Ah...Chocolate

Who wasn't thinking chocolate last week with Valentine's Day? I will admit that I do know two people who really don't care for chocolate but I think they are probably the only ones! I LOVE chocolate--not just to eat but to use in skin care. Crazy? I don't think so.

Not only does chocolate kick up the feel-good juices in our brains, but chocolate is loaded with anti-aging vitamins and minerals. Plus, the caffeine in cocoa is said to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Bring on the cocoa!

  Here's what you do:

Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Use whenever chocolate cravings hit by massaging into skin and rinsing with warm water in the shower. Store in an airtight container up to six months.

You'll need:
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup powered cocoa
• a few drops of chocolate and/or raspberry fragranced oil     

Cleanse your body as usual before the scrub but hold off on any shaving that day, as some scrubs can irritate just-shaved skin. Start with about two tablespoons of the scrub and rub it gently over your skin in a circular motion, working up from the feet and legs to your body and arms. Some people prefer to use a loofah, using upward strokes and working toward the heart. Whether you use your hands, a loofah or a massager, don't hesitate to use more of your favorite scrub, especially over the particularly dry skin on your heels and elbows.

Be sure to rinse and wipe away all of the scrub when you are finished.

A rich body lotion (Gathered From The Garden's Satin and Silk Shea Lotion is perfect!) or oil afterward moisturizes your newly exfoliated skin and will make your new soft, supple skin glow.