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Cocoatherapy

It's true! You can indulge your craving for chocolate without gaining an ounce! 

Jacline LaFlèche

The cocoa tree grew wild for centuries, finally being cultivated by man about 2000 BCE in the immensity of the Mayan empire. It went on to witness a succession of great civilizations that attributed it with a royal or divine origin - its Latin name actually means "food of the gods." 

Among the Pilpils, cocoa was associated with the main events of daily life. The bodies of young boys were coated with a mixture of rainwater, flower petals and cocoa powder. 

Cocoa butter was once used to treat burns and chapping and was applied to protect the skin from the sun's rays.

A stimulant and source of energy, chocolate drives away fatigue and stress. Casanova used it to restore his energy between assignations.

But is chocolate really good for my skin, you may ask? 
Chocolate contains nutritional elements that nourish the skin, softening it and providing a stimulating, revitalizing and tonic effect for the whole body. Theobromine, similar to caffeine, as well as thylamine and serotonin act directly on the nervous system. The B, B2 and PP vitamins and potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron found in cocoa stimulate muscles and reflexes and boost circulation.

Wraps
Cocoa wraps were designed to detoxify, stimulate and hydrate the skin, with a focus on beauty objectives: evening out the complexion and regenerating skin. They are generally considered to be a skin tightener. The body is coated in a rich nutritious cocoa mixture, then wrapped in a heating blanket. The treatment lasts about 20 minutes. The process is simple: it fills the pores so that the skin can absorb all the nutritional elements it requires. It will draw vitamins, theobromin, minerals, trace elements and omega 3, 6 and 9 which will penetrate the skin's inner layers. The effects are immediate: the skin is deeply hydrated and the body energized for several days. 

Good enough to eat!
Bear in mind that the cocoa used is edible, although at 97% it might not taste very good. Thinking of sprinkling cocoa powder into your bath water? Unfortunately, without its cocoa butter, its nourshing properties in cosmetology are nil.   

Composition of cocoa

Vitamins

  • A (retinol)
  • B-2, B-6
  • C
  • E

Minerals and trace elements

  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus

Essential fatty acids

  • Linoleic acids
  • Arachidic acids   

Theobromine

Polyphenols

Caffeine

Effects
  • Neutralizes free radicals
  • Powerful antioxidant
  • Rebuilds the epidermis thanks to the cocoa butter's phospholipids
  • Regenerates cells
  • Prevents skin dehydration, hydrates the epidermis
  • Provides suppleness and softness
  • Tones the skin
  • Promotes good cell function
  • Prevents fatigue
  • Stimulates muscle contraction function
  • Stimulates blood circulation
  • Energizes and invigorates
  • Stimulates the central nervous system
  • Leaves a cool fresh feeling
  • Astringent
  • Reduces the look of cellulite (caffeine)
  • Revitalizes the epidermis
  • Promotes healing
Spas offering cocoatherapy

Go online to find a spa offering cocoa treatment (bath, scrub, body wrap and more) near you but if you're passing by PA, USA don't hesitate to visit

* Hershey Resort & Spa

 
..........

This treatment is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers, people allergic to nuts or those with a serious illness.

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