Dry Skin
Dry skin occurs when there is not enough moisture present in the outermost layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum. Dry skin is commonly caused by dry winter air, wind evaporation, indoor heating or skin thinning due to natural aging. Whatever the cause, one common way to treat dry skin from occurring is by using a cocoa butter lotion or cream.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter, also known as theobroma oil, is the vegetable fat that is extracted from the cacao bean. To obtain cocoa butter, a broma process is used in which cocoa beans are placed in sacks that are held over the ground in a warm room. The natural warmth of the surrounding air causes the cocoa butter fat to drip out of the beans, leaving the cocoa solids behind. The cocoa butter can then be mixed into lotions and other cosmetic products for use on the skin.
Occlusive
Cocoa butter is considered an occlusive emollient. This means that when applied to the skin it leaves a thin layer of oil across the stratum corneum. This layer of oil acts as a protective barrier, slowing the natural escape of moisture from the skin, resulting in less dry skin. The additional moisture also helps soften the skin, which, according to the National Eczema Society, may help prevent the irritation and inflammation of skin disorders like eczema.
Stretch Marks
Cocoa butter is often touted as a cure for stretch marks. Although cocoa butter cannot make stretch marks completely go away, the moisturizing action of the product on the skin does increase the skin's overall elasticity. Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched but is unable to return completely to its previous state. Dry skin may make it more difficult for skin to return to its previous state, contributing to the formation of stretch marks. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is not enough proof to show that cocoa butter works on stretch marks, but that there is no harm in using the product anyway.
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