In Parts 1 and 2 of this series on DIY Anti-Cellulite Treatments, we looked at what cellulite actually is, ran through the techniques for effective body brushing and put together our first DIY anti-cellulite beauty recipe for a Coffee Body Scrub.
Next up is the second of our DIY anti-cellulite recipes for you to make at home. This recipe is for a DIY Chocolate Body Masque which you paint onto your thighs and other cellulite-prone areas before rinsing it off in the shower.
This recipe contains cocoa powder, a powerful antioxidant and great skincare ingredient. Cocoa powder contains lots of minerals including calcium, potassium and zinc. It also contains high levels of caffeine and theobromine which are only present in trace amounts in cocoa butter.
We are already know from Part 3 of our DIY Anti-Cellulite series that caffeine easily penetrates the skin barrier and prevents excessive accumulation of fat in cells, making it a good ingredient for any DIY anti-cellulite treatments. Theobromine functions in a similar way, although it is not as potent as caffeine as a stimulant.
Much like caffeine, theobromine is a diuretic. Theobromine is also able to break down fats and can have draining properties on fatty cells. All of these skincare properties mean that cocoa solids can be used to target cellulite when applied to your skin. Read more about cocoa and its uses in natural skincare.
So grab that cocoa powder from your kitchen and make yourself a fabulous DIY Chocolate Body Masque with these simple ingredients. Not only will it smell divine but it may also help firm up your skin and make your cellulite less visible.
You will need:
50g cocoa powder, organic
50g Rhassoul mud
50g aloe vera gel
50-75g strong green or white tea (cooled)
10 drops of rose geranium essential oil
Blend together the cocoa powder and Rhassoul mud and then mix through the aloe vera gel until it is fully blended. Gently trickle in the strong green or white tea until you get a masque consistency that you can paint onto your body without it being too thick or too runny. Finally, blend through the rose geranium essential oil.
Using a cosmetic brush or even a paint brush, paint this body masque onto your thighs and any other body parts where you have cellulite. If you have any left, you can also use it as a powerful anti-ageing facial masque. The masque will slowly dry and after 15-20 minutes you can rinse it off completely in the shower. Clean your skin properly with a washcloth and pat yourself dry with a towel.
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About our DIY beauty solutions editor:
Lorraine Dallmeier runs Herb & Hedgerow, an artisan herbal beauty business based in Dorset, UK. She writes for the HerbBlurb blog about herbs for beauty and the science of natural skincare. Herb & Hedgerow sells BeautyCraft app for iPhone – a beautifully illustrated recipe book with dozens of DIY natural beauty recipes. BeautyCraft has been sold in over 50 countries around the world.
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Lorraine is currently offering a free eBook on natural beauty ingredients to people who sign up to her newsletter at www.herbhedgerow.co.uk. Follow Lorraine on Twitter @herbBlurb.
