Hair + Beauty

7 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Redheads + Approved Product Recs

Celebrate National Chocolate Day!

National Chocolate Day is celebrated on October 28th just a few days before one of the chocolatiest days of the year — Halloween! The main ingredient in chocolate* is cocoa and it has a number of health benefits. Some of the benefits are improved heart health and boosted brain function. It’s also believed that cocoa can help to lower blood pressure and even prevent liver damage. Chocolate is also a food that makes us feel good, and when eaten in moderation it can be a great way to raise endorphins and give yourself a much-needed treat. 

Chocolate in beauty products can offer several potential benefits for your skin and overall well-being:

1. Antioxidant properties: Chocolate, specifically dark chocolate, contains high levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids. These antioxidants help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors, potentially reducing signs of aging.

2. Hydration: Cocoa butter, derived from chocolate, is often used in skincare products due to its emollient properties. It can help moisturize and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

3. Mood enhancement: The scent of chocolate can be mood-boosting and comforting. Some beauty products incorporate chocolate fragrances to provide a pleasant sensory experience during your skincare routine.

4. Stress reduction: The scent of chocolate is believed to have stress-reducing and calming effects, which can enhance your overall well-being when using chocolate-based beauty products.

5. Skin nourishment: Chocolate is rich in vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for the skin. For example, it contains vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E, which can promote skin health and rejuvenation.

6. Anti-inflammatory properties: Some components in chocolate, such as theobromine, may have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing skin redness and irritation.

7. Exfoliation: Cocoa powder is sometimes used as a gentle exfoliant in skincare products. It can help remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking refreshed and revitalized.

Let’s remember chocolate isn’t just a yummy treat, it can be in beauty products too. Many beauty products have cocoa in them or are chocolate-scented. These are the perfect way to celebrate this tasty holiday. Here are some of our favorite redhead-approved favorites: 

1. Giovanni Hot Chocolate Sugar Body Scrub 

Giovanni Hot Chocolate Sugar Body Scrub: $16

2. Frank Body Scrub Variety Pack – Original Coffee, Cacao, & Coconut Coffee Scrubs 

Frank Body Scrub Variety Pack: $44

3. Sweet Water Decor Hot Cocoa + Peppermint Soy Candle 

Sweet Water Decor Hot Cocoa + Peppermint Soy Candle: $20

4. L’Oreal Paris Cosmetics Infallible Pro Matte Les Chocolats Scented Liquid Lipstick 

L'Oreal Paris Cosmetics Infallible Pro Matte Les Chocolats Scented Liquid Lipstick: $13

5. Eight Saints Coco Cocoa Creme Body Butter 

Eight Saints Coco Creme Body Butter: $23

*It’s important to note that while chocolate-based beauty products may offer these potential benefits, individual results can vary, and the effectiveness of any product depends on its formulation and skin type. Always check the ingredients of a product to ensure it contains real cocoa or chocolate extracts and is suitable for your specific skin needs.

Rock it like a Redhead! 

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READ: 5 Redhead-Specific Benefits of Eating Dark Chocolate

READ: 3 Amazing Homemade Chocolate Face Masks For Flawless Redhead Skin

Main Image: © Dean Drobot via Canva.com