Have you ever wondered whether or not cocoa butter is good for sunburn? If you have, you’re not alone. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to heal and soothe a variety of skin conditions.
So is cocoa butter good for sunburn? The answer is yes. Cocoa butter is a natural emollient that can help to soothe burns and sunburns on the skin.
This article will explain the benefits of cocoa butter for sunburn and how you can use it on your skin to heal a sunburn. First, let’s talk about what cocoa butter is.
What is cocoa butter?
Cocoa butter is a natural plant-based fat derived from the cocoa bean.
It is used in various products, including moisturizers, cosmetics, and soap.
Cocoa butter has several benefits for the skin. It is an excellent moisturizer, and can help to heal dry, cracked skin. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, and you can use it to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
In addition to its many benefits for the skin, cocoa butter is also delicious. It can be used in baking or added to melted chocolate for a richer flavor.
Is cocoa butter good for sunburn?
Absolutely.
When it comes to natural remedies for sunburn, cocoa butter is one of the most popular and effective options. Here are some of the reasons why:
It soothes and moisturizes
Cocoa butter is a natural emollient, meaning it helps to soothe and moisturize the skin. This is great for sunburned skin, which can often feel dry, tight, and uncomfortable.
It protects the skin
Cocoa butter contains antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from further damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can cause cell damage).
It reduces swelling and redness
Cocoa butter has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and redness associated with sunburn.
It promotes healing
Cocoa butter is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, which is known for its ability to promote healing.
It smells great
Last but not least, cocoa butter simply smells delicious. This can be a welcome relief when you’re feeling hot and irritated because of your sunburned skin.
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How to use cocoa butter for sunburn
- Cleanse the affected area with warm water and a mild cleanser to remove any dirt.
- Apply a generous amount of cocoa butter to the affected area and massage it into your skin for about 2 minutes.
- Leave it on for at least 30 minutes or overnight before rinsing with lukewarm water.
- Follow with a moisturizer.
You can also mix cocoa butter with other natural products, such as shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil.
Is cocoa butter good as sunscreen?
The short answer is no.
While cocoa butter may have several benefits for the skin, there’s no scientific research that shows that it’s effective at protecting the skin from the sun’s UV rays.
So, if you are looking for an effective sunscreen, you should avoid using cocoa butter and opt for sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher instead.
SEE: How Does SPF Work On Skin?
What’s the fastest way to heal a sunburn?
There are a few things you can do to help heal sunburn quickly:
- Take a cool bath or shower. A shower will help soothe the burn and take some of the heat out of the skin.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area. You can use a towel soaked in cold water or even an ice pack wrapped in a cloth.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and juice, to hydrate your skin. Sunburn can cause your body to lose fluids more quickly than usual.
- Apply a topical cream or ointment designed for sunburn relief. You can find these over the counter at most pharmacies and skincare stores.
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What should you not put on sunburn?
There are a few things you should avoid putting on sunburn, as they can further irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. These include:
Toothpaste
Many people believe that toothpaste can help soothe sunburn, but it can make the pain worse. Toothpaste contains menthol, which can cause a burning sensation when applied to already-sunburned skin.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another common home remedy for sunburn, but like toothpaste, it can make the pain worse. The acidity in vinegar can irritate the skin, making the sunburn feel even more uncomfortable.
Creams and lotions with mint
Mint has a cooling effect on the skin, but it can also be irritating. If your sunburn is particularly painful, mint-based products may make the discomfort worse.
Harsh soaps
Harsh soaps can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it feeling dry and irritated. This is the last thing you want when you already have a painful sunburn.
SEE: These Are The Best Soaps for All Black Skin Types and Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a sunburn take to fade?
Most sunburns will start to fade within 7–10 days.
The redness will begin to dissipate, and the skin will start to return to its normal color. The skin may also start to peel during this time. Peeling is a sign that the body is healing the damage from the sunburn.
Is shea butter good for sunburns?
Yes, it is.
Shea butter has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it an ideal remedy for sunburn. It also contains antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by the sun.
Can you put ice on sunburn?
Yes, you can.
Ice can help reduce inflammation and swelling, so it may help to relieve some of the discomfort associated with sunburn. It can also help to numb the skin, which can make the burn feel less painful.
However, you should not use ice for more than a few minutes at a time, as it can damage the skin. If you decide to try using ice for your sunburn, be sure to wrap the ice in a thin towel or cloth so that it doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin.
Conclusion
Cocoa butter can be an effective treatment for sunburn.
It can help soothe and moisturize the skin, promote healing, and prevent further skin damage. It can also help reduce the redness and swelling that sometimes comes with sunburns.
To use cocoa butter on sunburn, simply massage it into the affected area and let it sit for a while. You can also add some olive oil, shea butter, or coconut oil to help soothe the skin.
Thanks for reading.
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