NATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY

Skin Benefits of Chocolate

Chocolate and cocoa are used in a number of skincare products including body butters, scrubs, body polishing kits and moisture bars. Dark chocolate is especially rich in antioxidants and can help to keep your skin firm, resilient and smooth as you get older. 

Some of the key benefits of chocolate in skin care products and body treatments include:

Nourishes and softens dry skin

Acts as a deep moisturizer

Antioxidants may help reduce free radical damage

Can smooth out wrinkles

Makes skin appear more supple and smooth

Can calm and heal irritated skin

Promotes healthy detoxification of skin cells

Can promote the skin cell renewal process

Rejuvenates the skin from inside out

Can increase circulation to the skin when combined with caffeine

Eating Chocolate for Good Skin?

Out of all the antioxidant-rich foods that you can incorporate into your diet, dark chocolate still tops the list for its skin and health-boosting benefits. Some research suggests that dark chocolate can help to slow down damage caused by the aging process and free radicals in the environment. Making sure your diet is rich in antioxidants can help to neutralize free radical damage, thereby protecting your skin.

Eating chocolate regularly can also help improve the overall texture and tone of your skin because the skin cells are able to repair themselves easily. According to a study in The Journal of Nutrition, study participants who drank a special chocolate drink every day for 12 weeks experienced a 25 percent reduction in skin redness from UV exposure, and also enjoyed improved skin tone.

Other Information about Chocolate

Chocolate and cocoa are often combined with caffeine and other detoxifying ingredients to help promote circulation and soften the skin. If you like to get mud baths and body treatments at the local spa, keep your eyes peeled for chocolate-based treatments that will leave your skin glowing from inside out.

If you get a chocolate body wrap, the treatment may consist of an oil-based body scrub, application of a chocolate cream moisturizer, a thermal wrap to detoxify the body, and a relaxing massage using chocolate cream. Chocolate body wraps will hydrate the skin and also promote the detoxification process. This can result in reduced water retention and tighter, more toned looking skin.

Chocolate’s antioxidant properties make this ingredient a must-have addition to your Fall and winter skincare routine, so consider using a chocolate body butter, shower gel or body scrub this season to treat your skin to a decadent pampering session. If you’ve never tried chocolate-based body products, book a chocolate treatment at the local spa to enjoy all of the skin benefits.

Chocolate Beauty Tip: Chocolate Facial Mask

You can treat your skin at home with a homemade chocolate facial mask. Spa Index recommends mixing 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 3 tbsp. heavy cream, 2 tsp. cottage cheese, ¼ cup honey and 3 tsp. oatmeal. 

Apply the mixture to the face for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. The creamy mask, according to Spa Index, is an excellent moisturizer that leaves skin " baby soft." This mask is recommended for normal skin (neither too dry nor too oily) without major conditions such as severe acne.

So Ladies, in honor of National chocolate day, paper and treat yourself to all things chocolate!

Enjoy

~Nicole J.