What is cacao?
Cacao is the raw, unprocessed form of cocoa beans, which are harvested from the Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it beneficial for both internal consumption and skincare.
What are the benefits of using cacao in skincare?
Cacao offers several potential benefits for the skin, including:
● Antioxidant protection: Cacao is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, which help protect the skin from environmental damage and premature aging caused by free radicals.
● Moisturization: The natural fats present in cacao butter provide deep hydration to the skin, helping to nourish and soften dry or dehydrated skin.
● Skin rejuvenation: Cacao contains compounds that stimulate collagen production, promoting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
● Soothing properties: Cacao butter has soothing properties that can help calm irritated or sensitive skin, making it suitable for those with eczema or dermatitis.
Why is cacao used in sunscreen?
Cacao is not commonly used as a primary ingredient in sunscreen. However, some sunscreens may contain cocoa or cacao extracts due to their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals generated by UV radiation, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
What are Cacao flavonoids?
Cacao contains flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress on the skin. While cacao alone is not sufficient to provide sun protection, incorporating it into sunscreen formulations may enhance the overall antioxidant activity of the product and provide additional skin benefits.
It's essential to note that sunscreen effectiveness relies on specific active ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which physically block or absorb UV radiation. Cacao extracts may complement these active ingredients by providing antioxidant support, but they do not replace them as primary sun protection agents.
Is non-nano zinc safe for coral reefs?
Non-nano zinc oxide is considered reef-safe, as it does not contain nanoparticles that can harm marine ecosystems. It does not contribute to coral bleaching or other ecological damage associated with some chemical UV filters.
What is photostability of non nano zinc?
Non-nano zinc oxide is photostable, meaning it does not degrade or lose its effectiveness when exposed to sunlight, unlike some chemical UV filters that may break down over time.
What are the benefits of Non nano zinc oxide?
Non-nano zinc oxide is a form of zinc oxide that has larger particle sizes compared to nano zinc oxide. Here are some benefits associated with non-nano zinc oxide:
-Broad-spectrum sun protection: Like nano zinc oxide, non-nano zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It works by forming a physical barrier on the skin's surface, reflecting and scattering UV radiation away from the skin.
-Low risk of skin absorption: Non-nano zinc oxide particles are too large to be absorbed into the skin, reducing the risk of systemic absorption and potential health concerns associated with nanoparticles.
-Gentle on sensitive skin: Non-nano zinc oxide is less likely to cause irritation or sensitization compared to chemical sunscreens or nano zinc oxide. It is suitable for sensitive skin types, including babies and individuals with conditions like eczema or rosacea.
-Long-lasting protection: Non-nano zinc oxide provides long-lasting sun protection, as it remains on the skin's surface without breaking down or degrading in sunlight.
-Anti-inflammatory properties: Zinc oxide has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and calm irritated or sunburned skin.
Why non-nano vs nano?
Low risk of skin absorption! Non-nano zinc oxide particles are too large to be absorbed into the skin, reducing the risk of systemic absorption and potential health concerns associated with nanoparticles.
