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.
