Did you know that simple everyday pantry staples like coffee, tea, and, yes, even chocolate have incredible superfood skincare benefits, not just from consuming them but also from using them topically on our skin and hair?
One of our favourite treats, chocolate, has been beloved for centuries and enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. From rich, dark chocolate bars, healthy hot chocolate to decadent chocolate desserts, it’s hard to resist the allure of this sweet indulgence. But did you know chocolate may also benefit your skin?
Whether eaten or used topically, chocolate may offer a range of advantages that can help you achieve a healthy, radiant complexion. So, if your love of chocolate leaves you with a tinge of guilt, don’t worry. This natural ingredient is well worth indulging in!
The Beauty Benefits Of Eating Chocolate.
Nearly everyone loves chocolate, but is it a guilty pleasure or a bona fide beauty ingredient?
There is a lot of buzz about chocolate being a superfood and even having aphrodisiac properties; the good news is that if you eat the right type- anything over 70% cacao- you can enjoy some natural health and beauty benefits. Finally, the food we love can be healthy for us!
Chocolate is antioxidant-rich.
The Cacao bean is one of the highest antioxidant foods available in its raw form. Its beauty and health benefits come from its high flavanol content and levels of enzymes and minerals like magnesium and iron.
Chocolate’s antioxidant properties offer many beauty benefits, such as protecting skin from free-radical damage and promoting a more radiant complexion.
Chocolate is Sun-Protective.
Most people know the fantastic health benefits of eating dark chocolate, but its beauty benefits are less well known. Many studies show that regular chocolate consumption protects the skin from UV light.
Chocolate is Anti-Aging.
Since skin photoaging is the primary cause of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, consuming chocolate for its anti-ageing properties is a considerable benefit!
Look for minimally processed dark chocolate, or add raw Cacao.
Raw Cacao* contains 126% more iron, 136% more potassium, and 149% more magnesium than the roasted version of Cocoa.
We love chocolate—who doesn’t? Look for organic, good-quality chocolate, and don’t forget to share the love!
Chocolate is Skin- Renewing.
Chocolate also improves nutrient and oxygen delivery to the skin, increasing dermal blood flow and oxygen saturation levels. Therefore, the skin is renewed and refreshed, leading to more supple, healthy, radiant skin.
You can add raw cacao to your diet by drinking it in hot chocolate made with plant milk; we swear by this one* by Elmhurst.
Raw cacao* has powerful plant properties and many more nutrients than chocolate in bar form. Drinking it can give you more beauty benefits and, in the evening, help reduce sweet cravings after dinner!
Get this healthy hot chocolate recipe and reap the rewards for glowing skin!
The Topical Beauty Benefits Of Chocolate In Skin Care!
Of course, keep eating chocolate in moderation, but this ingredient also has excellent topical skincare benefits! You will increasingly see this ingredient featured in skincare products*.
Want to try a chocolate face mask or skincare with chocolate as a primary ingredient?
A study showed that the topical application of cocoa polyphenols increased the glycosaminoglycans in the skin [responsible for collagen, elastin, and bounce].
Chocolate, especially raw cacao, is packed with skin-loving nutrients, making it a great DIY skincare ingredient. Here are some of its key benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants – Chocolate is high in flavonoids, which help protect the skin from environmental damage and premature ageing.
Hydrates the Skin – The natural fats in cocoa butter deeply moisturise, leaving the skin soft and supple.
Boosts Circulation – Caffeine and theobromine in chocolate help improve blood flow, giving your skin a natural glow.
Soothes Inflammation – Chocolate has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce skin redness, irritation, and puffiness.
Gently Exfoliates — Cocoa powder’s fine texture works as a mild exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and revealing a brighter complexion.
3 DIY Chocolate Skincare Recipes!
Chocolate is such a rich, luscious, and delicious ingredient that it is fun for homemade skincare. Try these recipes for radiant results!
Glow-Boosting Chocolate Face Mask!
This chocolate face mask recipe is best for dull, dry skin. Its anti-ageing benefits can help you achieve more youthful, glowing skin!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1 tbsp honey (hydrating & antibacterial)
- 1 tbsp yogurt (exfoliating & soothing)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth paste.
- Apply evenly to clean skin and leave for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and enjoy soft, glowing skin!
If you are new to making homemade face masks, read this post for the best natural ingredients and how to use them!
Chocolate and Coffee Body Scrub Recipe!
Combining chocolate and coffee creates an exfoliating, cellulite-reducing body scrub. It moisturises and infuses your skin with plant properties for younger, firmer, and softer skin!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp cacao powder
- 2 tbsp ground coffee (stimulates circulation)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (moisturising)
- 2 tbsp brown or coconut sugar (extra exfoliation)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl until well-mixed.
- Massage onto damp skin in circular motions, focusing on rough areas.
- Rinse off in the shower for smooth, radiant skin.
Read this post on making coffee body scrubs to learn more about their skincare benefits!
Chocolate Lip Balm Recipe!
Chocolate lip balm is delicious and protective for dry, chapped lips!
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp cocoa butter (deeply moisturising)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (softens lips)
- 1/2 tsp raw cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp honey (heals cracked lips)
Instructions:
- Melt cocoa butter and coconut oil together in a double boiler.
- Stir in cacao powder and honey until smooth.
- Pour into a small container and let it set.
- Apply to lips for a natural, chocolate-scented balm!
For more chocolate lip balm recipes, read this post!
The Best Chocolate Beauty Products!
Not into DIYs? Try these beauty products, all of which use chocolate for their beautifying properties!
We love this face mask, picked by USA Today, as the best gift for chocolate lovers;
Farmhouse Fresh Sundae Best* 3.2 oz – Softens, fights signs of ageing, improves moisture retention
You can also try chocolate face masks* and scrubs* for a great product and gift idea!
Conclusion;
As you can see, many beauty products are infused with chocolate for its incredible skincare benefits. Whether you stick to eating chocolate or want to use it as a skincare ingredient, this delicious natural ingredient offers fantastic benefits for your skin. Good news!
Many edible ingredients can fit into your beauty routine. See these posts on the beauty benefits of coffee and tea, learn how to use them, and add them to your routine for an added glow!
See this post to add Raw Cacao to your hair routines for incredible results!
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