Gia Bath & Body Works : Chocolate Body Polish

Good enough to eat, but even better on the skin.....chocolate has powerful anti-oxidant properties and has a nourishing effect on the skin. In addition to being a sensory indulgence, chocolate contains over 300 different compounds some of which can have a significant impact on one’s health and beauty.

ABOUT THE BRAND

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KEY INGREDIENTS & THEIR BENEFITS

• Cocoa Butter:  Rich in antioxidants which destroy free radicals and protect the skin against signs of aging and the harmful environmental stressors (1). Cocoa butter is high in fatty acids, meaning it can penetrate deep-down into the skin and hydrate from within and helps skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and skin irritation (2).
  

• Demerara Sugar: Sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the environment into the skin. So when you apply products with sugar or sugar derivatives, they'll actually help hydrate your skin and keep moisture within (3). A natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that penetrates the skin and breaks down the "glue" that bonds skin cells, encouraging cell turnover and generating fresher, younger-looking skin (3). Sugar's small particles make an excellent topical exfoliant that can help clean skin’s surface and unclogged pores. White sugar will yield a finer scrub, while a rougher sugar, like Demerara, will be more exfoliating (4).

• Coffee Grounds: Coffee is granular and feels nice on the skin but the caffeine has added benefits. Applied topically, coffee helps to redistribute fat cells and decrease the formation of cellulite, acts as a vasorestrictor, tightening and shrinking blood vessels thereby helping eliminate varicose veins (5). Caffeine is also loaded with antioxidants, which help to fight premature skin aging like wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines.

• Cocoa Powder: Helps to renew and firm new skin cells, promote healthy skin tissues, and it also helps promote healthy cell development (6). Cocoa solids contain high levels of caffeine and theobromine which have similar properties and are brilliant in skincare: These compounds are able to break down fats and can have draining properties on fatty cells which allows them to be used for skin firming (7). Caffeine and theobromine are often used to to tighten the skin and reduce puffiness. All of these skincare properties mean that cocoa solids can be used to target cellulite when applied to your skin (7). Cocoa powder is a powerful antioxidant and helps to repair any damaged skin, absorbs UV light into the skin, improves function of blood vessels, increasing blood flow, increasing hydration, decreasing skin roughness and improves complexion and helps the skin stay hydrated (8). Topically, this increased hydration calms and soothes the skin.

• Saponified Oils of Virgin Olive, Coconut, Castor, Avacado & Jojoba:

• Virgin Olive Oil: Very rich in vitamins, minerals and natural fatty acids, it is suitable for sensitive skin types (9). Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, it prevents skin aging, the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, it also nourishes, rejuvenates and protects the skin (9).

• Coconut Oil: The medium chain fatty acids work as an antimicrobial agent to help kill bacteria and other viruses. Very similar to our natural sebum secretion, all of the properties of coconut oil leads to moisturized skin, fewer breakouts, and clearer complexion (10).
  

• Castor Oil: Soothing oil that has been used medicinally for thousands of years and has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties (10).

• Avocado Oil: The proteins, omega 3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in this oil make it a great moisturizer (11). It absorbs deeply into the skin and helps increase collagen to keep your skin supple. Dry, mature, sensitive, and problem prone skin can benefit greatly from this vitamin rich oil (12).

• Jojoba Oil: The proteins and minerals in this oil mimic collagen and are closest to our natural skin oil. Anti-inflammatory effects have been shown (13). Jojoba oil is great for all skin types especially acne prone skin. 

• Honey: Natural antibacterial, so it's great for acne treatment and prevention. Full of antioxidants, slows slowing down aging. Extremely moisturizing and soothing, honey is clarifying because it opens up pores making them easy to unclog (14).

 
This chocolate body polish by GBBW, is all natural, there are no harsh side effects meaning the polish can be used on all skin types. The product comes in a 150 gm plastic jar with a screw on top, is predictably brown in color with a crumbly/grainy texture and a divine blend of chocolate, honey, coffee and in house fragrance.

To use, after washing skin apply a handful of sugar scrub to wet skin and massage in circular motion over entire body and shower as usual. 

The chocolate sugar polish,is a scrumptious delight that revitalizes and enhances circulation and skin renewal. Since I have dry/dehydrated skin, I regularly exfoliate (3-4 times per week) and the theory behind it is it helps the skin maintain an even tone and increases circulation; which, in turn, promotes the collagen production necessary for skin to remain pliable and resilient.

Although sugar crystals are fine, they are grainy enough to make a gentle yet gritty scrub. The polish is not binding and is crumbly so while scrubbing, the particles do fall to the floor. Though the body polish is endowed with great moisturizing ingredients, I do not find it sufficiently hydrating for the winter, it will however make a great addition to a summer exfoliating routine. 

Definitely a product to indulge your senses and body with.