The surprising benefits of chocolate in beauty & skincare One of our favourite indulgences is due to be celebrated on World Chocolate Day which takes place on July 7. At Secret Spa, we’re closet chocoholics and keen to celebrate in any way we can! However, while we are partial to a few chunks of chocolate (who isn’t?), there are also many surprising benefits of chocolate in beauty and skincare products that are far better for you than a sugar-laden choccy bar. Yes, that’s right – you can indulge in chocolate without actually eating it! If the thought of introducing some chocolatey goodness to your skincare routine sounds appealing, then read on to discover how our favourite chocolate beauty products can boost your complexion and leave it feeling as smooth and creamy as the finest milk chocolate! Chocolate is not just for desserts The story of chocolate is fascinating, and not something we often think about before tucking into a bar. Chocolate is derived from cocoa (cacao) beans, the vast majority of which are grown in West Africa. These beans are then ground to a powder. Not only does this cocoa powder make a delicious drink, it can be used in many beauty and skincare products to nourish the skin. Here are just a few ways that the humble cocoa bean can add value to your daily skincare routine. 5 benefits of chocolate in skincare 1. A powerful antioxidant A study has shown that cocoa is richer in antioxidants than green tea or red wine. That’s really quite amazing given that it’s easy to think of chocolate as being bad for you! Antioxidants limit the production of free radicals caused by UV rays and pollution, which can cause damage to delicate skin cells. Introducing a cocoa-rich face oil to your skincare routine can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing, firm and lift your skin, and protect your complexion from environmental free radicals. We recommend Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil, with all-natural ingredients including blackcurrant seed oil and hydrating cocoa seed butter. 2. Tackles UV damage Applying chocolate-based skincare products to the surface of the skin can help to improve the appearance of a UV damaged complexion. It’s wonderful how nature often provides the solution to our concerns. Cocoa contains theobromine, an alkaline with similar properties to caffeine, which increases the flow of blood under the skin to promote cell regeneration, giving sun-damaged skin a more radiant and youthful appearance. Soothe sun-damaged skin by slathering on this indulgent Cacao and Almond Body Butter from Hotel Chocolat after showering to get a boost of botanical loveliness. One word of warning – this body butter smells so delectable you may be tempted to taste it! Don’t, but do enjoy the divine smell! 3. Achieve a more youthful complexion Cacao beans are rich in minerals that can help skin feel plumper and smoother for a younger-looking complexion. Calcium, sodium, and potassium are all important minerals found in chocolate that promote faster cell renewal and support new cell growth. The secrets of youth could lie in the humble cocoa bean! One of the best chocolate anti-ageing products we’ve discovered is Benton’s Cacao Moist and Mild Serum, which contains 80% cocoa extract, plus rosemary, green tea and chamomile to keep skin hydrated. What’s more, it’s simply wonderful and revitalising to use. It feels and smells gorgeous. 4. Acne-busting properties Another important mineral found in chocolate beauty products is zinc. Zinc helps to control oil production in the skin and regulates some of the hormones that cause acne. This super-mineral can even promote skin healing, reducing the appearance of acne scars. While the lactose in chocolate, when ingested, is often blamed for worsening acne, using chocolate in this way could actually help reduce and manage acne! If you’re keen to try a gentle cleanser that prevents breakouts, we recommend UpCircle’s Chocolate and Charcoal Chai Soap Bar, which contains raw cacao extracts and activated charcoal to draw out impurities, close pores, and brighten skin. 5. Get a boost of vitamin E Many chocolate beauty products contain a high volume of vitamin E, which stimulates collagen production to make mature skin appear firmer and younger-looking. Vitamin E also offers excellent antioxidant properties to help form a barrier against environmental aggressors that could otherwise damage your skin. Try incorporating a chocolate face mask into your skincare routine with this affordable Chocolate Orange Self-Heating Face Mask from Superdrug. It is enriched with Mediterranean clay to cleanse your pores and restore a glowing complexion while you relax and enjoy the warm sensation as the mask works to purify your skin. Affordable needn’t mean lacking in luxury! Make your own chocolate skincare products If you are feeling creative, it is easy to make your own chocolate-based skincare products as many of the ingredients you need are readily available in local shops – all you’ll need is some dark chocolate (opt for a premium bar with 80% cocoa content). Gently melt and mix it with shea butter for a weekly facial treat. Apply your homemade chocolate mask to the face and neck and relax for 20 minutes before rinsing away with warm water for instant hydration. Enjoy a chocolate-scented massage Get ready to indulge in a massage at home with our Secret Spa therapists by lighting a chocolate-scented candle to create a relaxing atmosphere ahead of your treatment. We love this luxury chocolate-scented candle from Hamdah, with the decadent aromas of cocoa and vanilla that will burn for up to 40 hours in an ultimate treat for the senses. It doesn’t have to be reserved for World Chocolate Day either – enjoy it just because! Book a professional massage or facial treatment in the comfort and privacy of your own home with our expert therapists, light a candle and enjoy a home that remains as fragranced as a box of chocolates after your relaxing treatment is over! Your professional beauty therapist won’t want to leave, and you’ll feel as indulged as ever without the guilt of unnecessary calories! Book treatments
