Cocoa Butter for Scars: How It Works and What to Expect

African cocoa butter is a rich and soothing extract that comes from cocoa beans. It’s popular for its moisturizing properties and its ability to nourish the skin. It has many uses, but one of the most widely known ways of using it to help lessen the appearance of scars.

This is why cocoa butter is the go-to ingredient for anyone who wants an affordable and natural scar treatment.

But how effective is cocoa butter cream for scars? What are the results that you can realistically expect?

This article will explore how cocoa butter works, what are its benefits, and how you can use cocoa butter for scarring.

What Is Cocoa Butter?

Cacao has been grown for over 3,000 years and they are native to South American countries. Cocoa butter comes from the cacao bean, which can be found inside cocoa pods.

Cocoa pods are large, gourd-shaped fruits. Inside the pod, you can find 30-40 cocoa seeds. These seeds are dried, roasted, and pressed. Afterwards, vegetable fat is then extracted from the beans. That fat is what we recognize as cocoa “butter,” and it’s full of fatty acids and antioxidants.

Another good thing about cocoa butter is that it has a low melting point and a very long shelf life of around 2-5 years. That means a tub of cocoa butter for scars can go a long way in caring for your skin.

The Science Behind Cocoa Butter for Scars and Skin Healing

When looking around for natural ways to treat acne scars, burn scars, surgical scars and many others, the top choice is either cocoa butter or shea butter.

Cocoa butter softens, soothes, and moisturizes the skin. Hydration is an important aspect of scar healing. Dry, flaky skin can stand in the way of the healing process. The antioxidants in cocoa butter protects your skin and improves its health.

Lots of cocoa butter products are also rich in Vitamin E. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps the skin regenerate, while lessening the appearance of scars. In addition to Vitamin E, it also has fatty acids, such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid. These fatty acids can help to improve skin elasticity and also minimize the appearance of scars.

However, to this day, researchers are still studying the effects of cocoa butter for the skin. As far as recent studies conclude, cocoa butter may not completely get rid of scars. But consistently using it can help support the skin's natural repair process.

Over time, scars may appear lighter and less noticeable. Also remember that cocoa butter’s effectiveness depends on how old you are, what type of scar you have, and how deep your scar is.

Benefits of Using Cocoa Butter for Scar Reduction

Aside from cocoa butter’s fatty acids, unsaturated fats, and antioxidants, cocoa butter is also rich in natural plant compounds called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals help improve blood flow to the skin. It also slows down skin aging on top of protecting the skin from damage against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Let's look into more of cocoa butter’s benefits for scars.

1. Prevents scars marks

Cocoa butter goes into the middle layer of the skin instead of just the top layer. The butter absorbs into the skin, helps lessen the appearance of scar marks, and helps it hold even more moisture.

It also helps minimize skin pigmentation, resulting in fewer scars. The moisturization that cocoa butter provides gets rid of dryness and leaves the skin evenly toned and nourished.

2. Helps boost skin health

Cocoa butter is a popular product in lots of African skincare products. You can find them in moisturizers and anti-aging lotions. When used together with other skincare ingredients, this helps lessen dry skin while increasing skin suppleness.

The butter also has polyphenols. Polyphenols are a collection of plant-derived compounds that decrease skin inflammation and protect it against the sun.

3. Moisturizes the skin

Pure cocoa butter for scars and your skin is also good for lessening dryness. The fatty acids in the butter help form a protective layer on the skin. It stops moisture loss and prevents dry skin. It also helps relieve dryness caused by eczema and psoriasis.

How to Apply Cocoa Butter for Scar Treatment

To get the best results, apply cocoa butter directly to the scarred area 1-2 times a day.

The best time to use cocoa butter is right after a shower or bath. When the skin is still slightly damp, it locks in moisture a lot better.

Don’t be shy about using a generous amount. Gently massage cocoa butter into the scar for a few minutes to improve blood circulation and absorption. The massage can also help break down fibrous tissue in scars, and it lets the cocoa butter penetrate your skin deeper.

Stay consistent with your application routine. This is the best way to maximize the benefits of cocoa butter and give your skin the hydration it needs to heal more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any side effects of using cocoa butter for scars on face and body?

How the skin responds to certain skincare ingredients can be different from one person to another. Just like other products and skincare ingredients, there can be side effects to using cocoa butter.

It’s rare, but some people may develop allergic reactions to cocoa butter. It is best to stop using the product as soon as you notice itching, redness, or swelling. Cocoa butter is also slightly comedogenic, meaning it may clog pores. If you have acne-prone skin, be cautious about how you use cocoa butter.

Can cocoa butter be used on all types of scars?

Yes! Cocoa butter can help improve the appearance of raised, thickened, firm, flattened, or indented scars. Do remember that cocoa butter may not be as effective for old scars or very deep scars.

Is cocoa butter safe to use during pregnancy?

Yes, cocoa butter is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. The good thing about it is that it can also help prevent stretch marks and moisturize the skin. However, always remember to talk to your doctor before using any new skincare product during pregnancy.

Can I mix cocoa butter with other oils for better results?

Yes, you can mix cocoa butter with other oils. Good oil blends to try include almond oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. Combining other oils with the effects of cocoa butter can deliver additional benefits, like better hydration and antioxidant protection.

Can I use cocoa butter alongside medical scar treatments?

You can use cocoa butter with medical scar treatments like silicone sheets or laser therapy. But like all medical decisions, remember to consult with your doctor to make sure the combination is safe and effective.

Can I use cocoa butter for scar prevention after tattoos?

Yes! You can use cocoa butter to prevent scarring after tattoos. Apply it to the area regularly to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing. Remember to follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions carefully too.

Final Thoughts

Cocoa butter is a natural, soothing way to improve the appearance of scars. Its rich blend of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants are helpful for your skincare routine. While it may not completely erase scars, consistent use of cocoa butter can help your scars fade over time.

Cocoa butter is a great versatile option if you’re looking for a gentler and natural approach to scar-care.

Africa Imports has a great selection of skincare butters, including cocoa butter, to help you in your skincare journey.