FORGET THE MARSHMELLOWS: ENJOY CALORIE-FREE COCOA

It’s National Cocoa Day today, December 13, and time to celebrate the yummy cold weather treat’s beauty benefits as well as soul warming flavor. Derived from the cocoa bean, cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants and moisturizing benefits, and has been used for years to prevent stretch marks.
While the verdict is still out on its effectiveness in fighting stretch marks, cocoa butter is supremely moisturizing and soothing, especially on winter chapped lips and skin. Here are a few new and classic cocoa products to help keep your skin soft and hydrated.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil for the Face (ARV $12.99): The granddaddy of all cocoa butter lines, Palmer
BEAUTY AND THE BUMP – PREGNANCY SKINCARE
Photo Credit: mustelausa.com
Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful and amazing times in a woman’s life. It’s also a time to be safe about what products you use, since many things you put on your skin can be absorbed into the bloodstream. For example, you should check with your doctor about using tanning creams and hair dye. However, there are plenty of products that you can use without concern.
Dr. Sandra Lee Upland, a board-certified dermatologist from California, urges pregnant women to use sun screen to avoid discolorations, which are common. “Estrogen tends to rev up our skin an