Beauty Tip of the Week - Baby Skin

Babies enter this world with smooth, glowing, and delectably soft skin. It is blemish-free with not a freckle to be witnessed. Studies have proven that by stroking a newborn baby's skin, his brain development increases dramatically. Well, it's not exactly a ghastly chore to do, since caressing its buttery softness brings joy to both mommy and baby.

Through the course of life, however, the skin changes in texture and appearance - roughness, dryness, sun damage, wrinkles, acne, freckles, scarring, sagging, flaking, bloating, and many other wretched "ing" descriptions that horrify the spirit.

But...there may just be a way to welcome back with open arms some of the velvety skin we once knew as tiny children, but never appreciated. Pure cocoa butter, which is a derivative of the roasted seeds of the cacao plant and has been used for centuries to lubricate, soften, and moisturize the skin. It melts at room temperature, so it is readily absorbed.

One of the most captivating and grin-inducing aspects of cocoa butter is its light, chocolaty scent! You feel as though you're smoothing chocolate fondue all over yourself! It's a great way to satisfy a craving with no abominable calories to ruin the spiritual experience.

You may purchase pure cocoa butter from your local pharmacy or health food store. It is completely solid in the container, so simply cut out a chunk and melt it in the microwave or double boiler. Let it cool to room temperature because burning yourself would also bring the joy of the experience to a screeching halt. The best time to apply this chocolaty, buttery treat would be after a shower or bath while your skin is still damp and supple (Eww, I hate the word "supple"). This locks in the moisture. Now, cocoa butter is probably a bit too heavy for the face, so if you're prone to acne, just apply it to your body (Ugh, I hate the word "body"!).

Try it. I bear you my testimony that cocoa butter is true. Your skin will be as soft as my little Summer's is. Bring back the baby skin, baby...