It’s pretty obvious what you’ll be doing this Sunday. Stuffing your face with chocolate. Especially if you’re one of those crazy people who chose to give it up for Lent. Seriously, I salute you. Chocolate isn’t all bad (so long as you steer away from the heavily processed, sugar-laden kind) and it’s been proven that a small amount of organic, dark chocolate is actually very good for you. It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and can help lower blood pressure and improve cognitive brain function – all whilst releasing those feel good endorphins. The higher the cocoa content – the better it is for you, so always go for the darkest possible.

But cocoa doesn’t just make for a delicious and healthy treat, it also works wonders for the skin. It breaks down free-radicals (so products have more anti-ageing and anti-oxidant properties) and contains soothing vitamin E to calm irritated or sensitive skin. It’s also a mighty moisturiser as it penetrates the top skin layer, effectively moistening and repairing skin beneath to leave you soft, supple and glowing. Being such an excellent emollient makes it brilliant for those suffering with dry skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, and it smells divine. With our top 5 products, it’s no wonder we’re going loco for cocoa.

Kiehl’s Crème de Corps -£16.00-£75.70

There’s a reason this butter-yellow moisturiser is one of Kiehl’s all time best sellers – it simply is the crème de la crème. Containing beta-carotene, aloe vera, and Vitamins A and E – this super-enriched formula nourishes and moisturises magnificently. Top tip – use it after bathing whilst skin is slightly damp to seal in surface moisture and you’ll be silky soft in seconds.

Organic Surge Million Dollar Anywhere Balm – £22.50

When dryness or irritation strikes, this beautifying balm is all you need. Certified organic and crammed with essential oils, shea butter and cocoa butter, it can be used anywhere – from your hands to your feet and from your nails to your nose. This host of intense natural hydrators will work wonders on dry, flaky or irritated skin (perfect in these Arctic conditions) and will leave you feeling and looking like a million dollars. A handbag essential.

BLEND Collective Unwinding Handcream – £12.50

A hero for hands, this cream caresses skin with hydrating cocoa butter, aloe juice and sea buckthorn. It’s a nourisher for nails and a healer for hands, and it softens and smoothes with an unwinding, fragrant blend of sandalwood, frankincense, cedarwood and neroli essential oils.

Skin Blossom Replenishing Face Moisturiser – £7.25

Free from harsh ingredients, this award-winning moisturiser is lightweight and suitable for all skin types. Working alongside cocoa you’ll find jojoba oil to prevent dehydration and help skin rejuvenate, anti-oxidant rich acai, and shea butter and vitamin E to condition and protect. It deeply hydrates without the need for a thick, gloopy cream, and is lightly scented with essential oils or rose and ylang ylang.

Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Conditioning Lip Balm With Turmeric – £15.00

For a smooth smile with no flakes or chapping, this highly emollient lip balm is packed with organic goodness to rapidly restore softness to parched lips. Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties to soothe, cocoa butter, jojoba, beeswax and murumuru hydrate and soften, and mango seed butter and rice bran oil provide anti-oxidant protection. Sesame seed oil helps to heal, and essential oils of sweet ginger, lime and magnasweet to leave your lips smelling luscious.

words by Frankie Rozwadowska

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