Chocolate for skin? Yes, really

You've eaten it, sipped it, and gifted it — but have you ever smeared chocolate on your face? This World Chocolate Day (today), beauty experts reveal cocoa’s surprising skincare benefits. And you don’t need expensive products — just a few pantry staples to whip up DIY masks for your face, lips, and under-eyes.

- Akshita Prakash

“Chocolate has exfoliating, antioxidant, hydrating, and detoxifying properties that protect skin from oxidative stress and ageing,” says dermatologist Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, adding, “For chapped lips or dry skin, it’s very effective.”