Chocolate Facial Mask Recipe

Feel like a goddess and indulge your chocolate addiction using this delicious, aromatic chocolate facial mask.

This recipe is packed with ingredients for their nourishing and beautifying properties - chocolate, honey, yogurt and oatmeal - to increase blood circulation to the face for glowing, smoother, and fresher-feeling skin. 

Chocolate comes from cocoa beans (or cacao beans).  Raw chocolate powder, the highest known source of antioxidants, is high in antioxidant phenolic phytochemicals (polyphenols), including flavonoids, procyanidin, and resveratrol.  Raw chocolate powder contains 367% more antioxidants than its cooked version. The concentration is so high that cocoa actually has greater antioxidant potential than other noteworthy antioxidants like green tea or red wine. However, not all chocolate is high in flavonoids. White chocolate has no flavonoids, while dark chocolate with its higher content of cacao has much more flavonoids than does milk chocolate.

If you opt to use dark chocolate in this recipe, instead of cacao powder, it does have fats such as kokum butter, cocoa butter or shea butter. These are used regularly as skin moisturizers and anti-inflammatory agents, all with skin softening properties.  The benefits of topical chocolate application of cocoa plant extracts containing polyphenol antioxidants and xanthine derivitives will help prevent wrinkles from forming and leave your skin incredibly soft!

Honey's antibacterial and antifungal properties disinfect the skin, supporting the healing process of skin irritations.  Darker honey is better to use, as it has less water and a higher content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Another option is Manuka honey, known for its natural healing properties.

The B6 vitamin-rich yeast in yogurt will stimulate blood flow, while oatmeal helps clear clogged pores.

Chocolate Face Mask
Ingredients
2 - 5 tablespoons raw cacao (cocoa powder - check your local health food store; dark chocolate may be used)
3 tablespoons organic honey (darker honey is better; Manuka honey is an option)
3 - 5 tablespoons natural organic yogurt (heavy cream may be used)
1 or 2 tablespoons powdered oatmeal to bind

Method
Mix all ingredients together to form a smooth thick paste and apply to face. Relax for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Results?  Smooth, glowing gorgeous skin!

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