Chocolate Lovers Rejoice - It May Help Handle Dry Skin

Chocolate has traditionally been thought of as an indulgence rather than nourishment. While it may not be unique in its ability to supply certain nutrients, chocoholics will be glad to hear that recent research has found it to be beneficial - depending on the type of chocolate used, the processing method, and the other ingredients. Although a good shielding lotion is your best topical dry skin treatment on a daily basis, eating chocolate and even the occasional chocolate facial could be a worthwhile addition to your skin care routine.

Chocolate contains many nutrients, the most important of which are polyphenols, especially the potent antioxidants known as flavonoids. These have been associated with lowering high blood pressure, reducing inflammation, protecting us from the harmful effects of cholesterol, preventing blood clots and enhancing the immune system. They are also effective as dry skin treatment, as with any antioxidant. Chocolate is also high in glycerides, which contain lipids and fats that moisturize the skin and make it firm and plump.

Whether or not chocolate is beneficial depends on the type of chocolate you eat, the ingredients used, and the way it is processed. Dark chocolate is the most beneficial because it is the only one with high flavonoid concentration. However, the usual processing kills flavonoids, so you need to find chocolate that has been processed to preserve them. The methods used to add milk to the chocolate also kill the flavonoids - which is another reason why only dark chocolate is recommended. Another factor is the sugar. To avoid the negative affects of sugar, it’s best to get products sweetened with cane juice - don’t go for the sugar substitutes, none of them are good for you. The final factor is the quality and purity of the raw ingredients. Buying organic from a manufacturer that uses clean ingredients is your safest bet. Externally, for the mask, you also want to use dark chocolate because of its many nutrients. Mix 4 tablespoons of dark chocolate powder with enough milk to achieve the consistency of a thick pudding. Apply it to your face and neck, leave it on for about 15 minutes, then wash off with warm water. For a more complete treatment, you could also add clay for deep cleaning, and oatmeal, honey and coconut milk to exfoliate and moisturize.

Regardless of type of weekly or bi-weekly masks you use, or what you put in your body, you still have to contend with environmental toxins and chemicals - that’s where the shielding lotion comes in. Good food on the inside, shielding lotion on the outside, and you can say goodbye to dry skin.

by Gloria MacTaggert
Author, Gloria MacTaggert, is a freelance writer who contributes articles on skin care for Gloves In A Bottle, Inc. For more information, visit www.glovesinabottle.com.

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