Chocolate when consumed in moderation can have numerous health benefits. But did you know chocolate can be just as good on the outside of your body as it is on the inside?

Chocolate beauty treatments are all the rage, with spas across the country – most notably the Chocolate Spa at (where else?) Hotel Hershey – featuring a wide array of cocoa-based services. Full of antioxidants and amino acids, chocolate has been known to nourish skin, reduce fine lines, and protect the skin from free radicals.

If a trip to the spa isn’t on your agenda, it’s easy to concoct at-home chocolate beauty rituals.

For a chocolate facial, blend together, ¼ cup of cocoa, ¼ cup of raw honey, 3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream (or sour cream). Massage onto face in a circular motion. Relax for ten minutes and rinse.

To get your skin glowing, try a chocolate walnut body polish. Combine ½ cup raw sugar,  ¼ cup walnut oil, 1 tablespoon finely chopped walnuts, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder. Standing in the shower or tub, massage into damp skin, rinse well and pat dry.

And for extra moisturizing chocolate body butter, you’ll need ¼ cup grated cocoa butter, 1 tablespoon grated dark chocolate, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon grated beeswax. Place all ingredients in a microwave-safe container or on the stovetop in a double boiler. Melt gently, stirring often. Pour the hot liquid into a clean container. For small individual bars, pour into an ice cube tray and let cool completely. Massage into clean skin.

Whether it’s an inner or outer glow you’re seeking, reach for that bar of 60% cocoa. After all, any day and every day should be extraordinary.

 

Special thanks to Mother Earth Living and Examiner.com