Cacao vs Collagen

By: Jo Woodhurst

1 Min read

In this article:

Cacao + skin support
How do chocolate and collagen compare?
Cacao + collagen: better together

Who doesn’t love to hear that eating chocolate can help support skin health? Raw cacao, found in good quality dark chocolate, is a naturally rich source of skin-loving antioxidants which can help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals on the skin, support the production of collagen, and counteract signs of aging.

Cacao and skin support

Not all chocolate is created equal, however. Raw cacao is very rarely used in mass-produced chocolate bars and inexpensive confectionery, which are usually made with cocoa, high amounts of sugar, and other ingredients not all that helpful for a glowing complexion. Cocoa is a processed form of cacao, and it’s the processing which significantly lowers the nutritional value. Therefore, those seeking skin support should opt for products high in antioxidant-rich raw cacao. The darker and purer the chocolate, the higher the levels of the good stuff.

How do chocolate and collagen compare?

Comparing chocolate with collagen is like comparing apples and pears – two different compounds which produce different effects in the body. Collagen is fundamentally the building blocks of the skin, making up around 70% of its structure.

Yet as we age, collagen production declines, which means the skin’s structure may become compromised. Consuming high-quality hydrolyzed collagen peptides has been shown to support skin elasticity and hydration levels, with studies showing increased dermal collagen after supplementation.

Unlike chocolate, collagen peptides exert their effects by stimulating the body’s own collagen production, as well as providing the amino acids needed to build new collagen. Unknown to some, collagen also has antioxidant properties, adding to the list of positive actions in the body.

Please note that as advocates of the rule of balance, we want to remind you that we aren’t labeling chocolate as “bad” and believe in enjoying everything in moderation. Everyone needs a sweet treat now and then.

Cacao + Collagen: Better together

At Ancient + Brave, we’re all about bringing synergistic ingredients together rather than isolating them into opposing camps. So why not enjoy the benefits of both? Our Cacao + Collagen combines polyphenol-rich raw cacao alongside high-quality collagen peptides, with other impactful botanicals for added skin-loving benefits.