Okay, so we know this sounds like an excuse for mentioning chocolate because it’s October.  And you’re right. Everyone in our office love chocolate.

But hear us out.  Chocolate isn’t just a treat to give yourself once a year.

Studies have shown that dark chocolate can actually give you immense skin benefits. 

So if you’re looking for a reason to shop for Halloween Candy early, read on to see how this childhood commodity is the modern woman’s secret skincare weapon. 

Note: While we’re all fans of chocolate, our focus is on the best type of treat that gives your skin a boost: dark chocolate. Sorry milk chocolate and white chocolate fans! 

It’s A Rich Antioxidant

Dark chocolate contains catechins, polyphenols, and flavanols. And when put together this creates a powerful antioxidant. Dark chocolates are made from cacao seed extracts that are considered super fruits in terms of the antioxidant capacity. A study shows that dark cocoa chocolates contain more flavanols, polyphenols, and other antioxidants than any other fruits (1).

It Protects You From the Sun 

Maybe sun protection isn’t a priority for you when it’s fall (it should be, all year round!), but yes, chocolate can protect your skin from sun damage. 

How? Believe it or not, the flavonols present in chocolate not only protect your skin from the harmful UV rays but also improve the hydration levels of your skin and boost blood flow (2). Neat, isn’t it? 

It Fights Stress

There’s a reason chocolate is the go-to for stressful days at work, breakups, and reruns of Bambi.

Not only can stress cause breakouts, but too much stress can break down your collagen production and wrinkles. And a study has found that cocoa helps in reducing the levels of stress hormones, so don’t feel guilty grabbing a hot cocoa and hugging your confused but loved pets (3).

It Can Even Fight Severe Skin Problems

Cacao extracts can also cure the symptoms of atopic dermatitis (as the writer who has dermatitis, this is crucial to me). 

A study involving mice conducted by the researchers from Seoul National University and the University of Massachusetts found that the polyphenols found in cacao extracts decreased inflammation and cured other allergic symptoms related to the skin condition (4).

So, in a nutshell, chocolate is pretty spooky awesome and perfect for the October season! For a DIY mask, see our favorite video below! 

Don’t wanna do the work? Honestly, same. I’d rather eat chocolate than where it as a mask and feel like a peanut butter cup. 

However, you can break into chocolate sensation with this milk chocolate mask instead from G9SKIN! It’s packed with milk protein and cacao,so it’s not cheating on having treats before the big night.