Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/430862
15 Even though the spa also serves up a variety of other treatments and packages, from roses to Cuban inspirations, spa director Shian Wing says there's no doubt about most clients' favorites. "Our signature chocolate-infused treatments are by far the most popular services that our guests choose to enjoy during their spa experience." She notes there are plenty of benefits. "Cocoa is heavy in antioxidants, which are antiaging and healing. And cocoa butter has long been a proven skin treatment for scarring, stretch marks, and deep hydration of the skin. Our treatments are not merely chocolate-scented, but infused with cocoa bean oil pressed directly from the beans, which is highly hydrating. Ingesting cocoa promotes skin cell health by providing natural protection against harmful ultraviolet rays." Create Your Own Spa Recipes If you'd like to dip your toe in the whirlpool of chocolate offerings, start with the simple recipes in this article. Try them at home and then share with your favorite clients. As with any ingredients, be wary of allergies. Some people are sensitive to chocolate or dairy products. If it disagrees with your stomach, your skin may react to it as well. Quality chocolate makes a difference. Focus on chocolate brands without additives or preservatives, and the darker the better, because dark chocolate has a higher cocoa powder content. Unsweetened cooking chocolate such as Baker's does the trick. When using cocoa powder on its own, if you have a choice between natural and Dutch-processed cocoa powder, go for the natural. The alkalizing effects of Dutch processing strip away some of the natural benefits of cocoa, both for internal and external use. The many wonders of chocolate are still being discovered, and its impact on our culture and our daily lives is undisputed. But above all, chocolate is fun. Enjoy the experience—guilt-free. Now, who's hungry? Cortney Matz is a chocolate enthusiast and a food and travel writer in Los Angeles. She tweets as @cortneywrites and blogs about chocolate at www.thechocolatetourist.tv. This simple recipe can be used with a wrap of your choice. It makes enough to cover the back, or the hands and feet. Double or triple the recipe to cover more of the body. 2 ounces dark chocolate ¼ cup bentonite clay 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Epsom salts 1 tablespoon castor oil Warm water Cocoa butter (theobroma oil) Mix the clay, vinegar, Epsom salts, and castor oil with enough warm water to dissolve the salts and make a spreadable paste. Gently melt the chocolate over low heat and add it to the mixture. While waiting for the mixture to cool to lukewarm, perform a dry brushing treatment using a natural-bristle skin brush all over the body, starting with the feet and working toward the heart. Spread the chocolate mixture over the area you wish to wrap, and cover snugly with bandages or plastic. After unwrapping and removing the mixture, follow with a cocoa butter massage to moisturize and nourish the skin you've just stimulated. This cocoa and tea infusion tastes great and feeds the heart. It goes well with chocolate-themed services or makes a delicious treat to offer in your waiting area any time. 1 chai tea bag 1 tablespoon cocoa powder 1 tablespoon honey ½ cup water ½ cup milk To serve hot: Boil the water, pour into a serving cup, and add milk. Add the tea bag and steep the tea bag for no more than 5 minutes (this will avoid bitterness). Remove the tea bag, add the cocoa and honey, and whisk until blended. To serve cold: For a cool treat, do not boil, and use only ¼ cup each of water and milk. Pour the mixture over ice. Yum! Stimulating Chocolate Body Treatment Chocol at e Ch a i Sip