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EXPLORE THE NUTRICOSMETIC POWER OF CACAO

In vivo human skin studies have also shown the strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, photoprotective and chemopreventative effects of cocoa, after oral consumption
Unhealthy Candy or Powerful Nutricosmetic?
Raw cacao powder is made by grinding the whole fermented (unroasted) cacao beans. Commercial cocoa powder however has gone though an alkalising process called ‘dutching’ which destroys some of the nutrients & antioxidants.
Cacao can be up to 10% its own weight in Flavonoids, including the flavanols: Catechin, Epicatechin, Luteolin and Proanthocyanins. These phytochemicals inhibit inflammation and oxidation
Cacao can be up to 10% its own weight in Flavonoids, including the flavanols: Catechin, Epicatechin, Luteolin and Proanthocyanins. These phytochemicals inhibit inflammation and oxidation
This makes Cacao a potent skin-food
Cacao polyphenols are strong antioxidants and have the potential to inhibit lipid peroxidation and can neutralise ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species)
Cocoa has great potential not only for the treatments of skin diseases, but also for their prevention.
Cacao procyanidins inhibit the expression of MMPs (Matrix Metalloproteases) which breakdown collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid
Topics covered in this class
Food of the gods?
- You'll learn about Theobroma cacao (the chocolate tree) and it's powerful pods
- You'll understand the chemical makeup of the cacao bean
- You'll know how cacao beans are treated.
From Cacao to Cocoa
- You'll learn what 'dutching' is and how it makes all commercial chocolate nutritionally inferior to the raw ingredient
- You learn exactly how much of the powerful skin-rejuvenating flavanols are destroyed during chocolate processing (yes even organic dark chocolate)
Cacao: food ingredients and nutrition
- You'll see the different products that are extracted and eaten from the cacao bean
- You'll learn about the 5 important skin-minerals that are in cacao
- And you'll get an overview of the macronutrient and fibre breakdown in cacao powder
Skin rejuvenating cacao flavanols
You'll explore how the polyphenols in cacao have an impact on skin-health;
- How they protect the skin from sun damage
- How they can even reverse sun sun damage
- How they can protect dermal proteins (ie collagen) from degradation
- And how they reduce 'inflammaging'
Bonus topic: cacao = mood food
- Learn how 4 phytochemicals have an impact on blissful feels and why that is good for skin-health
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Star Khecharais the founder of the Skin Nutrition Institute and a recognised authority in the field of integrative skin health and nutridermatology®
With over two decades of experience spanning skincare formulation, cosmetic science and nutritional research, Star brings a rare ability to connect dermal biology, systemic physiology and nutrition science into a coherent, practitioner-ready framework.
Her work is driven by a deep understanding that skin health cannot be fully addressed through topical intervention alone. This perspective led to the development of one of the first internationally accredited professional programs dedicated to integrative nutridermatology® an approach that considers skin ageing, inflammation and dysfunction as interconnected biological processes.
Star is known for her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, structured learning that empowers professionals to work with confidence, integrity and evidence-based clarity.
With over two decades of experience spanning skincare formulation, cosmetic science and nutritional research, Star brings a rare ability to connect dermal biology, systemic physiology and nutrition science into a coherent, practitioner-ready framework.
Her work is driven by a deep understanding that skin health cannot be fully addressed through topical intervention alone. This perspective led to the development of one of the first internationally accredited professional programs dedicated to integrative nutridermatology® an approach that considers skin ageing, inflammation and dysfunction as interconnected biological processes.
Star is known for her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into clear, structured learning that empowers professionals to work with confidence, integrity and evidence-based clarity.
Patrick Jones - Course author
Frequently asked questions
Do I get instant access?
YES! As soon as pay the $9 you'll have instant access to the class and all of the class materials.
- Video lesson
- Class notes
- Lesson quiz
- Certificate of Attendance
Is it accredited?
As a school we are proud to be accredited by IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine) and the IGCT (International Guild of Complementary Therapists) the which means a 3rd-party organisation has reviewed our course materials and verified them as being of a suitable standard for a practitioner.
As a graduate YOU will be eligible to join IPHM and IGCT and be listed on their register And you’ll have access to deals on your professional indemnity insurance.
Star Khechara is also an active member of the Plant-Based Health Professionals
As a graduate YOU will be eligible to join IPHM and IGCT and be listed on their register And you’ll have access to deals on your professional indemnity insurance.
Star Khechara is also an active member of the Plant-Based Health Professionals
How long will it take to finish the class?
This short class will take you about 30 minutes to complete
Do you offer team discounts?
We can offer substantial discounts on group enrolments (especially when there are more than 10 participants).
Send us an email with all the information: hello@skinnutritioninstitute.com
Send us an email with all the information: hello@skinnutritioninstitute.com
Can I license this class for my team of staff?
We can offer a non-exclusive licensing for this class, please contact us at hello@skinnutritioninstitute.com
What happens after I've paid?
Once you've enrolled you'll be prompted to create your login and password so you can access our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Once inside you can move around the portal and access everything you need:
Once inside you can move around the portal and access everything you need:
- There's a course area where your courses will be
- There's a community area for discussion groups and friendship
- There's a 'best resources' area for all of your saved notes and access to our science library
- There's a 'start' page which has our orientation video to help you navigate around the website and use all of the facilities.
Is this class suitable for me?
This class is aimed at professionals and practitioners in these fields:
- Estheticians
- Dermatologists
- MediSpa staff
- Skin Therapists
- Skincare formulators
- Beauty therapists and facialists
- Health coaches
- Functional food and nutrition practitioners
Will I get a certificate?
Yes,. you will be able to download a personalised Certificate of Attendance when you finish the class and the class quiz.
