Chocoholic’s……Now here is something that will make your taste buds sing and your skin glow even before you put it on…….Organic Chocolate Skin Care! Yes. And I am not kidding. It is a steadily,  growing movement among the health-oriented fashionistas. And I have to say it’s about time!

Sure, it’s tasty, but chocolate’s appeal goes beyond flavor — boasting some surprising skin benefits. Find out what lies beneath that silky, mouth-watering exterior.

Chocolate comes from the bean of cacao fruit. Cacao beans have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Fresh cacao beans are super-rich in antioxidants — molecules that protect skin from environmental damage — containing 10,000 milligrams of flavanol antioxidants for every 100 grams of cacao. Compared to other foods, they’re among the best sources of antioxidants.

Antioxidants 101:
Here’s how antioxidants fight free radicals and slow down damage.
•    Free radicals: Our world contains harmful pollution, radiation, smoke and other chemicals, which create unstable molecules called free radicals. These unstable molecules “steal” electrons from nearby stable molecules. As a result, the formerly-stable molecules turn into free radicals, and a chain reaction ensues. So, what’s so bad about these free radicals? They can cause wrinkles, elasticity loss, skin damage and even cancer.
•    Antioxidants: Fortunately, antioxidants save the day by donating one of their own electrons. This donation neutralizes the unhealthy chain reaction of free radicals. Even after donating an electron, antioxidants don’t become free radicals themselves. Instead, they remain stable and unaffected.

Skin benefits:
•    Might prevent signs of aging: Because antioxidants in cacao defend against free radicals, they might be able to stave off lines, wrinkles and discoloration.
•    Might offer UV protection: According to a study in The Journal of Nutrition, participants who drank a special chocolate drink every day for 12 weeks experienced “25% less skin redness in response to UV exposure and also improved their skin texture and hydration,” writes Rory Evans in Allure.

Don’t stock your shelves full of candy bars just yet. Preliminary research suggests that milk and dairy products found in candy may actually reduce antioxidant absorption. So, how can you ensure you’re getting those beneficial antioxidants?

Look for chocolate containing at least 50% cacao, and aim for three or four ounces daily, according to Allure.

Also, don’t assume that dark chocolate is less tasty than its lighter counterpart — many people actually prefer dark cacao for its intense and natural woody flavor.
Product picks

Not a big fan of dark chocolate? Want additional antioxidant protection? Then, try out these skincare products.

•    Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque by Eminence. Now, I must caution you — even though the list of ingredients reads like the kind of mousse that would be just as wonderful on a cake, as it would be on a skin, people with nut allergies should beware. It contains almond and macademia nut oils. Other than that, I can’t believe how delicious this little jar appears.

•     Chocolate Cleanser by River Organics. I am in love with River Organics chocolate line it is complete with cleansers, masques  toners and a whole lot more. What makes them a favorite is the prices are awesome….organic skin care at prices that are yummy can be a hard thing to find.

•    Raw Chocolate Face Pack by Raw Gaia. Ingredients: organic chocolate, sun-dried red clay, organic turmeric, organic  amla fruit powder (amla is an ayurvedic herb, known for great toning properties). I think Raw Gaia is a company that got its philosophy right. The best things for our skin are natural organic raw ingredients — just as nature intended. If you browse through their site, you’ll find many more delicious and healthy ideas, with or without chocolate. And maybe even ideas for trying something on your own.

Is you mouth watering after reading this or is your skin is in need of some….Chocolate help? I am now offering a decadent Chocolate Facial at Casablanca Salon and Spa. Make your appointment with me today.