Chocolate isn’t just for eating. Topically, cacao butter absorbs quickly, acts as a sunscreen, increases blood flow to the skin to keep it glowing, and because of the high levels of Omega-6, stimulates healing and cellular rejuvenation. The experts aren’t sure how this happens, but most agree the vital constituent responsible for this may be theobromin, the dark liquid mass we know as chocolate. Theobromin is believed to activate collagen production, and as we all know, collagen is the super glue that keeps our skin plump and youthful-looking. But as we age, the scaffold that once supported it breaks down, as a result, our skin begins to sag, and wrinkles become markedly visible. Another active component is caffeine.

How is caffeine beneficial to skincare?

While theobromin stimulates blood flow, caffeine constricts, drawing fluid from cells to reduce puffiness, especially around the eye area. The combination of cacao butter, ground cacao nibs, and coffee grinds exfoliates dead skin cells, stimulates collagen production, and firms the elasticity of the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and cellulite. The added benefits of honey act as an antibacterial for acne treatment to soothe the skin, and because honey is hydrophilic, it retains moisture to give your skin a dewy glow.

Recipe notes: What you will need: Saucepan, whisk, spatula, and plastic container. Yields 4-cups. Difficulty level: Very easy. Suggested usage: Daily as a facial cleanser/polisher, and weekly for neck and decolletage.

Ingredients:

• 8-oz Semi-sweet dark chocolate
• 8-oz Grape seed oil
• 4-oz coffee, espresso grind (very, very fine)
• 4-oz cacao nibs ground
• 2-oz cacao powder
• 1Tbsp-honey

Preparation:

1. In a saucepan, warm oil, and add chocolate, occasionally whisking till chocolate is melted.
2. In a spice mill, grind cacao nibs to a powder, add to chocolate along with remaining ingredients, stir.
3. Pour into the desired container and refrigerate for a few hours till it forms a solid.
4. Spoon the desired amount into an unbreakable container and keep in the shower.