Truth: Chocolate really does do a body good! Besides the fact that it’s pretty darn tasty, did you know that your favorite treat reaps multiple beauty benefits as well? To start, the cocoa beans in chocolate are a great source of polyphenols, which just happen to have incredible antioxidant properties. Chocolate also contains healthy fats like cocoa and Shea butter which moisturize and provide anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin, while its caffeine content stimulates the body’s circulation, giving skin a healthy, youthful glow. Oh, and let’s not forget the fact that chocolate is a natural mood booster; its scent elevates levels of serotonin, which is a natural antidepressant. It’s no wonder spas around the world offer these indulgent (and super-pricey) treatments to their clients, but since we don’t all have the luxury of taking trips to the day spa on the reg, we found ways to make chocolate beauty treatments in the comfort of your own home (and, did we mention they’re calorie free?).
ORGANIC CHOCOLATE SUGAR SCRUB
Recipe via diyfashion.com
You’ll need:
2-3 tbsp organic sugar
Olive oil
1 tsp honey
2-3 drops chocolate extract
¼ tsp organic cocoa powder
What to do:
In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, chocolate extract, and honey. Drizzle in a small amount of olive oil until the scrub is the consistency you like. Mix well and massage onto damp skin in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
CHOCOLATE OATMEAL FACE MASK
Recipe via gourmandeinthekitchen.com
You’ll need:
1/3 cup cocoa
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons heavy cream
3 tbsp oatmeal powder
What to do:
Using a small bowl and spoon or spatula, mix all ingredients until well combined. Apply immediately on face using a clean brush or fingers. Gently massage into skin. Leave on skin for 15-20 minutes and gently rinse off with lukewarm water.
CHOCOLATE LIP BALM
Recipe via motherearthliving.com
You’ll need:
1 ½ tsp grated cocoa butter
¼ tsp coconut oil
½ tsp grated dark or milk chocolate
1-2 drops essential oil (optional)
What to do:
Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler on the stovetop and gently melt until you have a smooth liquid. Pour into a small jar or lip balm tube and allow to cool completely.
MINT CHOCOLATE WHIPPED BODY BUTTER
Recipe via mommypotamus.com
You’ll need:
½ cup of cocoa butter
½ cup mango or shea butter
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup mild olive oil
1-2 tsp peppermint essential oil
2 tbsp pure cocoa powder
2 tsp naturally derived vitamin e (optional)
What to do:
Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and placing a smaller bowl inside. The inside bowl should hold at least 4 cups of liquid. Using a double boiler or a pot of boiling water with a smaller pot fitted inside, melt cocoa butter and mango butter over a low simmer. Add coconut oil and melt until liquefied. Remove the mixture from heat. Measure 5 tsp. of cocoa powder into a small bowl and gradually add several tbsps. of olive oil. Mix and add to the coca butter and coconut oil mixture along with the remaining olive oil. Place the mixture in chilled bowl (it should be resting above the ice bowl), and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Remove the mixture and whip until it begins to thicken. Store in an airtight jar.
