Sunday, September 17, 2017

Activated Charcoal - A Boon!


Hello Everyone,

Did you know that activated charcoal can be applied over our skin for its beauty benefits and it has health benefits too?

What..?? You said "No"?

Well, well, well……Then you are on the right place because today we are going to discuss about this only.  Yes! There are numerous health and beauty benefits of activated charcoal.  Before proceeding further with its benefits, let’s discuss what Activated charcoal is!


Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is made from a regular carbon which is heated and further highly processed to enhance its natural ability to adsorb and is presumably the most powerful adsorbent known to man.  It is made from a variety of sources such as wood, coconut shells, coal etc. Activated charcoal is a fine black powder that is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.

Activated charcoal has been used in hospitals as a treatment for acute poisonings for years; it is used as a “Universal Antidote.”  Some Emergency Rooms dispense bulky doses of activated charcoal for certain types of poisoning or drug overdoses, as chemicals (mostly organic) that have been ingested will stick to it and then it will be pulled out from the body.

One thing to keep in mind is that activated charcoal is not a typical charcoal used in your barbecue grill! Barbecue charcoal is full of toxins and chemicals; activated charcoal is not!  So, please do not use Barbecue charcoal and be very selective while purchasing any activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal comes in capsules and powder form, and it depends on you what you want to use.  If you ask me the difference between them, so let me tell you that there is no major difference.  The primary difference between activated charcoal powder and activated charcoal capsules is the “price.”  Activated charcoal powder is cheaper than the activated charcoal capsules. So it’s totally up to you if you want to go with capsules or powder.  I am using “Healthvit Activated Charcoal Powder” and its cost is 350/- (INR) for 250 gram.

Activated charcoal is a natural supplement and has a number of health and beauty benefits.  So here is the list, just read on and find out.

1.  Water Purification:  Have you ever noticed those tiny black particles that are used in water filters?  Yeah, that is nothing, but an Activated charcoal.  The superior adsorption qualities of activated charcoal tend to make it in-demand for water filters.  When the water passes through the charcoal filter, the impurities are trapped in the charcoal’s deep pores to give you filtered water.  It is also found in air filters for purification.  You can say that it is one of best purifiers out there.

2.  Reduces Bloating/Gas:  There were studies that conducted to determine the benefits of activated charcoal in treating abdominal bloating, but the effectiveness is not yet clear.  However, one of the studies that were published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology revealed that activated charcoal reduces abdominal cramps and symptoms of bloating.  And it was also stated that the selective use of activated charcoal may be helpful.

3.  Whiten your Teeth:  I would say that it’s an ancient Indian practice to use charcoal for brushing your teeth.  Activated charcoal can help to a great extent to whiten your teeth while enhancing good oral health by balancing the pH level in your mouth, thus helping to prevent things that cause cavities, bad breath, and gum diseases.  But, make sure not to use it excessively because it will wear away the enamel layer of teeth which then lead to sensitivity and loss of tooth structure.  Apart from that, it’s completely safe, inexpensive and natural substitute that will give you whiter smile just in few weeks.  Even toothpaste companies are adding activated charcoal to their products, one of such brand is “Colgate.”  So if you don’t want to make yourself a grill ;-) with this charcoal powder, then you can opt for toothpaste too that contains activated charcoal in it.

  DIY Recipe:
  • Take toothpaste on the toothbrush.  Dip this into activated charcoal powder or sprinkle some charcoal powder onto the toothpaste and brush your teeth as usual.  Rinse well.  For best results, follow these steps two-three times per week.

4.  Improves Skin:  Activated charcoal has detoxification properties so it helps to pulls out all the impurities from your skin, giving you a flawless complexion.  The beauty market is flooded with lots of beauty and makeup products, wherein charcoal is the main ingredient.  The benefits you can get from adding a charcoal mask in your skincare routine are rid of blackheads, whiteheads, acne, rashes, and scars and even it delays the signs of aging.  Activated charcoal is great for acne-prone skin.  It helps in unclogging the pores, uneven skin pigmentation and lightening armpits as well.  An activated charcoal face mask will leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed.  It can also be used as eyeliner.  The best part is that it is suitable to all types of skin.  No breakouts at all.  I myself am using this for months and I am loving it. :-)

  DIY Recipes:
  • Mix a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder, a teaspoon of Fuller’s Earth (Multani mitti), few drops of raw honey along with essential oil (optional) and a required amount of water to make a paste. Apply it all over the face, leave it for 15-20 minutes, let it dry and then wash it off.  Moisturize and enjoy your fresh skin! :-)
  • Mix a teaspoon of charcoal with a tablespoon of honey/lemon juice/Aloe Vera juice.  Then apply the prepared mask all over your face.  Keep it on for about 10-15 minutes and then rinse well.  Don't forget to moisturize.
    [You can use the same mask to lighten your armpits too.  Mix a teaspoon of charcoal with a tablespoon of a honey well.  Clean and dry your armpits.  Apply the paste and leave it on for 20 minutes.  Later, rinse it off. Do this as often as you can to get the best results!]

From skin care to detox, teeth whitening and beyond, "Activated Charcoal is a "Star Player."  Activated charcoal is a fine black powder, making it extremely messy.  But, trust me, it’s worth it.  Activated charcoal does not produce results immediately, but it works over time.

Disclaimer:  As with any skin care regimen, always do a patch test first to see if your skin is allergic to any of the ingredients. Everyone's skin is different so results can vary from person to person.  Please discontinue use if your skin does not react well to the regimen.

Have you used activated charcoal before?  How you use it? What has been your experience? Let me know in the comment section below.

Stay Blessed, Be Happy..!! :-)
Preeti

110 comments:

  1. Gonna use it further..thnx...n nice post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Nilima,
      Good to see you here. Sure, go ahead and let me know if it works for you.

      Thanks!

      Preeti

      Delete
  2. Activated charcoal has been in quite a few beauty products I use, mostly for skincare, and I always wondered exactly what the benefits are. Enjoyed your post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Nicole, Thanks a bunch for jumping in here. :-)
      Nice to hear that you are already using beauty products with activated charcoal in it. It worked for me. Hope it worked for you too.
      I am glad you enjoyed the post. :-)

      Thanks again. Happy blogging!

      Preeti

      Delete
  3. Wow! I don't know much about charcoal. Thanks for such informative post. Love your blog.
    Vist my blog: www.voodly.in

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You’re very welcome Shweta. :-)
      I am so pleased you love my blog.
      Yeah, I am certainly going to visit your blog.

      Thanks for stopping by. Happy blogging!

      Preeti

      Delete
  4. I have seen the charcoal trend but had NO idea what it did until now ;) Thanks for all the info, maybe I will hop on the bandwagon :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Julia, I am glad this post has helped. :-)
      Well, if in case you will hop on the banwagan ;P then do let me know how you use it and if it worked for you.

      Watch this space for updates.
      Thanks again. Happy blogging!

      Preeti

      Delete
  5. I have also seen charcoal trend but thanks really helped

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Olayinka, I am happy you found this post helpful.

      Thank you for stopping by!

      Preeti

      Delete
  6. Have heard of Activated charcoal but has never used it. I think I will try one already. Thanks and you've got a beautiful post and well structured.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Wanban, you're welcome and thank you so much for leaving such comment. :-) I really appreciate it. Yeah I recommend just give it a try once and you wont regret it.

      Thanks again. Happy blogging!

      Preeti

      Delete
  7. I don't know about this thing before. It looks like it gonna be work definitely.
    Thank you for sharing this article!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ashutosh, I am happy this post has helped. :-)
      Yeah, trust me, it works.

      Watch this space for updates. Thank you for the comment.

      Preeti.

      Delete
  8. This is something new for me to read. Well thanks for informing that charcoal can be useful for beauty too

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad you found it useful. Watch this space for future updates.
      Thanks.

      Preeti

      Delete
  9. nice post i am not the beauty/fashion type but you have done a graete job will recommend your blog for my female friends

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Muideen, thank you so much. :-) For this kind act, I will be grateful to you.
      Thanks!

      Preeti

      Delete
  10. I'm Really considering trying it for my skin. Didn't know it so many health benefits! Great read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello anissa4334,
      Nice to hear that this post has helped you. Yeah go ahead, try it and let me know how it worked for you. Thank you.

      Preeti

      Delete
  11. Really helpful post, I will definitely use the technique. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Radif Rahman,
      I am gald this post has helped you. Yeah sure, go ahead and use the above techniques. Thanks!

      Preeti

      Delete
  12. Please can you provide me more updates about this topic??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Kareem,
      I am pleased you have asked this question.

      Well, as the way activated charcoal works on your skin; similarly, it can get rid of hair impurities too. There are shampoos out there with activated charcoal in it. It adds volume to your hair. You don’t even need to buy an extra product for volume boosting; the shampoo does this on its own. You can find regular and dry shampoos that contains activated charcoal.

      It is also helpful in treating minor skin infections such as bug bites, bee stings, scrapes. Activated charcoal can be applied topically for such reasons.

      People claim that it helps in cholesterol reduction, though I am unsure about this. There are drink companies that have launched juice products with activated charcoal in it and to be honest, I have not tried any of them yet. Many people also use activated charcoal to prevent hangovers.

      In-spite of having number of pros, it has cons too. Activated charcoal can bind a lot of different things, so if you are on any medication, make sure not to use activated charcoal as it will bind that too and you will not get benefit of your medication.
      Along with this, overdosing of activated charcoal can lead to constipation and black stools.

      Hope this helps. :-)
      Thank you for stopping by. Stay tuned.

      Cheers

      Preeti

      Delete
  13. AS A NEW BLOG THIS ARTICLE IS BLAST THANKS FOR SHARING

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Health tips, thank you so much for the kind words. This means a lot. :-)

      Watch this space for future updates.

      Preeti

      Delete
  14. Very interesting! I have heard of this method but didn't know much about it. Thanks for posting this information!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Jenna, thank you for stopping by. I am glad this post has helped you and you found it interesting.
      Thanks again!
      Watch this space for future updates.

      Preeti

      Delete
  15. Quite an informative article....Didnt know most of it. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Pooja, nice to hear you found it useful.
      Thank you. Stay tuned.

      Preeti

      Delete
  16. thank you for sharing - I didn't realize all of this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Lauren,
      Thanks for dropping the comment. :-) Watch this space for future updates.

      Preeti

      Delete
  17. This is a valuable info with. Will definitely try this! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Ann,
      Happy to hear you found this valuable. Sure, go ahead and give it a try.
      Cheers!

      Preeti

      Delete
  18. I do not know much about these things. But I believe that what you are sharing is very useful for many people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Minh, thank you for dropping by. Yeah I personally have tried and tested this so I can say that it is useful.

      Cheers

      Preeti

      Delete
  19. I had no idea on most of these uses of charcoal. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Tracey, I am glad this post has helped you.
      Thank you for stopping by. Watch this space for future updates.

      Preeti

      Delete
  20. Informative content thanks for sharing us that type of great information

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Nikhil, nice to here that this post has helped.
      Thanks for the comment. Stay tuned.

      Preeti.

      Delete
  21. Thanks a lot for a wonderful description & information about such a small topic. Activate Charcoal is very useful product. Most of us are using it on daily basis as well, bt we are unable to recognize it from our products. But now with this brief information we will try to find out the substance & even we will try to include the products containing activated charcoal on our daily use..

    Hearty thanks once again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Mr. Khobragade, you're very welcome.
      I am glad that you found this post useful. Thank you for the constructive comment. I really appreciate it.

      Thanks again. Stay tuned.

      Preeti

      Delete
  22. Its a Nice Post with very informatical Content 🌹🙌🏻 I like ist very much 🤗

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Jasmin,
      I am glad this post has helped you and you liked it.
      Have a nice time ahead!

      Preeti

      Delete
  23. Knowing abt charcol in descriptive manner is amazing. Thnx for sharing ur knowledge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Anurag,
      Thank you for your kind comment.
      Stay tuned.

      Preeti

      Delete
  24. You're right, charcoal can be so helpful as a beauty regimen. I tried the DIY peel off face mask that was so popular and it actually helped! And to whiten my teeth occasionally. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Dianna,
      Thank you. It sounds great that it worked for you too. It is, ofcourse, one of the nice product to try.
      Thank you for stopping by.

      Preeti

      Delete
  25. I have used charcoal to treat stomach infections and it's worked well and I have also heard a lot about the numerous benefits of charcoal but didn't know about it as a facial mask. I am going to try it as I have very problematic skin.
    Blessings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Vivian,
      Nice to hear that it worked well for you to treat stomach infections. And yeah, it is ofcourse one of the nice product to try for your skin issues too. I do recommend it, go ahead and try it (don't forget to do a patch test).
      Thank you for dropping by.

      Preeti

      Delete
  26. This is interesting, don't know much about charcoal (except we used it for grilling in my province). Thank you for sharing. You made me Googled charcoal usage. Lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Crisly, nice to see you here again.
      I am glad this post has helped you and made you googled charcoal usage ;-)

      Thank you for stopping by.

      Preeti

      Delete
  27. The armpit lightening tip is news to me. How fascinating.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dr. Cohen,
      I am glad this post has helped and you enjoyed it. Thank you for dropping by.

      Preeti

      Delete
  28. Hi, thank you for the info. I will use activated charcoal for my face mask. Especially because it has been already available in my house. My daughter bough the product for her face skin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Melani,
      Sounds good that its already available in your house, you don't need to spend extra bucks on this now ;-) Go ahead and use it. Thank you for the comment.

      Preeti

      Delete
  29. Really interesting post - thank you. It's the first time I've ever heard of activated charcoal! x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey,
      I am pleased you found this post useful. Watch this space for future updates.
      Thanks!

      Preeti

      Delete
  30. Was not aware the same thing they give a person when they overdose has amazing benefits for your skin. Will have to try one of your DIY recipes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah it actually has such amazing benefits Debbye! You must try it once. I bet you won’t regret using it.
      Thank you for the comment.

      Preeti

      Delete
  31. I was not aware carbon was used as much. I am definitely going to check my products. Sounds like it’s very useful. Thank you I enjoyed this

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Roger,
      I am glad you enjoyed this! Yeah its really useful. As I said “it’s a star player.”
      Thank you for stopping by.

      Preeti

      Delete
  32. I'm definitely trying the DIY recipe for face mask. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Khushia,
      Sure go ahead and try this. Thank you for the comment.
      Stay tuned.

      Preeti

      Delete
  33. Never knew activated charcoal had so many health benefits thanks for sharing - I now will look out for better use

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Menaka,
      I am happy this post has helped. Watch this space for future updates.
      Thanks!

      Preeti

      Delete
  34. Replies
    1. You can get it from Amazon. Click on the "Healthvit Activated Charcoal Powder" above and you'll be directed to the Amazon site.
      Thank you for stopping by!

      Preeti

      Delete
  35. This was a super interesting post! I've seen so much hype about charcoal masks, toothpaste, etc.. And I always wondered how it could possibly be healthy, let a lone whiten teeth haha. Thanks for this information! Definitely saving it for later!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Gabriella,
      I am glad this post has helped. Thank you for visiting the site. Watch this space for future updates.

      Preeti

      Delete
  36. Informative article. Good to learn about the health benefits of activated charcoal. Here they also have it as a yogurt soft serve flavor. It's a bit intimidating eating something THAT black. And As you know that what comes in is going to come out. So, when it's time for you to go, your poo will come out BLACK. Sorry! Don't mean to gross anyone out! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Herlina,
      I am pleased you found this useful. Yes! In fact there are drink companies that have launched juice products with activated charcoal in it, but yeah I haven’t tried any of them yet.
      No problem; don't be sorry, that’s a fact. ;-)
      Thank you for the constructive comment.

      Preeti

      Delete
  37. I haven't used activated charcoal as yet, but going by all the benefits you have stated here, I guess, I will surely give it a try. I liked its use for dental care and skin care.
    Thank you for this post, Preeti!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You’re very welcome Shilpa. I am happy this post has worked for you. Sure go ahead and give it a try. I'm certain you will like it.
      Watch this space for future updates.

      Preeti

      Delete
  38. I have an activated charcoal face wash I use every day in the shower. I've never had such soft pretty skin before in my life and I definitely swear by it! I'm wanting to try it for my teeth as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Sab Fox,
      Nice to hear that its working so well for you too. This is really a great product. Sure try it for bleaching teeth as well. I am sure you will like it.
      Thank you for dropping the comment!

      Preeti

      Delete
  39. As a doctor , I was aware of most of the uses that you listed ,I think you have really made a very comprehensive and easy to understand list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Preeti,
      Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate the comment.
      Have a nice time ahead.

      Preeti

      Delete
  40. Great post, I had no idea there were so many uses for activated charcoal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Monica,
      I am happy this post has helped you. Thank you. :-)
      Stay tuned!

      Preeti

      Delete
  41. I just actually bought activated charcoal for the first time a few weeks ago! But you've given me some new ideas for it - thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Kristen,
      I am thrilled you found this useful. Now you can use the product that you have already bought.
      Have a happy skin care!

      Preeti

      Delete
  42. Wow a lot of uses for this substance. I need to try it on my skin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah it has a number of uses. I do recommend to try it once.
      Thank you for visiting my space!

      Preeti

      Delete
  43. Hi Preeti,

    I am really excited to see this charcoal on my girlfriend face as she is pretty but due to sun tan she is now frustrated. She can get her glow again with this activated charcoal. \

    Thank You,
    Rahul Sharma

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Rahul,
      Sure let her know about this product and its uses. I bet she will like this and will try too.
      Have a great time ahead.

      Preeti

      Delete
  44. I love using activated charcoal products! I have been using this facewash from a brand called Inatur and it works wonders for my skin. Never tried the actual powder though :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Khushboo,
      I haven’t tried inatur yet, but I've heard it’s a great product and activate charcoal always do wonders for skin. You can try the powder too if you wish to.
      Thank you for dropping by!

      Preeti

      Delete
  45. I just can't look. It's killing me. But it's just the price I pay. Open up your eagle eye, activated charcoal is amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Angela,
      Indeed it is amazing! Thank you for the comment.
      Have a nice time ahead.

      Preeti

      Delete
  46. I have heard of this. Particularly for whitening teeth. I'm still weary of using it though....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Louisa,
      In that case, have some coffee and drive away your weariness ;-)
      You should give this amazing stuff a try once. You'll definitely going to like it.

      Preeti

      Delete
  47. I have heard about this but have not tried it . Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Then you should try it once, Anna. I bet you' ll love it.
      Welcome for sharing. Stay tuned.

      Preeti

      Delete
  48. I have been seeing activated charcoal everywhere and for so many different used! It is all very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Recently most of the skin, teeth and hair care products have actively started to use charcoal in their products, and to be honest initially the dark color did put me off, however upon usage i realized its true benefits.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh yes, I've heard so much about activated charcoal for beauty, but didn't knew that it was a boon for teeth whitening as well.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Great post! I knew of several internal and external applications of activated charcoal but some of these were news to me!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I've been using it on my teeth since summer, and as a clay mask but I never put much thought into a DIY approach. I think I will start! My bff did charcoal to try to induce labor so for a while that freaked me out!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Awesome! I was not aware that activated charcoal has got much more benefits. Very informative post. I'll definitely try the charcoal face mask. :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Yes..activated charcoal had many medicinal properties.... beautiful write-up..very informative..

    ReplyDelete
  55. I have heard of the benefits but never really much about it. Book marking this to come back to!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love the wonders that charcoal does to my face!!!! I use masks with it all the time!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Been hearing a lot on charcoal toothpaste, not sure does it work. But i believe DIY products are much cheaper than products outside, definitely worth a try!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Very informative I had no idea about its other benefits except for absorption because I used it in my thesis. Lol who knew 👍🏻

    ReplyDelete
  59. I've seen so much about the benefits of activated charcoal lately, but have never used it myself. Sounds like a need to soon!

    ReplyDelete
  60. What?? Activated charcoal does all this? I had no idea and was literally hoping from one pharmacy to another looking for skin care products. Thank you for teaching me about this. Time to switch to activated charcoal.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Some people favor charcoal over gas because they are simple to transfer and much safer to use than the one that is gas. While there might be differences in attitude and fondness among the people using it. char broil 4 burner gas grill 2019

    ReplyDelete

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