Easter is looming which is bad news for chocoholic brides who are gearing up for their wedding. The consequences of a chocolate binge are widely known and have an affect on the skin, yet for most, the temptation is often too much to bear.
Bridal beauty concierge Sapphire Pink's nutritional therapist Marcelle Dubruel, from nutrition experts Zest4Life, shares her top tips for a guilt-free Easter break — and how to recognise the good eggs from the bad...
Go dark: chocolate in its raw form has some very positive attributes. Raw cacao is a powerful antioxidant and contains the happy hormone serotonin and phenylethylamine — the chemical released when we're in love. It has wonderful healing properties and eaten in moderation can make us feel good. The purer the chocolate, the better it is for us, so always opt for dark chocolate (over 70 per cent cocoa) and steer clear of over-processed milk and white varieties.
Regulate your hormones: if Easter clashes with your monthly menstruation cycle, it's best to avoid chocolate altogether. The combination of hormones with an overdose of sugar can have a disastrous effect on your skin so treat yourself to a relaxing massage or facial instead — you'll thank yourself later.
Guilt-free chocolate treats
: for a completely guilt-free chocolate indulgence, whip up a super moisturising chocolate face mask that's guaranteed to get your skin glowing without the calories. All you need is 1/3 cocoa powder, three teaspoons of cottage cheese and three tablespoons of heavy dairy cream.
Start your beauty regime: if your beauty regime is yet to begin, now is the time to start ahead of the wedding season. Invest time into a weekly full cleanse, exfoliate, mask, tone, serum, eye cream and moisture routine — getting into the habit of plumping up tired and dehydrated skin will pay off in the long run.
Flush it out: if you simply can't resist the temptation and find yourself in a post-Easter sugar slump, drink plenty of water. Water is the best way to flush out toxins from your body and keep your skin looking fresh.
All photography by Sapphire Pink.
