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Chocolate takes the cake

Chocolate is the new fad in the beauty market

SWEET TREAT(MENT) Chocolate wraps, scrubs and baths are the latest buzz in beauty treatments

Something's special. Yes, but this time we are talking about using sinfully delectable chocolate to treat the body.

Bubble baths filled with grated chocolate, milk and cocoa butter can be the supreme form of indulgence that chocoholics can look forward to. Interested?

And there is more. For the diet conscious there is one made with unsweetened cocoa powder and instant non-fat dairy milk.

How about that? "It's an amazing feeling to get pampered with pure chocolate and come out smelling of the delectable beans," says Ria, an entrepreneur.

Chocolate everywhere

Have your chocolate and benefit too is the new mantra.

If Milton Hershey's resort spa has guests flying down in their private jets for chocolate fondue wraps, cocoa butter scrubs and chocolate filled whirlpool baths, spas in this part of the world have added chocolate mousse hydrotherapy bubble baths and chocolate raspberry pedicure soak, to their list.

The new Kareena Kapoor commercial is driving chocoholics rushing to superstores to pick up the chocolate heavy soap.

"Chocolate based products are popular with the youth probably for the fresh flavour. We have had a range of chocolate products - scrubs, foam baths, soaps and cream baths. Most of them are sold out," says Kabeer, sales advisor at an upmarket store.

Agrees Manoj Kumar, who owns a cosmetic store, "We have bath scrubs and other chocolate spa line from St. Ives, Oriflame and other brands with quite a few takers."

Mind and body

The reasons cited for the popularity of chocolate in beauty treatments are varied.

While some attribute it to the psychological aspect, others cite health benefits.

Apart from the feel-good high the choco treatments generate, the bean is said to have restorative properties.

The antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in chocolate increase blood circulation, soothe chapped skin and moisturise it.

Besides, it helps fight fatigue and boosts energy levels.

How long will this chocolate craze last?

"People always have a curiosity for what's new. And, every product has a season. A while ago, platinum facials were the craze in the West, followed by fruit facials and, now, it's chocolate," says Fariyal, who owns a parlour.

SYEDA FARIDA

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