Though you’re probably more familiar with cocoa in its edible form, this magical powder has also climbed the ranks in the skincare world due to its many benefits to the skin. Full of antioxidants, it’s said to have proven effective against free radicals and, as such, is valuable when looking to protect the skin from damage. Cocoa is thought to be able to increase blood flow and cell turnover, both of which help your skin to get its glow on.
One such type of anti-aging antioxidant found in cocoa and, subsequently dark chocolate, are flavanols. Flavanols, a potent type of antioxidant, have been the subject of multiple anti-aging trials over the years. Various studies document their potential in actively helping to battle the effects of photoaging. It’s common knowledge that a diet full of antioxidants will do great things for your complexion, such as increasing your skin’s elasticity and reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, which is where cocoa can come into play.
This isn’t to say that all chocolate is created equal, however. Out of all types of chocolate, dark chocolate has the highest cocoa content, which is why it’s the best type to sink your teeth into. Though its bitter taste isn’t for everyone, it’s most certainly the healthier and more beneficial choice when it comes to giving your skin a health boost. Because it’s also got a lower sugar content, dark chocolate doesn’t have the inflammatory effect that its more sugary counterparts will. Sugar is a known cause of breakouts because it heats up the blood, thus causing inflammation and the unwanted eruption of blemishes, so you might want to eat these types of chocolate sparingly. Just remember, when it comes to dark chocolate, the usual rule of thumb is the higher the cocoa content, the more flavanols it contains. It’s recommended to eat no more than around 40g of dark chocolate per day (roughly equating to 5 squares, depending on size bar size). Caffeine’s good for you, but too much can make you jittery and increase blood pressure, so try not to exceed this amount when possible.
Dark chocolate or cocoa won’t make you look ten years younger overnight, but it’ll certainly help your skin look better in the long-run if you opt for a couple of squares to satisfy your sweet fix. For best results, always check the cocoa percentage of the chocolate you buy. It’s a fact that cocoa percentage and flavanol content can vary by brand, so it’s always a good idea to scan its nutrient content, providing it has one.