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A chocolate facial: It just may be the most relaxing Valentine's gift

By Brent Stewart, The Southern

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 7:25 AM CST

As a teenager, you were most likely scolded by your mother to put down that chocolate bar because it's bad for your skin. If that's the case, then why would the Egyptian Revival Day Spa be offering to smear it all over your body?

Well, mom is right about a good many things in life, but in this case, she's subscribing to a popular misconception about the most "sinful" of all foods.

"The reason people break out with acne is because their hormones are usually going crazy anyway, which makes them crave chocolate. They eat chocolate, and they think that's what causes acne," said Debbie Reiman, general manager of the Egyptian Revival Day Spa in Carterville.

With Valentine's Day coming up, you might want to check out one of the many "chocolate services" they are now offering. They have everything from chocolate body soaks to chocolate facials, body massages, body wraps and pedicures.

It may sound kind of odd at first, but it's one of the hottest new trends.

"We go to a lot of conferences, we go to a lot of continuing education, we stay up on trends," Reiman said. "We've researched it to make sure it's beneficial. The chocolate is something that all the people in the industry are doing, and they love it."

There are many benefits to using chocolate, she explained. Being made from cocoa, it's rich in anti-oxidants (vitamins A and E) and cocoa butter hydrates and sooths the skin. There are also more than 300 different compounds that can contribute to one's health and beauty.

One of the most important aspects of using chocolate in these services, Reiman also pointed out, is the sensory indulgence that it produces. She said that it contributes to the overall spa experience by releasing chemicals in the brain that produce a similar feeling to when one first falls in love, enhancing the feelings of well being and relaxation.

If you decide to have one of the chocolate services or want to purchase a gift certificate as a present for your sweetheart, you can expect a lot of pampering. They'll first offer you a nice chocolate drink, topped with whipped cream and marshmallows.

If you're getting a chocolate facial, you'll lie down and relax. This is the most important part, because it's what the process is all about. The esthetician will moisturize your feet with chocolate lotion, and then put on a pair of warm booties.

The facial will take place in a peaceful room with calming music lightly playing in the background. When the chocolate mask is placed on to hydrate the skin, an arm massage is performed for 15 minutes with chocolate lotion.

Afterward, you'll even get some chocolate candy to eat.

If you decide to get one of these services for your loved one, or even a couples' package, be prepared. They might come home relaxed and ready for a very romantic evening.

"I've been in the business for awhile and I've had every service done and there is just something about the fabulousness of chocolate and in being served the chocolate drink and being served the chocolate," Reiman said. "It's the ultimate spa experience."

brent.stewart@thesouthern.com

(618) 351-5074