DIY FACIAL MASKS FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS

Photo @lianacarbonephoto

I've decided to share with you these wonderful homemade face mask recipes so that you can pamper yourself a little in these chilly times to hydrate and tone your skin. Here are two great options, depending on what ingredients you have on hand.

1- Gourmet & exfoliating cocoa mask

1 tablespoon of organic cocoa powder
1 tablespoon  of honey
1 tablespoon plain organic yogurt
1 tablespoon of ground coffee 
1 pipette of your favorite WILD GRACE serum

2- Antioxidant cocoa mask

1 tablespoon of white clay
¼ tablespoon of organic cocoa powder
¼ tsp of turmeric
¼ tablespoon of ashwagandha powder (Indian ginseng)
3 tbsp. of mineral water
1 pipette of your favorite WILD GRACE serum

For these two chocolate recipes, combine all the ingredients in a bowl, then apply the mask to your face in small rotating movements, being careful to spare the eye area. Let the mask sit for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a soft towel (Pssst! Our washcloth would be perfect for this step, you can get it by clicking here).

Pro Tip!
These masks are very useful for the arrival of spring: in fact, cocoa helps to keep the skin retain hydration and create a layer of protection for your face, which could be more sensitive to the sun's rays after this long winter spent inside.

Chocolate & the doshas...

You have to be careful here: when I talk about chocolate, I am not referring to any chocolate bar that can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket. These products are indeed full of added sugars and trans fats which unbalance the health of our body. I'm talking about pure cocoa here: I recommend buying at least 70% cacao chocolate. The closer the percentage is to 100%, the more beneficial effects are present.

Vata

The anxious nature of Vata dosha does not quite agree with this food. It is indeed a caffeinated product, therefore very stimulating for the body, which can cause an effect of hyperactivity to the sensitive nature of Vata. It is also quite a difficult food to digest, which could cause some bloating and nausea in a person with a Vata predominance (try our DOSHA QUIZ HERE if you don't know yours yet!): So you have to practice a little more moderation here if you are Vata predominant! However, a product like cocoa butter will have a beneficial effect on the skin of Vata people, which is prone to dryness and premature aging.

Pitta

Chocolate is a high-energy food, which can aggravate pitta dosha, associated with the element of fire. Consuming too much of it could trigger some side effects such as inflammation (eg acne), heartburn, and irritability. Again, it is important here to consume it sparingly. But everything in moderation is good! (especially the dark kind with added sea salt!)

Kapha

Unlike the other two doshas, ​​chocolate has a rather positive effect on people tending towards the Kapha dosha. Associated with the elements of water and earth, a dosha-dominant person often experiences a feeling of heaviness and lethargy. Taking a small square of dark chocolate once in a while induces bodily and mental stimulation that can counteract this effect of heaviness. However, when it comes to cocoa butter, be careful not to apply it just anywhere: a predominantly Kapha person tends to have oily skin and this particularly rich butter can cause the appearance of unwanted pimples, especially on the face.

I hope this article has taught you more about the many virtues of this wonderful plant, the cocoa tree! Valentine's have never been more about self-love than this year. Take care of yourself! Take this moment to treat yourself to a nice warm bath, a chocolate mask, candlelight, your favourite playlist, and how about some breathing exercises to feel completely relaxed? Do not hesitate to double the DIY recipes make more in order to invite your lover, your friend, your dog? to participate ...

Any recipe as long as it involves some chocolate is a recipe for success in my opinion!

Warmly,
Kim XX