We are keenly aware of any justification for consuming chocolate. Chocolate is a staple in your diet and tastes great, but it also has health benefits, so you should only eat it in moderation.
A side note: when reading about all the amazing things that happen when you indulge in this naturally rich and decadent food, keep in mind that we’re talking about dark chocolate with a higher cacao content (ideally 70% or higher), not processed milk chocolate Hershey bars.
Both eating this magical dessert and applying it topically to your skin can drastically improve your complexion. Here’s all the benefits it imparts to your skin, as well as DIY ways you can integrate chocolate into your skincare routine at home for the ultimate facial.
How does chocolate benefit your skin?
- It hydrates skin
Thanks to antioxidants, your skin is protected from harmful free
radicals, which can cause blemishes. Cocoa itself is an antioxidant, and
it’s also rich in flavonoid. Flavonoids are filled with vitamins A, B1,
C, D and E, which keeps your face looking youthful.
- It stops blemishes and irritation
Did you know that chocolate actually has anti-inflammatory properties
when applied topically? Whether you choose to use chocolate infused lip
balm or skincare products, it will have a gentle effect and sooth any
irritation.
- Chocolate is a natural moisturizer
Due to oleic acid, stearic acid, and palmitic acid, your dry skin
will become lusciously soft. Treat yourself to a lotion with chocolate’s
magical ingredients — there’s a reason why cocoa butter is so
nourishing, after all. You can make a homemade face mask out of dark
chocolate, or invest in other chocolate based hydrating products.
- It increases collagen
Cacao, which is the beginning materials of chocolate, contains
extremely high levels of antioxidants, which in turn reduces wrinkles
and increases production of collagen. It protects skin from UV rays,
which also maintains elasticity. Thanks to cocoa beans being high in
magnesium, they stimulate your body’s ability to produce a hormone
called progesterone, which stops breakouts.
- Detoxifies skin and protects from UV damage
Don’t have time for a facial? Dark chocolate contains caffeine, which
helps exfoliate off dead skin cells, sloughing away to reveal a fresh
layer of baby-soft skin. It also slows the signs of aging and can help
save you from skin cancer and sunburn, making it a useful, beneficial
add-on to any diet. Studies show that chocolate consumption can bring
“significant photoprotection” to eaters.
1. Make a chocolate scrub
Consider making a homemade scrub, such as this recipe, which can help
bring smooth, and soft skin with the help of some almond and coconut
oil, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and essential oil. Even better news?
This scrub is edible.
2. Do a chocolate face mask
This luxurious face mask by Wellness Mama features the star of the
show, otherwise known as cacao powder. It also combines the benefits of
banana, raw honey, and yogurt, which fight free radicals and have
anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Make a powdered foundation
Yup, cocoa powder is a staple ingredient in many homemade
foundations, and will dry you out much less than other store-bought
powders. Here, cocoa powder combines with spices like nutmeg and cloves
to make for an all-natural recipe that doubles as skincare and makeup.
4. Make a lip balm with chocolate chips
Want to smell like a tantalizing cupcake all day? This recipe is
perfect to make on your own or with the family, and requires chocolate
chips, beeswax, Vitamin E, and olive oil. Get softer lips and put the
whole family to work — a fantastic way to keep the kids busy, and add a
new, glossy staple to your lip routine.
5. Take a chocolate bath
Bubble baths are so yesterday… why not douse yourself in a
chocolate-infused bath? This sounds way better than a mud bath! Simply
mix some powdered milk, unsweetened cocoa and cornstarch. Missing the
fizz? Add unscented bubble bath for an at-home spa experience.
6. Whip up a body butter
So we already know that chocolate is moisturizing, but regular ol’
moisturizer can get boring. So why not whip a lighter-than-air chocolate
soufflé, which has double the hydrating power? Apparently, the cocoa in
this recipe offers a subtle bronzing effect, giving skin a sun-kissed
glow.
7. Clean your face with it
Yup, chocolate can even be a cleanser! With rolled oats, cacao
powder, and coconut oil, you can make these “Beauty Bliss Balls” which
create little balls of doughy “skin food”. Just place a Bliss Ball in
some water until it breaks down into a creamy cleanser!
8. Create a chocolate conditioner
Technically, your scalp is still skin, and chocolate can help your
hair grow shiny, long, and healthy. This conditioner only calls for two
ingredients: coconut cream, and cocoa powder.
