Chocolate isn't just delicious, it's also very good for your skin.
Theobroma cacao (or “food of the gods” – we couldn’t agree more!) is a plant native to the Amazon, which has been in existence for thousands of years.
There are ever more studies that point to the benefits of chocolate, including one published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics which indicates that topical omega-3s can reduce UV sensitivity (signs of photoaging) in skin cells (1). Research suggests that there’s a possibility that skin care products rich in omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids may actually improve the skin’s appearance (2).
Cacao is the ingredient per excellence in all chocolate products, and a very complex foodstuff nutritionally rich in minerals, antioxidants and vasoactive compounds.
Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician who’s considered the father of medicine, said:
The idea that chocolate can serve quite literally as “medicine” has already been taken up in scientific literature (3).
Cocoa butter, the natural oil derived from cacao beans, contains omega-3 fatty acids which provide the skin with a healthy dose of soothing rejuvenation, as well as antioxidant effects (2). And there’s a great deal of evidence pointing to the health benefits of regularly eating dark chocolate.
It’s nothing more than a myth that chocolate causes acne. However, while it doesn’t cause acne, chocolate is still full of high-calorie, high-fat ingredients. These days, there’s more attention being paid to the link between diet and developing acne.
Acne is a complex skin problem and breakouts can come and go for no real reason. But there’s strong evidence which connects acne with a Western diet, rich in calories, fats, and refined carbohydrates. Fast food – like hamburgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, french fries, and soft drinks – can increase the risk of acne. The high sugar and fat content can boost sebum production, a determining factor in the development of acne.
Food is far from the most likely culprit when it comes to acne. The real causes of acne are the accumulation of dead skin cells inside your pores and the skin’s overproduction of oil (sebum), combined with excess bacteria.
Hormones also play an important role in acne breakouts. That's why acne is so common during puberty and at that time of the month for people who menstruate, meaning your chocolate consumption ends up coinciding with your breakout! Predisposition to acne is also hereditary. So, if your parents had acne, you'll probably have it too.
At Per Purr we have Fresh Soap, a refreshing soap ideal for all skin types, made with plenty of cocoa butter mixed with chopped mint leaves and three essential oils: peppermint, lemongrass and basil.
Studies:
¨1¨ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15979259/
¨2¨ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/
¨3¨. Franco OH. Bonneux L. de Laet C. Peeters A. Steyerberg EW. Mackenbach JP. The Polymeal: a more natural, safer, and probably tastier (than the Polypill) strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease by more than 75% BMJ. 2004;329:1447–1450. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Since coming out of the lockdown we all went through, we’ve updated SAL's Decoration and Lifestyle website (www.sal-shop.com). This new situation led to the restructuring of the business that existed as a physical store from 2015 to 2020, which has now embarked on a new stage: online sales.
With this change, SAL has embraced a freer, broader, and more global world. And this freedom is reflected in the brand’s new concept, inspired largely by nature. It appears in the shapes, textures, and patterns, in the curation of exclusive, handmade products manufactured in a more sustainable way, and in the choice of works of art – that space where freedom is fully expressed!
In our online store, you can find designer ceramics, paintings, photography, and sculpture, including works by Portuguese artists and designers, along with decorative pieces, jewelry, perfumes, and body lotions. Our most recent additions are furniture and lighting items that, in line with SAL’s concept, are produced with an emphasis on sustainability and concern for the environment.
Because salt is powerful and valuable. In ancient times, it was a bargaining chip that was worth even more than gold. Because salt cleanses, purifies and refreshes.
Because we love the salty sea and the maritime lifestyle, and because we know that a
“well-seasoned” life is far more interesting.
Have you heard about the benefits of bath salts? At Per Purr, we’ll give you some very useful ideas to get to know and use a product that will benefit your daily routine.
You've probably already taken a super relaxing bath with your Natural or Herbal Per Purr shower gel. But what if you add a little more? Bath salts have been used since ancient times. With a high content of magnesium, calcium and minerals, they were used to treat several bone, joint and skin problems.
When you add them to your bath water, the steam from the water will release the smells of the salts, causing a stimulating or relaxing effect (depending on the aroma).
At Per Purr, you can find a wide range of original bath salts for your daily routine:
Start off autumn invigorated and choose your favorite salts from our Autumn Essentials.
On one summer day, a friend took an industrial brand deodorant spray out of her bag and used it. As I hadn't used this type of deodorant for years, the smell disgusted me. I couldn't ignore it, it was so unpleasant. She then opened a bottle of hair mask and ran it through the ends of her hair. Another strange, sweet, artificial smell invaded the room.
I asked her to let me read the label on the mask and was surprised by the amount of harmful ingredients in the product. How was it possible that this friend, who takes such good care of her diet, health and body, could use this type of product?
No, it's not nonsense, nor am I being radical. I am a demanding person when it comes to what I use on my skin and in my hair.
I explained that the mask had dyes, silicones and petroleum by-products. She was shocked: "What? That's disgusting! What do I do now? I want to start using natural products.”
A new world opened up for her. I sent her articles explaining the damage that many ingredients in everyday products can cause. I explained to her that the exfoliant she so enthusiastically and proudly showed me contained plastic microbeads that can contaminate the oceans and be ingested by fish. I recommended that she use exfoliants made of sugar or salts, such as the Per Purr exfoliant or even exfoliant recipes using coffee.
I explained to her that it was a gradual change for me, especially because it takes time to find an ideal natural shampoo for your hair, a facial cream that suits your taste and, most importantly, your wallet.
My advice is to start by changing 3 everyday products: soap, deodorant and toothpaste. These products are easy to find in their natural versions, and making those adjustments is already a significant change. After adapting to these products, I recommend trying plant-based oils and/or clays.
I'm a big fan of coconut oil, for example, which can be used as a makeup remover, moisturizer, aftershave, and can even be used in a natural deodorant recipe. Clay can be used as a face mask or exfoliant. At Per Purr, we have developed a clay shampoo that is incredible!
It’s important not to make a radical change, and instead switch to buying natural products gradually. Try out different products and options. One suggestion is to try the mini samples that many brands offer: at Per Purr, you can buy a sample pack with all the Per Purr products so you can try out each one.
When we start using natural cosmetics, I think we understand our bodies better. Much of our skin is just a reflection of what we eat and use. When you swap your shampoos, conditioners and masks for natural ones, you’ll discover what your hair really looks like.
Keep in mind that when cosmetics are replaced by natural alternatives, the effects may not be immediately clear. Each person’s skin/hair/body reacts differently, and there’s no way to predict this when we don’t know the characteristics of that person. So, be patient!
High-quality raw materials and natural active ingredients are more expensive than synthetic ones.
In fact, you end up saving. For me, I tend to see long-lasting results with natural cosmetics, and I see this as an advantage. For example, I wash my hair less often if the shampoo is natural and of superior quality. When I use Per Purr's shower gel, I don't have to use a body moisturizer every day.
I'm sure many of you don't know this, but the composition of natural cosmetics makes them versatile.
Per Purr's natural soaps can be used on both the body and face. Our conditioners can also be used as a hair treatment mask or a leave-in conditioner. Per Purr's orange and ginger facial oil has an anti-wrinkle, anti-acne and toning effect. In other words, over time you’ll discover how to enjoy the versatility of each product.
Once we realize how getting back to the natural world positively affects different aspects of our lives – our health, our wallets and the environment – we can see that it’s not a trend, it’s a matter of urgency. When we see the boost we get from this process of transition, we can’t put a price on that.
