Chapter 10:Chocolate and Skin Health: Effects of Dietary Cocoa Polyphenols

As with any other tissue, skin depends on an optimal supply of nutritive compounds. Based on their chemical structures and biological properties, cocoa flavonoids may act as ultraviolet (UV) absorbers or modulate signaling pathways elicited upon UV exposure. Human intervention studies with a cocoa beverage high in flavanols over a 12-week period showed that the intake was associated with a decreased sensitivity of skin against UV-induced erythema. Little is known about the effects of cocoa flavanoids on skin texture, structure and microcirculation. However, a number of objective methods are available to study the cutaneous effects of cocoa polyphenols. First, intervention studies showed that the ingestion of high-flavanol cocoa leads to an increase in the blood flow of cutaneous tissue and to a significant increase in skin density and skin hydration. Skin thickness was elevated and transepidermal water loss was diminished. Evaluation of the skin surface shows a significant decrease of skin roughness and scaling. Optimal supply of the skin with selected micronutrients increases basal defense of the skin against UV irradiation, supports life-long protection and contributes to the maintenance of skin health and appearance.