By Shahnaz Husain
Research has shown that the cocoa content in dark chocolate benefits the skin. It is said to be high in antioxidants, thus helping to delay the formation of aging signs. It also helps to nourish the skin and make it soft and smooth. Chocolate is also said to induce relaxation, which is an advantage in skin treatments.
To derive the benefits of chocolate skin care, chocolate face packs can be made at home, using chocolate or cocoa powder along with some kitchen ingredients. Plain chocolate can be powdered and used in the pack. Chocolate face packs can contain cocoa powder, melted chocolate, cocoa butter, aloe vera, honey and vegetable oils, in order to nourish and moisturize the skin.
Here are a few chocolate face packs which you can mix at home:
· For all skin types, mix together three teaspoons cocoa powder and 2 teaspoons oats with egg white and one teaspoon each honey and curd. Adjust the ingredients, so that it is a thick paste, which does not drip. If it is too thin, add more cocoa powder. To make it thinner, add more curd or milk. For dry skin, add egg yolk, instead of egg white. First cleanse the skin and then apply the mask, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes with plain water.
· For an oily skin, mix 2 teaspoons cocoa powder OR chocolate with one teaspoon Fuller’s Earth or “multani mitti” and 3 teaspoons rose water. Apply on the face and wash it off when it is dry. In fact, fruit pulp can also be added to this pack. Ripe papaya would be ideal. It contains enzymes and helps to loosen dead cells and help their removal. It also helps to remove tan. Mashed banana can also be added to the pack, as it helps to tighten the skin. Add rose water to adjust the paste.
· For dry skin, mix one teaspoon cocoa powder with two teaspoons walnut powder, three teaspoons milk and one teaspoon coconut oil. Apply on the face, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. Leave on for 15 minutes. Then, moisten with milk and rub gently on the skin with small circular movements. Wash off with plenty of water. This pack helps to remove dead skin cells and brighten the skin.
About Shahnaz Husain
Shahnaz Husain, pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honored with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty Icon!
