I’m not too proud to admit it, I’m a chocoholic. And I’m not talking about the cheap, sugary chocolate either. I’m into the high-quality, low-sugar, dark variety. My favorite chocolates are at least 85% cocoa, which is a love I share with my father. The good news for me and all chocoholics out there is chocolate is great for the skin.

Cocoa is packed full of antioxidants that can be a powerful anti-aging skin treatment. Rich in nutrients, high-quality dark chocolate can protect the skin from damaging UV rays, while working to firm and repair your complexion. Chocolate is great for those who suffer from rosacea and eczema because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Cocoa contains B3 which can help reduce redness. There is also a legitimate reason for why you feel happier after eating chocolate. This is because chocolate can cause the body to release dopamine, increasing the production of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters. So now you understand why you might instinctively reach for chocolate when you are feeling down. Reducing stress hormones like cortisol can slow down the process of collagen breakdown; a happy mind equals happy skin.

Just make sure you stick with LOW sugar, high quality chocolate and consume it in moderation (aim for 85%). Find yourself some amazing chocolates or make your own. With the good ones, you’ll find them so rich that just one or two squares or a single truffle will be enough.

Good for: anti-aging, acne, eczema, rosacea, sun-seekers

Where I stock up on chocolate:

Keeping it local:

The Bottlehouse – they have a rotating selection of house-made truffles. Perfect to pair with their wines.

Theo Chocolates – they have a couple of 85% options. I like to store them in the fridge and break off a square as an afternoon treat (and they are easy to find all over Seattle in our little shops).

Seattle Chocolates – can you say Truffle Bars??? Yes, please! They have an 85% box available through their jcoco line which provides meals to neighbors in need. So, you can get your chocolate fix, look great, be happy, and help your neighbors. I grab mine at East Anchor in Madrona.

Around the world:

Omnom Chocolates – I learned about this Icelandic company watching the Zac Efron series Down to Earth on Netflix. I ordered some immediately; I suggest you do too.

In spa treatment:

I like chocolate so much we added the Belgium Cocoa Hydrojelly mask by esthemax in spa. Layer it in during your next facial or add it on during a body treatment.

Benefits:

• Increases skin energy to promote an overall glowing appearance
• Returns vigor to dry and aged skin
• Promotes a smooth skin complexion, leaving your skin looking and feeling velvety soft
• Leaves skin looking young and radiant
• The jelly mask creates a vacuum-like seal over the skin, pushing hydration and nourishing ingredients from the mask and skincare ingredients deep into the skin

Join our Eating Beautiful Facebook group. We post recipes that make you glow from the inside out.