Lynette Johnstone (centre) and daughters Celine (left) and Jodie indulge in chocolate facials as part of the Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, during their holiday away from Christchurch yesterday. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery.

Melted chocolate soothes the skin, those being pampered in Dunedin are discovering.

Blocks of Cadbury Old Gold dark chocolate are being warmed up and slathered on faces as part of this week's Dunedin Cadbury Chocolate Carnival.

The $110 Antipodes honeycomb chocolate facial at Erban Spa in Roslyn has attracted residents and visitors alike, keen to indulge in something different.

Spa supervisor Rachael Parker said each day this week a few people had requested the facial, one of three chocolate-themed treatments available.

Among the chocolate advocates were Lynette Johnstone, of Christchurch, and her daughters Celine (16) and Jodie (17).

They succumbed to the allure of cocoa and its skin-beautifying antioxidants while on holiday in Dunedin yesterday.

''It's quite soothing,'' Jodie said.

Their skin was cleansed and exfoliated, then layered with a honey mask and melted chocolate, which was left to soak in before being brushed off with warm towels.

The Johnstones enhanced their chocolate experience with a Cadbury World tour. They plan to attend today's Jaffa race in Baldwin St.

- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz