I came across this article @ The Merry Chocoholic
CHOCOLATE FACE MASK RECIPE – A guilt free way to nourish your skin – By Biljana
Not only is it diet friendly, this chocolate face mask recipe is an excellent moisturizer that leaves your skin soft and glowing. Known about since the times of the Mayas and the Aztecs, chocolate has a special place in our nutrition. It is filled with tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is a precursor of serotonin, neurotransmitter that is thought to regulate mood.
Recently, a very popular massage offered in beauty salons is the chocolate massage. It is one of the most gentle and relaxing massages available. Not only is it beneficial to the skin, it helps stabilize your mood by initiating serotonin release. It is very rejuvenating and helps you feel more at peace, happy and relaxed.
I have also heard of chocolate body wax, similar to honey based honey wax. What makes it effective is sugar present in it, that makes it sticky and able to adhere to hairs. Due to fatty acids present in cocoa, the skin becomes soft and nourished.
Cocoa powder, which is what chocolate is made of, is a wonderful and powerful antioxidant. It protects and frees the skin from free radicals, that cause significant damage to skin layers.
It is a mistake to think that chocolate causes acne. Although chocolate has been blamed as one of the causes of acne, this has not been scientifically proven as of yet. Actually, dermatologists say that what causes acne in people who consume chocolate is milk that is added to it, not the chocolate itself. As I mentioned, it has free radicals present, and is far from detrimental – so don’t let a little myth stop you from consuming this divine treat 🙂
Back to chocolate face mask recipe…
This cocoa recipe has many variations. It might as well be called cocoa powder facial mask recipe as you really need cocoa, not chocolate to prepare it. But you must agree, for the sake of skin care, chocolate mask sounds so much more appealing.
Chocolate Face Mask Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup cocoa
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of heavy cream (sour cream will work as well)
- 3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredient until the mass in consistent. Apply on the face, gently massaging it so that oatmeal can start exfoliating the dead skin cell layer. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and rinse off with luke warm water.
In case you are wondering, there is a reason oatmeal and honey are added to this mix. Similar to its use in body scrub recipes, oatmeal it is recommended for sensitive skin, but can be used in preparation of facial masks for any skin type, as well as for preparation of facial exfoliants as it is gentle on the skin, yet highly powerful.
Honey on the other hand, is a great anti-bacterial agent, deeply cleanses your skin and opens up clogged pores. Now that you know all these benefits of chocolate, not only can you be guilt free while eating it, you can prepare an excellent chocolate face mask recipe and aid to your skin’s youthful look and nourishment.
About the Author Biljana Drake is an avid collector of homemade skin care recipes. For more great skin care tips, facial masks recipes, homemade remedies, visit her website, http://www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com
Important Note:
Our personal thanks to Biljana for the use of her article on The Merry Chocaholic . Check out her website for lots of great ideas.
As with all bath or body products, do not use this recipe if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns or questions. These recipes are not meant for use by children. If a rash or reaction occurs, discontinue use, rinse well with fresh water and seek medical advice.
yummy for my face