Chocolates are a sinful indulgence everyone craves for. Be it feeling blue or happy, a gift or treat, chocolates are our first choice of food. But much to our awe, chocolates are not just for our taste buds, but they are rather imbued with a host of health benefits.
The active ingredient of chocolate i.e. raw cacao is rich in catechins, polyphenols, flavanols and minerals like magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, manganese, iron, calcium making it a powerful antioxidant. Infused with these active components it not only protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV-rays but also repairs, already damaged skin.
Dark chocolate also helps in uplifting the mood, alleviating stress, nourishing and rejuvenating the skin, reducing blood pressure and risk of heart ailments. Cacao extracts present in dark chocolate also help in treating atopic dermatitis.
Indulge into the goodness of chocolate by trying out these easy home-made chocolate face masks:
Chocolate and Honey Face Mask
Ingredients:
1-2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp of cold milk (optional)
¼ tsp cinnamon powder
Method:
Mix the ingredients in a bowl.
Apply it all over your face.
Keep it on for 20 minutes.
Wash off with lukewarm water.
How It Works:
This face mask is extremely effective for oily and bacne and acne-prone skin. Both honey and cocoa powder have potent antioxidant properties which reduce free radical damage and eliminates bacteria which causes acne. Cinnamon, on the other hand, reduces redness and hydrates the skin making it soft and supple. Use this face mask twice a week to get marked results.
Chocolate and Multani Mitti Face Mask
Ingredients
4-5 small cubes of dark chocolate
2 tbsp of multani mitti (Fuller’s earth)
2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp of jojoba oil or any essential oil of choice
Method:
Melt the chocolate cubes in a microwave oven or just melt it over a bowl of boiling water.
Add the multani mitti, yogurt, lemon juice and jojoba oil to it.
Apply the mixture all over your face.
Keep it on for 15-20 minutes.
Wash off with cool water.
How It Works:
This face mask is suitable for all skin types. The presence of lemon juice and yogurt removes dirt, and unclogs the facial pores, reducing chances of acne or pimples. The addition of multani mitti and molten chocolate helps in absorbing excess oil, removing blackheads and whiteheads and providing a soft, smooth glowing appearance.
Chocolate and Banana Face Mask
Ingredients:
2-3 tbsp of molten chocolate
½ banana (mashed)
1 tbsp of honey
1 tbsp of heavy cream
Benefits:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until it becomes a thick paste.
Smear it all over your face.
Allow it to dry for 15 minutes.
Wash off with lukewarm water.
How It Works:
This mask is extremely beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin. Cocoa powder being a potent antioxidant reduces sun damage where bananas moisturises the skin making it soft and supple. The addition of cream and honey gives you soft, smooth and radiant skin. Try this mask twice a week to get noticeable results.
