Does Cocoa Powder Darken Skin? – And How To Do It
Cocoa powder is a popular ingredient to use in homemade self-tanning mixtures. It is readily available and offers numerous health and beauty benefits for the skin as well.
However, cocoa powder is often incorporated into various beauty products, including face powders, face masks, exfoliators, and self-tanners.
Does cocoa powder actually darken the skin?
Whether or not cocoa powder darkens the skin depends on how it is used and what ingredients it is mixed with. Fine cocoa powder mixed with unscented lotion can help to change the appearance of the skin, giving it a darker appearance; however, this is not a permanent color and will be washed away when you shower or bathe.
Cocoa powder offers numerous benefits for the skin, and when used as a temporary self-tanner, it can provide a gorgeous tan for a short period.
When used as a treatment for skin, it has some fantastic effects.
The Best Natural Bronzer With Cocoa Extract
Before we dive into the DIY version of tanning with cocoa powder, I want to share my absolute favorite bronzer of all time.
The Drunk Elephant Anti-Pollution Sunshine Serum contains cocoa extract, platinum peptides, and white tea extract, which work together to give your skin a beautifully bronzed glow.
It looks a little pricey at first, but when you realize that you only need one drop for your face, you realize that this amazing bronzer will last you a ridiculously long time.
How To Make Bronzer With Cocoa Powder
When using cocoa powder to darken skin, you will be using it as a self-tanner.
Making a cocoa powder self-tanner at home is quite easy and more affordable compared to store-bought self-tanners.
DIY Cocoa Powder Bronzer Ingredients and Instructions
To darken your skin using cocoa powder, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 small scoop of cocoa powder
- 1 small scoop of coconut oil
- A body brush
- A mixing bowl and a spatula
Here is how to mix all the ingredients:
- Add the coconut oil to a mixing bowl
- Add an equal amount of cocoa powder to the coconut oil
- Using the spatula, mix the two ingredients
- Mix until everything is blended, forming a smooth texture
- Dip the body brush into the mixture, but do not overdo it; a little of the mix goes a long way
5 Steps to Using Cocoa Powder to Tan Skin
Now that your mixture is ready, you will need to apply it to your skin to help darken your tone, giving you a summer tan without the sun’s harmful effects.
1. Pat it on
Begin with your legs, working your way up. Being gentle, tap the brush with the mixture onto your skin.
Once you have applied the brush to your legs, use your hands to massage the product more thoroughly over your skin.
However, note that this process will take some time, as the coconut oil needs to be absorbed into your skin.
2. Move Up
Continue to dab the mixture on your skin as you work your way up to your body, and gently massage it into your skin, avoiding contact with your clothes, as the oil may stain the material.
3. Blend it all
Once you have applied the cocoa powder mixture to your skin, blend it in one more time with your hands to achieve even coverage, incorporating all areas that require extra attention.
4. Let it dry
You need to ensure that the coconut oil mixture has completely absorbed into your skin, not only to allow it to take on a deep hue, giving you that tanned appearance, but also to prevent it from staining your clothes and linen.
5. Maintenance
You will not need to apply any other lotions or oils to your skin, as the coconut oil in the cocoa powder tanner will give your skin some great nourishment, keeping it hydrated and glowing, allowing you to properly showcase your new tan.
Maintenance is a bit tricky, as the cocoa powder formula will likely wash off as soon as you step into the shower, so it is only a temporary solution.
You may find that not all of the cocoa powder stain comes off your skin, and you may need to exfoliate to remove it completely.
While this does speak to the formula lasting longer, it is not waterproof at all, so some might wash away, while others might stay, resulting in darker patches on your skin.
You will need to repeat the above method whenever you want an instant, temporary tan. If you are looking for a long-term solution, consider purchasing self-tanners from a store.
For a real review of using cocoa powder to darken skin, check out this video by Ellko.
She doesn’t recommend cocoa powder as a self-tanning alternative, which I completely agree with, given how easily it washes off when you apply water (or even sweat).
Watching this will save you the time it would take to test it out yourself. However, keep in mind that she uses lotion, not coconut oil, which is more likely to wash off with the water that she applies during the video.
Some Tips For Darkening Skin With Cocoa Powder
Making a self-tanner with cocoa powder is relatively easy, and applying it is just as simple. However, a few simple tips can make using it a bit easier.
- You can store any leftover coconut oil and cocoa powder mixture in a plastic container or a mason jar, keeping it in the pantry for when you need to reapply the tanning mixture. This prevents any waste, and you can make a large batch to use for multiple applications.
- Coconut oil is a great option, as it offers numerous benefits. However, you can also choose to use another unscented lotion that suits your skin best, providing your skin with much-needed moisture.
- Make sure to exfoliate before applying the cocoa powder, as this will remove a build-up of skin cells and any other impurities, creating a fresh canvas for the cocoa powder to develop a rich, dark color.
- It is essential to note that the cocoa powder formula will appear relatively dark when mixed, but it will not be as dark when applied to the skin. However, if you are worried it is too dark, you can add more lotion until it is more suited to your preference.
- The color it appears when you apply it to your skin is the color it will remain. It will not develop a darker color over time, so consider doing a test patch. If it is too dark, adjust the formula slightly to lighten it.
Benefits Of Cocoa Powder For The Skin
Cocoa powder, whether used as a self-tanner or as a skin treatment, offers some undeniable benefits.
The biggest advantage is that cocoa powder contains antioxidants, which help protect the skin against signs of aging, making it appear more youthful.
Raw cocoa powder is the best to use, as it has not been over-refined, which could destroy some of its beauty benefits. Raw cocoa powder is also used to maintain skin health thanks to its flavanols.
These flavanols help mitigate the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin, while also enhancing hydration and elasticity.
Using cocoa powder will help to clear, soften, and detoxify your skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Some people believe that cocoa powder actually lightens the skin, which is in contrast to using it as a self-tanner.
Cocoa powder, especially in its raw form, can help clear the skin, making it appear lighter.
It can reduce dark spots and scars, which can result in a lighter, more youthful-looking appearance.
So What Does Cocoa Powder Do?
Used as a self-tanning lotion, cocoa powder can help temporarily darken the skin, giving you a tan without the damage caused by the sun.
Used as a face mask or as a face treatment, cocoa powder can help to clear the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and give a brighter complexion.
Whatever you use the cocoa powder for, and in whatever form you use it, it will offer some great benefits for your skin and have a delightful chocolatey smell as well.
Related Questions
Can I apply cocoa powder to my face?
It is completely safe to apply cocoa powder to your face, even if you have sensitive skin. To make a beauty mask, you can mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder, sugar, honey, and butter to create a paste.
Gently massage it onto your skin and leave it to rest for 20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water and repeat this once or twice a week for glowing, clear skin.
While you’re at it, you can also check out these excellent sugar scrubs for your face when you’re ready to wash it off and want to exfoliate.
Is cocoa powder good to use on hair?
Cocoa powder is versatile for various purposes, and in addition to its skin benefits, it can also be beneficial for promoting hair health.
Cocoa is rich in magnesium, which helps combat hair loss. It helps to add shine, vibrancy, volume, and hair growth, with some additional nutrients to boot.
Cocoa powder is a natural and safe option for use on your hair, leaving it fuller, shinier, with more body and vibrancy.
Conclusion
Cocoa powder is a natural product that is perfect for treating your skin.
Used as a face mask or scrub, cocoa powder can actually lighten the skin, giving it a clearer complexion, with a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Used as a self-tanner, cocoa powder can temporarily darken the skin, giving it the appearance of a gorgeous tan without the need for sun exposure.
However, this darkening of the skin will not build over time and will be washed off in the shower.
If you are looking for a temporary solution to darker skin, cocoa powder is a safe and natural option.
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