Rescue Skin With Chocolate!

By Diana Cerqueira
April 12, 2011
Corbis
Go loco for cocoa! From hydrating parched skin to smoothing fine lines, this indulgence boasts some amazing beauty benefits.
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A chocolate-lover's dream

Todd Huffman

Go loco for cocoa! From hydrating parched skin to smoothing fine lines, this indulgence boasts some amazing beauty benefits.

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Chocolate warm-up

Cocoa-powder-based pigments in 100% Pure Cocoa Pigmented Bronzer in Cinnamon ($25; 100percentpure.com) help you look sun-kissed in the least-sunny season. Just sweep it along your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin for a warm glow.

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Sweetest kiss

Cocoa powder, jojoba, and palm oil in PeaceKeeper Cause-Metics Chocolate Dream Balm ($8; iamapeacekeeper.com) soothe chapped lips, while the fudgy taste may just curb your midday cravings.

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Skin saver

As rich and creamy as cake frosting, Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Body Butter in Vanilla Lavender ($25; lavanila.com) is packed with cocoa butter, a natural emollient that hydrates skin without leaving behind a greasy residue.

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Cocoa is an anti-ager

Enjoying hot chocolate—or anything rich in cocoa powder—may help your skin stay gorgeous. "Cocoa is rich in flavanol antioxidants that defend skin against free radicals," says Yvonne Nienstadt, the nutrition director at Mexico’s Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort and Spa. And, she adds, "the aroma can trigger the release of serotonin, the brain’s natural antidepressant."

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Lock booster

Sexy Hair Concepts Chocolate SoyMilk Shampoo

($18; amazon.com) has sun-protecting ingredients to prevent your color from fading, and chamomile and nettle extracts to leave locks shiny and smooth.

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Creamy skin fix

Éminence Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque

($52; eminenceorganics.com) taps cocoa’s free radical–fighting antioxidants to firm fine lines and boost skin tone. Plus, the mask smells as delish as that childhood favorite: the pudding cup!

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Raw bar

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The raw cacao butter in Gnosis Chocolate Cinnamon Soap Bar ($6; gnosischocolate.com) hydrates skin; the cinnamon-laced suds help to relax your achy muscles.

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