Chocolate: the deliciously decadent treat that leaves us feeling abundantly happy and satisfied. Just smelling it creates a euphoric experience and instant mood booster. Year by year we read all about the health benefits of eating chocolate. A few pieces (about 100 grams) of 70-85% dark chocolate can contain 11 grams of fiber, 67% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron and 58% RDI of magnesium. It also contains plenty of zinc and potassium. Not to mention the instant YUM factor when it hits your taste buds. But did you know that chocolate, specifically cocoa, is amazing for the outside of your body as well?
Move over fancy skin care products. It turns out, cocoa can also be extremely beneficial when used both in facials and body work. At Cloud Spa, we use locally sourced cocoa from Puerto Rico. This provides a unique, artisan experience with all the included benefits. Puerto Rico, according to The Weekly Journal, is ranked in the top 50 in cocoa cultivation in the world! Chocorrican by TresOjas, the product used in our chocolate treatments, contains locally grown cocoa beans. In addition to that, it also has organic sugar, oatmeal, coconut oil, and honey. Good enough to eat, right? Well, it's actually a 3 in 1 product! A cleanser, scrub and moisturizer all in one. Silkia Colon, owner of TresOjas and an agricultural biologist, explains why chocolate is so good for our skin.
"Thanks to the nutrients found in cocoa, chocolate immediately hydrates the skin," explains Colon. "The iron, calcium and vitamins A, B1, C, D and E maintain the appropriate levels needed to nourish the skin".
Unsure which is the right treatment is right for you? Read below to see the pros of each service. FACIALS Chocolate helps smooth skin. Yes, you read correct! Cocoa helps stimulate blood-flow right under the very top layer of the skin (the finest point), directly providing moisture. Colon says that applying it to the skin can leave it looking rejuvenated and healthy.
Chocolate can also help shield UV rays from the sun, thus protecting your skin even further. If you're worried about wrinkles or dark spots, this yummy treat is also here to help! There are free radicals in cocoa, and can help reduce any pigmentation. The collagen present in chocolate can also help attack any fine lines you may be concerned about. Colon also says it can help with acne as well: "Cocoa helps combat inflammation in the skin, so it is helpful to use it on irritated or inflamed skin".
It's good to point out that a regular chocolate facial can certainly keep your skin looking youthful and glowing. Cocoa rids dead skin cells and rejuvenates new ones, thus creating a plumper and brighter complexion.
BODYWORK Want to get rid of impurities in your system? Then the chocolate wrap is ideal for you. Chocolate naturally contains a good amount of caffeine, so when added to the body it prompts circulation and allows for better blood flow. Cocoa also contains theobromine, an amazing chemical that can help burn off fat and rid the appearance of cellulite. The natural oils chocolate contains is an incredible moisturizer for the body to hydrate the skin and leave it feeling smooth. It can also help erase the presence of stretch marks.
Both chocolate treatments are amazing for the skin and face, providing proven health benefits and quick results. And all that with zero calories added!