We all adore chocolate for its taste but did you know it has invaluable benefits for the skin? Yes, people! From stress reliever to anti-aging, read on to discover the bizarre yet extraordinary chocolate uses for skin and well-being!
Be it young or elderly, all favor chocolate for its taste. They are the perfect mood enhancer that people enjoy from all age groups. Moreover, chocolates are one of the most popular gift choices that never go wrong. Everyone indulges in chocolates and is often worried about how they can be unhealthy and harmful. Although it might be true for some kinds of chocolates and it depends a lot on the quantity of chocolate you consume at a time, the correct chocolates are actually good for your health. Most importantly, a secret benefit of chocolates is that they can do wonders to your skin.
Chocolates are made from cocoa, and depending on their composition, chocolates are divided into three major categories; white, milk, and dark chocolate. The nutritional value and other benefits of all three differ. White chocolate is made from cocoa butter which is the vegetable fat of the cocoa bean and is added with milk and sugar for a creamier texture. Milk chocolate is made with milk and varying proportions of cocoa solids. On the other hand, dark chocolate has little to no milk and contains about 70% cocoa. Among these three, dark chocolate is considered a healthier option with the highest amount of cocoa and low sugar. Binge or use it on your skin; dark chocolate is always a preferred option.
Extraordinary Chocolate Uses For Skin
1. Protects From Sun Damage
Chocolates are made from cocoa beans that are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
2. Nourishes The Skin
Applying chocolate to the face helps nourish the skin and keep it soft and supple. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E, which keeps the skin healthy and provides an even tone while fighting pigmentation and blemishes.
3. Anti-Aging
Rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins, chocolates can help fight early signs of aging. It reduces the early appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by fighting off the free radicals. Further, it boosts collagen production and makes your skin healthier.
4. Rejuvenate The Skin
The nutrients in dark chocolate promote cell regrowth, fight off acne, and heal scars and blemishes. Thus, it gives the skin a youthful appearance and a smoother texture.
5. Provide Relief From Skin Irritation
The anti-inflammatory properties of dark chocolate help minimize skin irritation, making it suitable for use on sensitive skin. In addition, it helps lower the redness around acne and gives skin an even tone.
How To Use Chocolate On The Skin
1. Clay And Chocolate Face Mask
Try this DIY mask to reduce enlarged pores and get rid of dead skin cells. Further, it helps remove the dirt and oil buildup from the face to give your skin a natural glow.
Directions
Melt dark chocolate using the double boiler method. Next, add two tablespoons of Fuller’s earth and mix them well. To cool it down or give it more liquid consistency, add a few drops of rose water. Then apply it to the face and let it dry. Finally, gently wash with water for a natural glow.
2. Egg And Chocolate Mask
This mask helps in tightening the skin and improving its elasticity. Additionally, it reduces the early appearance of wrinkles as well.
Directions
Take a spoon of melted chocolate and mix with one egg and two tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure to mix it well and apply it evenly on the face. Wash with lukewarm water after about 10-15 minutes for best results.
3. Hydrating Chocolate Mask
Loaded with the richness of fruits and chocolate, this skincare regimen helps moisturize the skin and keeps it refreshed, soft and supple.
Directions
Take one banana, a cup of strawberry, and a cup of watermelon and blend them to make a smooth paste. Add 3-4 spoons of melted chocolate to this mixture. Now, apply it to the face and gently wash with water after 10-15 minutes for unblemished and hydrated skin.
4. Tightening Chocolate Mask
Helpful in tightening the pores and removing dead skin cells, this mask helps give your skin a natural glow.
Directions
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate with about two spoons of yogurt and add one tablespoon of gram flour. Mix it well and apply it to the face. Leave for 15 minutes and then gently scrub. Lastly, wash it off with water for naturally glowy skin.
5. Chocolate Lip Balm
This natural lip balm is rich in antioxidants that lighten the shade of your lips, making them smoother and pink. Moreover, it heals dry and chapped lips and corrects any discoloration.
Directions
Take two spoons of cocoa butter and some chocolate in a small bowl. Melt it on a double boiler. Lastly, add a vitamin E capsule and a few drops of olive oil to this mixture. Store it in the refrigerator and use it daily for maximum benefits.
6. Chocolate Pedicure
Applying chocolate to the feet removes dead skin cells, and helps in nourishing as well as moisturizing them. Further, it gets rid of the cracks in the heels, giving a smoother and even tone to the feet.
Directions
After cleaning your feet, apply melted chocolate generously on the feet and let it stay for at least 15 minutes. Now, wash with warm water. In addition, another optional step is to scrub it to remove the excess dead skin cells.
Other Benefits Of Eating Dark Chocolates
1. Improve Hair Quality
Eating dark chocolate or adding a little of it to hair masks can keep your strands and the scalp healthy. Further, it improves the hair quality by making it look healthier, shinier, and silkier.
2. Reduces The Risk Of Heart Disease
Dark chocolate helps in reducing bad cholesterol and improves good cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart diseases. Further, it reduces insulin resistance and decreases the risk of heart problems.
3. Stress Reliever
The primary reason why chocolates are immensely popular is that they help relieve stress and instantly uplift the mood. Moreover, chocolates improve the sleep cycle and help inculcate positivity.
4. Weight Loss
A controversial benefit is that dark chocolate reduces appetite or general craving for sweets and snacks. Additionally, it is rich in fiber, improving the digestive system, which helps with weight loss.
Precautions
These extraordinary chocolate uses for skin apply to dark chocolates only. Dark chocolate has more than 70% of cocoa with minimal sugar content, making it a nutritious and beneficial ingredient. However, please ensure you use good quality dark chocolate for these benefits.
Lastly, experts always recommend a patch test on the skin to prevent extreme reactions, especially if you have overly sensitive skin. Therefore, be careful and start slowly. We look forward to reading your experience and insights in the comments below. Thank you for reading!
