Give me chocolate for Valentine’s Day and I certainly won’t complain (especially if its dark and studded with almonds). But a box of candy isn’t the only way this old-school superfood has the power to make me swoon. By now most of us know that chocolate is “good for you”””packed with antioxidants, minerals and nutrients that boost mood with every blissful bite. But did you know your favorite treat also has prettying powers?
Whether whipped into a cream for a facial, blended with sugar for an exfoliating scrub or sprinkled into a soothing bath, chocolate is a skincare indulgence with softening and nourishing benefits that rival the most notable natural beautifiers. Plus, it’s got the added benefit of flavonoids””potent free radical fighters””that help protect skin from fine lines, wrinkles and other damage brought on by bad habits, environmental influences and aging.
You’ll no doubt run into elaborate chocolate treatments on the menu of any upscale spa, but why dish out excess dollars when you can pamper your skin with the same ingredients, already stocked in your pantry at home? Here are three recipes to splurge on:
Cocoa-Honey Facial Mask
2-1/2 Tbsp. organic cocoa powder
1-1/2 Tbsp. organic coconut oil
1 Tbsp. raw honey
Warm coconut oil for melted, liquid consistency; let cool. Add raw honey and cocoa power and stir to a creamy, paste-like consistency (add additional cocoa powder to thicken if needed). Apply mask to clean skin and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse clean.
Chocolate-Coconut Body Scrub
1 cup organic sucanat (brown) sugar
2 Tbsp. unsweetened organic cocoa powder
1/2 cup organic coconut oil
1/3 cup sweet almond oil
¼ tsp. organic coconut extract
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly, using back of spoon to press and stir. Transfer scrub to lidded jar. Will keep for several weeks unrefrigerated. To use, scoop scrub from jar with clean fingers and rub into skin (not recommended for face!) thoroughly. Rinse clean.
Chocolate Milk Bath
2 cups dry milk powder
½ cup unsweetened organic cocoa powder
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 tsp. cinnamon
In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Transfer to a lidded jar for storage. Sprinkle ½ cup of powder under faucet when running bath. May also be combined with unscented bubble bath for a more sudsy soak.