One of the tastiest treats that humankind has come up with is chocolate. Its appeal is widespread, and it’s popular everywhere, from country to country, culture to culture, and home to home. However, there are several other things you can do with chocolate besides using it for cooking and eating. Chocolate spa day, anyone?
But What Is A Chocolate Spa?
The smell of chocolate can easily take you away to a relaxing place and time. This is what many chocolate spas are aiming for. A chocolate spa is a place where this delicious treat is infused into creams, salts, and other types of products typically used in a spa. Many people do not know they have a chance to experience chocolate rubbed on their skin in a special place for relaxation that satisfies your senses. However, these places exist, and a popular one is at Hotel Hershey.
Chocolate can moisturize your skin. However, these products are not only limited to the skin; there are other products made of chocolate, such as the ones for nails. Think of manicures and pedicures as well as a smooth polish. Plus, it is also used for hydrotherapy and body wraps. Let’s not forget about wonderful-smelling facials too. See other natural moisturizers for your skin.
While these products smell tasty and make your skin feel soft, eating chocolate in this form is a bad idea, unless otherwise stated (like the “Cocoa Facial Experience” mask, which you can taste as well). But unless indicated on the packaging, do not taste these products.
What Kinds of Chocolate Is Used?
There are so many types of chocolates out there that all you would need to do is go to any store and find a variety of choices. There is white chocolate and the old faithful milk chocolate, but what many chocolate spas prefer to use is the dark kind.
Dark chocolate is higher in cocoa and cocoa butter compared to other types (See more Dark Chocolate Benefits). Great dark chocolate has a high cocoa percentage of at least 35 percent. The higher the cocoa percentage, the better the product is for your skin. Plus, cocoa and cocoa butter are great products since they are fantastic moisturizers for the skin. Overall, chocolate can also work as a natural conditioner and softener. Therefore, imagine how your face will feel after treatment with a dark chocolate facial mask.
Are There Any Benefits?
While chocolate is delicious and irresistible, it shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities. Small doses are healthy, but overeating can cause digestive problems. This is not the case when it comes to skincare — you can’t go overboard.
Chocolate is an antioxidant, which is why it’s so healthy. Antioxidants stop your cells from getting damaged. Therefore, this can also mean that it can reduce skin damage as well as help you retain your natural skin elasticity. There are several other great benefits to eating and using dark chocolate in spas:
- It contains caffeine. Chocolate is full of the stuff; it can help with your circulation and give your skin that “glow” after a massage or body scrub.
- It increases serotonin. This is one of the hormones that can help you reduce stress.
- It lowers cholesterol as well as blood pressure.
- It improves blood flow. This can help protect your skin from the sun.
- It can help with weight loss (as long as you do not overdo it).
- It is nutritious. Dark chocolate (particularly 70 percent cocoa) has a lot of potassium, fiber, copper, calcium, and magnesium.
- It improves your mood, which is always a plus.
These are just a few of the many chocolate benefits not only for your stomach but your skin as well.
Other Beauty Products With Chocolate
While booking a chocolate spa day is an awesome and relaxing thing to do, there are also several products that you can get yourself outside of the spa. These products include moisturizers, lotions, massage oils, bath salts, and even body washes. There are also chocolate lip balms and facial masks.
However, the best products to buy are the ones that the spas advise you to use. They certainly know the best ones, although these can be pricey. However, you can always find a cheaper alternative. Alternatively, you can try making your own products as long as you are careful and follow the instructions.
Final Words
Chocolate spas are a lot of fun, and there’s nothing that can help you relax better than this delicious, familiar smell. You can also create a little chocolate products collection yourself, and enjoy the pleasant aroma every day in the comfort of your home.