A recent clinical trial and laboratory study have highlighted the potential benefits of cacao powder in promoting skin hydration, reducing wrinkles, and providing antioxidant protection. The research suggests that cacao, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, may not only benefit cardiovascular health but also contribute to skin rejuvenation.
Previous studies have already shown that high-flavanol cacao products, such as beverages and powders, can significantly enhance skin moisture, elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This latest trial supports those findings, offering further evidence of cacao’s effectiveness in skincare.
The study, which was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, included 75 participants aged between 35 and 60, with an average age of 47.87. All participants had dry skin and wrinkles around their eyes, with a dermatologist-assessed skin grade of 4 or higher. Though 100 participants were initially recruited, a 20% dropout rate due to scheduling conflicts left 36 individuals in the placebo group and 39 in the test group.
For 12 weeks, participants were instructed to take either a 4-gram cacao pill or a placebo daily. Skin moisture levels were evaluated at the start of the study, as well as after 6 and 12 weeks, using a Corneometer CM825 device. Wrinkle reduction was measured through phase-shift rapid in vivo technology. The results were further corroborated by in vitro experiments.
The results revealed that the cacao group showed a significant improvement in skin hydration. After 6 weeks, skin moisture in the cacao group increased by 2.52%, and by 12 weeks, it had risen by 4.48%. In contrast, the placebo group showed smaller increases of 1.62% after 6 weeks and 2.99% after 12 weeks.
Similarly, the cacao group experienced a more pronounced reduction in periorbital wrinkles, with a decrease of 6.66% at 6 weeks and 9.92% at 12 weeks, compared to minor changes in the placebo group. Increased collagen type I expression and the upregulation of SERPIN B6 genes in the test group further contributed to the reduction in wrinkles.
Lab results also indicated enhanced skin hydration through increased hyaluronic acid levels and an uptick in antioxidant enzyme expression, including glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. These findings suggest that cacao powder may play a role in both moisturizing and protecting the skin from oxidative damage.
Importantly, no adverse effects were reported by participants in either group. The researchers suggest that cacao powder could potentially be developed into a comprehensive anti-photoaging product, with oral supplementation offering an accessible method for skin rejuvenation.
“Based on these findings, we propose that cacao powder has the potential to serve as an effective anti-photoaging treatment,” the authors noted. “Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects, as well as the effectiveness of other cacao-based formulations, including topical applications and injectables.”
Future research should explore the impact of cacao on other skin characteristics, such as elasticity, water retention, and thickness, to fully assess its potential as a skincare solution.
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