdomen, thighs, legs, and breasts, is also good for preventing the problem.
Are there any adverse effects
No adverse effects have been reported of using cocoa butter for stretch marks, so it is considered safe even during pregnancy. In case of any allergic reaction, bio-oil can be an alternative to cocoa butter.
References:
http://www.purebodybutters.com/index.php/news/38-how-to-remove-stretch-marks-with-cocoa-butter
http://homeremedyshop.com/17-home-remedies-to-heal-stretch-marks-fast/
http://thehealthyhoneys.com/10-easy-ways-prevent-stretchmarks-pregnancy/
