Let me start by saying that I am a self-proclaimed chocoholic. I never have denied the fact, and I never will. I love chocolate. Every time I pop a piece of chocolate into my mouth, I know what the consequences are to my health. But until now, I never really knew the effect it would have on my skin – positive effect that is.

German scientists recently conducted a study which discovered that high levels of flavanol, a plant-based antioxidant found in cocoa, can help to reduce skin redness caused by UV light-exposure, if consumed daily. This conclusion is based upon two groups of women varying in age between 18 and 65 who were simultaneously given one cocoa drink everyday. One group was given high level flavanol cocoa, while the other group consumed a cocoa drink very low in flavanols. By six weeks, the group consuming flavanol-rich cocoa had reduced redness of their skin in response to UV-light by 15% and then 25% by 12 weeks. The other group consuming the low level flavanol cocoa experienced no change. The group of women drinking the cocoa high in flavanols also experienced enhanced moisture, texture and hydration of their skin. Again, the other group had no change. Scientists believe that these exceptional results are due to the improved blood circulation to the skin, which is essential to it’s health. In addition to protecting the skin from UV-light exposure, flavanols act as antioxidants, which defend the skin against free radicals and premature aging.

So does this mean you get to gobble down a big Snickers Bar everyday and throw out your sunblock? Sorry, the answer is a definite NO. First off, you must never omit your sunblock from your skincare regime. And secondly, since flavanols are found in cocoa, your skin will only benefit from chocolate that is as pure as possible . If you consume about three ounces of dark chocolate a day, (which is equivalent to the amount of flavanol in the cocoa from the German study), you can satisfy your sweet tooth everyday, while helping your skin stay healthy. How great is that? I don’t think it gets any better.

If you have a love for chocolate, delight yourself and your skin with some of these skin-friendly dark chocolates. Enjoy!

Take a few minutes to whip up these simple recipes, follow my Five Easy Steps to a Self-Facial and bask in the moment of self-indulgence. You deserve it!

Honey & Egg Masque – Dry Skin
Mix together 1 tablespoon warmed honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 teaspoon almond oil and 1 tablespoon yogurt. Apply to the skin and relax for 10-15 minutes. For easy removal, use a warm, (wet, squeezed-dry) face towel.

-Honey has many hidden talents. Most people are not aware of the fact that honey is a main ingredient in many anti-aging and moisturizing creams on the market. As a natural antioxidant, honey offers superb moisturization and anti-microbial properties.

-Yogurt is a terrific moisturizer and also offers a mild level of exfoliation. The lactic acid present in yogurt will help to refine your pores and smooth your skin by removing dead skin cells. The natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties will aid in fighting off germs and bacteria, which is wonderful for congested skin.

Egg & Cucumber Masque – Oily, Dehydrated Skin
Juice from 1 Cucumber (whole cucumber pureed and drained through a sieve), 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon witch hazel, 1 egg white (beaten until stiff). Apply to the skin and relax for 10-15 minutes, remove with warm towel.

-Eggs are great for all skin types. An egg applied to the skin will encourage tightening of the pores. Their high level of antioxidants will also help to protect the skin against free radicals and premature aging.

-Cucumber juice provides excellent skin hydration.

-Lemon Juice is beneficial to the skin for a couple of reasons. The citric nature of lemon juice works to draw impurities from the pores and will help to reduce their large appearance. The combination of Citric Acid and Vitamin C will also help to brighten and smooth the skin’s overall texture and tone.

Oatmeal Masque – Combination, Sensitive Skin
One beaten egg, 1/2 cup cooked instant oatmeal (ground with coffee grinder or blender), one teaspoon olive oil. Apply to the skin and relax for 10-15 minutes, remove with towel.

-Oatmeal is beneficial to all skin types, helping to restore the natural moisture balance of the skin. Oatmeal is most ideal for sensitive skin because of it’s superb healing properties.

Chamomile & Herb Masque – Normal Skin
1 teaspoon finely crushed and dried chamomile flowers, 1 teaspoon of fresh mint finely chopped, 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 egg white blended all together in a blender. Apply to the skin and relax for 10-15 minutes, remove with warm towel.

** Before serving these delicious snacks to your skin, be sure that you do not have allergies to any of the ingredients. Even though you will not be ingesting the ingredients, you may still suffer an allergic reaction when they are applied to the skin. **

Before getting into my usual list of topical cures, I must lay down the law with rule #1. Water, water and more water. You must drink your water! Dehydrated skin is inevitable during the fall and winter months. Cold climates are tough on all skin types, including those that are more prone to oiliness. Staying well hydrated with water is one of the most effective and simple ways to combat skin dehydration.

How do you know if your skin is dry or dehydrated? Skin dehydration can be easily identified by the appearance of tight, flaky and patchy skin. When your skin is dehydrated, there is a lack of water moisture. We can all fall behind on our water intake, which is why we are all at risk of skin dehydration at sometime or another. In order to re-hydrate your skin, it is advisable to incorporate a hydrating serum or masque into your daily skincare regimen, in addition to drinking more water. A highly effective hydrating serum such as the Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum will help to quench your skin’s thirst for more water. The Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum is formulated for all skin types specifically to hydrate and relieve the skin of superficial lines, flakiness and tightness caused by dehydration. You should also consider using a gel-based hydrating masque like the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque . This masque is so yummy to the dehydrated skin that most of the gel will quickly absorb into your skin leaving little residue to rinse away. I highly recommend enhancing your skin’s hydration with the use of skincare products like the Murad Cellular Replenishing Serum and Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque on a regular basis. Your skin will be thankful for the boost of hydration it so badly craves and you will be thankful for the more comfortable feel of your skin.

When your skin is dry, not only will you have all the symptoms of dehydrated skin, but you will also begin to show the signs of premature aging. Dry skin is differentiated from dehydrated skin by it’s loss of oil moisture rather than water. The dreaded onset of deep lines, or wrinkles is also a prime suspect of dry skin. Obviously, wrinkles will come with age, but there can be other causes of premature aging such as the use of inappropriate skincare products, certain cosmetics and medications, or extreme climates. Dry skin requires more moisture-rich and cream-based skincare products. The combination of a cream cleanser and moisturizer such as the Decleor Cleansing Cream and Decleor Vitalite Nourishing Firming Cream will work wonders for dry skin. A botanical skincare line like Decleor is fantastic for dry skin because of it’s very delicate and nourishing ingredients. Complimented with ingredients to encourage accelerated skin renewal, the Decleor Vitalite Nourishing Firming Cream will not only restore oil moisture in your skin, but will also aid in bringing to life new skin cells. This dual action results in well-moisturized and younger looking skin.

This holiday season, don’t forget your body’s largest organ and give to it the gift of tender loving care. Endless exposure to the outside world requires your skin to be continuously nurtured. The reward of your skin looking and feeling it’s best will be yours to keep for seasons to come.