A chocolate wrap is a highly effective cosmetic procedure often used to lose weight, improve skin condition and relax the entire body. When combined with dietary standards and physical activity, wraps allow you to achieve a beautiful figure.
The benefits of a chocolate wrap
The permanent cosmetic effect that can be seen when using chocolate is due to the cocoa butter, which has a soothing, smoothing and aromatic effect on the skin.
The positive effect on the upper layers of the skin is due to the presence of a high number of beneficial minerals in cocoa beans: calcium, iron and phosphates. In addition, they contain proteins, carbohydrates, B and A vitamins, organic and fatty acids. Cocoa bean oil is used to restore water-lipid balance and eliminate wrinkles.
The distinctive feature of the chocolate wrap, is the absence of painful sensations. The procedure rejuvenates and tightens the skin, has anti-cellulite effect, has a relaxing effect and eliminates such frequent problems as acne and redness.
Chocolate also helps stimulate the lower layers of the skin, causing the body to increase levels of the mediator serotonin associated with opiate and dopamine receptors. Consequently, the person’s mood improves, hormonal levels are stabilized, and metabolic processes improve.
Chocolate wrap is often used as a therapy to prevent the narrowing of vascular tissues and increase their overall tone. Such a physiotherapeutic procedure is used in medicine for the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system and hypertension.
The aromatic properties of chocolate raise the level of immunoglobulin A and various polyphenols in the blood, thanks to which it has antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulating and anticarcinogenic effects on the cells.
Types of chocolate wrap
Depending on how the procedure is carried out, chocolate wrapping is classified into several separate varieties. They all have different advantages, disadvantages and indications. Basic Types of Wraps:
Isothermal.The chocolate mixture is heated to 36-37 ℃. Suitable for eliminating excessive swelling or puffiness by draining the body. It has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, reduces the overall level of toxins. The skin becomes firmer and tauter.
Cold.Conducted with compositions that are cooled down to room temperature. Stimulates water-lipid balance and vascular tissues, helps to quickly eliminate excess fluid from the skin tissue. Despite the less comfortable carrying out, this variety has a pain-relieving and toning effect.
Thermoactive or hot.The temperature of the chocolate mixture is 38-40℃. The main advantage of this method is the high effectiveness in the elimination of cellulite and stretch marks. It quickly breaks down fats and dilates blood vessels.
In addition to the varieties of wrapping described above, in cosmetology and medical practice, a contrasting method of applying the chocolate mixture, in which its temperature is characterized by alternating from cold to hot or vice versa.
The main disadvantage of the contrast type, is the difficulty of performing it, so it is practically not used at home. Despite this, this method is one of the most effective – after just a few sessions, the skin gets a healthy shade, the vessels are strengthened, and the percentage of fat in the body becomes less.
Contraindications to the procedure: possible risks
Despite the positive effects, the cosmetic procedure can cause unpleasant consequences. To avoid this, you need to be aware of what contraindications exist, as well as know how to properly perform the technique of wrapping.
The use of chocolate as a physiotherapeutic and cosmetic procedure is prohibited in the following pathological processes:
Allergic reactions. Some people have an individual tolerance to chocolate or cocoa beans, due to which the performance of the wrap can provoke the appearance of rashes, burning, redness or itching.
Menstruation and pregnancy. It should always be remembered that the chocolate wrap affects not only the skin, but also the whole body. The procedure during pregnancy and menstruation can increase bleeding or lead to miscarriage.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system.In the presence of such pathological processes as varicose veins, hypertension of the chronic type and thrombophlebitis, it is strongly not recommended to perform the wrap.
Skin diseases.The procedure is contraindicated in the presence of eczema, fungal manifestations, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Before performing a chocolate wrap at home, it is recommended to visit your doctor, who can prescribe additional tests to diagnose the body. In this case, the risk of unpleasant complications is significantly reduced.
Also remember that the addition of various ingredients, including spices and essential oils increases the number of contraindications, ranging from individual intolerance of a certain substance to serious illnesses.
Chocolate Wrap Recipes for Home Use
In professional beauty salons, chocolate wraps are done with specialized formulations. To do the procedure at home, it is enough to use the following recipes with the addition of ingredients such as honey, essential and organic oils, spices and others.
Classic
The classic recipe for a chocolate wrap is the easiest to perform. To do this, you need to add 250 g of hot water to 350-400 ml. Cocoa bean powder. Depending on the desired consistency, the volume of liquid can be changed. After that, the mixture is stirred until homogeneous, removing lumps.
Instead of water, you can use regular cream or milk, the temperature of which should be close to room temperature. A chocolate wrap with milk has a relaxing effect, which is why it is recommended to be applied before going to bed.
If cocoa powder is not available, you can take an ordinary bar of chocolate, which has no flavor or aromatic additives. High cocoa content in the chocolate is a must for the treatment. To melt the bar, you need to use the water bath method.
With organic oils
The popularity of using organic-based oils for wraps is due to the lack of chemical compounds, which makes the mixture pure and beneficial.
Organic oils have a protective, regenerating, nourishing and moisturizing effect on the upper layers of the skin, helping to normalize metabolic processes. It can also be used as a substitute for many cosmetic products.
Commonly used types of organic oils for wraps:
Olive.Rich in vitamins, fatty acids and useful trace elements. The chocolate mixture becomes more pliable, making it easier to apply to the skin. Usually 1-2 tbsp.l. olive oil to 250 ml water. Due to its moisturizing properties, excellent for dry skin.
Coconut.The use of this oil protects the upper layers of the skin from the appearance of rashes and redness, while having antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Particularly beneficial for skin that is prone to peeling and frequent irritation. To prepare the mixture, you need to mix 2 Tbsp. l. Cocoa bean powder with 3 Tbsp. l. Coconut oil, diluted in 250 ml of liquid.
macadamia oil.The presence of palmitoleic acid in the oil promotes the regeneration of the upper layers of the skin, because of which it is often used to eliminate stretch marks and cellulite. For the mixture you need to add 1 tbsp. l. Argan oil per 250ml water.
In addition to the organic oils described above, other types can be used. Argan and Karitè oils are also used for the chocolate wrap. After the procedure, it is recommended that the mixture be washed off with a regular shower gel and a massage brush.
With essential oils
Essential oils are usually added to the base, after which the resulting mixture can be used with other organic compounds. This spreads the product more evenly on the skin.
Frequently used essential oils for chocolate wraps:
Tangerine.It effectively fights stretch marks and strengthens the upper skin layers, especially on the sides and belly. To prepare the mixture, add a few drops of Mandarin oil to 100 ml of cocoa powder and 20 ml of coconut oil.
Sweet orange.Shows high effectiveness against cellulite and stretch marks. The addition of orange oil has a normalising effect on metabolic processes and restores the production of collagen, leaving the skin firm and healthy looking. To prepare the mixture, add 1 tbsp. of water to 100 ml. l. Olive oil and 6 drops of orange oil.
Jasmine.When using this ingredient a good relaxing effect is observed and the general muscle tone increases. To prepare the mixture add a few drops of jasmine oil to 20 ml of milk and 10 ml of olive oil.
The only thing to keep in mind when using the chocolate mixture with the addition of essential oils is the risk of allergic reactions and burns. If redness, rash, itching and general weakness of the body is observed during application, you should immediately wash off the substance and consult a doctor.
With honey and mustard
Adding honey to the chocolate mixture normalizes metabolic processes, promotes the rapid removal of toxins, adds elasticity to the skin and accelerates the process of losing weight.
To prepare the honey-mustard mixture, you need to stir in warm water 3 tbsp. l. mustard, 0.5 tbsp. l. Sugar, and 3 tsp. l. Apple or wine vinegar. The resulting substance is placed in a warm place for 24 hours, after which 2 tbsp. l. mustard and honey.
If in the chocolate wrap, the warming properties of mustard are barely felt, the next time you use it, you should add a little more sugar. It is better to add homemade honey, not too liquid.
