Chocolate does a body good
- Deborah Sibley
- Feb 11, 2015
- 3 min read
I can’t think of any better news than hearing “chocolate is good for you.” It seems researchers have concluded that cocoa has high levels of two antioxidants – epicatechin and catechin, both found to improve blood flow to skin cells, repair and protect skin and neutralize harmful free radicals.
“Scientific data supports eating chocolate high in flavanoids, an antioxidant compound typically found in dark chocolate, can protect your skin, primarily against sunburn and UV damage,” says cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Oscar Hevia. “One study did show that after three months, ingestion of high flavanol chocolate also improved skin thickness, hydration, and microcirculation, thereby improving the appearance of skin.”
I don’t want to encourage overindulgence, but a daily dose of this sweet confection does have benefits.
Natural Sunscreen. London scientists discovered eating 20g of chocolate - half a small bar - with a high percentage of cocoa solids every day for 12 weeks meant adults were able to withstand double the amount of UVB rays before their skin started to redden, compared with those who ate ordinary chocolate. Yes, it’s those antioxidant flavanols in cocoa that you can thank.
Skin Softener. Dark chocolate with greater than 70 percent cocoa has the greatest benefit for the skin whether consumed or applied topically. When paired with other homeopathic skin soothers like yogurt or honey, cocoa gives skin a soothing, softening treatment. Even Dr. Oz recommends cocoa lotion for hands and cuticles.
Making DIY chocolate skincare is super easy at home. I've included a few recipes that could easily become Saturday morning rituals.
Cocoa Hand Lotion
Ingredients
2 tablespoons 70% dark chocolate cocoa powder
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
Directions
Mix ingredients together and microwave for 10 seconds. Place each hand in the mixture for 15 minutes (reheat if necessary). Remove hand from lotion and rinse.
Rejuvenating Cocoa Mask. Indulge in a luxurious, hydrating chocolate facial mask to lift and tone your skin. Cocoa contains copper, iron, manganese, magnesium and zinc for the promotion of cell growth, the repair of tissue and the absorption of nutrients.
In a bowl, blend until smooth:
1/4 cup organic cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon ground oatmeal
1 tablespoon full-fat plain yogurt
1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E (Optional)
Gently massage onto moist, washed skin. Avoid eyes. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Hydrating Chocolate Mask
The olive oil and egg yolk in this mask are rich in nutrients and hydrate skin well.
Ingredients:
50 grams of chocolate (with 70-90% cocoa content)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 egg yolk
Directions:
Warm up the chocolate until it becomes a liquid. Blend all of the ingredients well. Make sure the chocolate mixture is at a comfortable temperature before you apply the mask to your face and neck. Keep the chocolate face mask on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Chocolate Honey Yogurt Mask
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon yogurt
1 teaspoon honey
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until the mixture looks like melted chocolate. Multiply the recipe to make a larger batch of the mask so you have enough to cover your face and neck areas if you like. Apply the mixture onto clean and dry skin. Keep on the mask for 15-20 minutes before removing with lukewarm water.
Toning Chocolate Mask
This mask hydrates and tones skin very well, and even improve skin’s elasticity.
Ingredients:
50 grams of chocolate (with 70-90% cocoa content)
1 medium banana
1 cup strawberries
1 apple
1 cup water melon
Directions:
Heat up the chocolate until it is melted. Mix apple, banana, strawberries and water melon in a blender. Put 2-3 tablespoons of this fruit mix into a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of your melted chocolate. Apply the mask on your face and neck and wait for 15-20 minutes before rinsing the mask with lukewarm water. If a big part of your tasty fruit smoothie remained in your blender – you can happily drink it, knowing that you are caring for your skin from both the inside and out!
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