Benefits And Uses Of Activated Charcoal

The buzz around the black magic powder called "Activated Charcoal" refuses to die down. It's omnipresent in beauty and personal care products and is showing up in food more and more. So, what's the reason behind its immense popularity? And how does one use activated charcoal for health and beauty benefits? Flummoxed? Fashion Tourist decides to dig deeper to find out about the benefits and uses of Activated Charcoal.

What is Activated Charcoal?
The first ever recorded use of activated charcoal was by Egyptians to draw benefits of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Also, known as activated carbon, it is primarily made by charring of wood bark like willow, coal or coconut shell with controlled temperatures and exposing the char to steam activation or chemical activation method. The most easiest way to buy activated charcoal is in the form of capsules or powder from a reputed source. There are many beauty products available in the market that help you enjoy the benefits of activated charcoal.

We love using the charcoal soap from Soulflower made with activated bamboo charcoal, olive and castor oil, coconut and tea tree oil.

What Are The Beauty Benefits of Activated Charcoal?

There are many health and beauty benefits of activated charcoal- a known antidote for poison, bringing relief from gas and curing a hangover.

Lets look at a few beauty benefits of activated charcoal:

Get Rid Of Acne: Application of activated charcoal helps clear our complexion by absorbing impurities and dirt that clog the pores of the skin. Make a soothing mask out of activated charcoal and aloe vera gel and apply all over the face. When the mask feels dry to touch, rinse with lukewarm water. The mask also helps get rid of stubborn black heads and white heads. Scrub the nose with a warm washcloth after washing off the mask to get rid of blackheads.

For Whiter Teeth: Activated charcoal helps eliminated coffee/tea stains from teeth, helping you with whiter teeth and a brighter smile. Just combine a small quantity of activated charcoal with your regular toothpaste and brush. Do take care to use gentle motion as activated charcoal can be a bit abrasive.

An Effective Body Scrub: For years, activated charcoal is popular for its deep cleansing properties. Make an organic body scrub with extra virgin olive/coconut oil, brown sugar and a small quantity of activated charcoal powder. Apply in circular motion all over body and rinse. Follow with a soothing moisturizer.

Minimize Pores: Activated Charcoal helps bring impurities to the surface and tighten pores on application. Mix activated charcoal powder with enough egg white to make a thick paste and apply all over face and neck area. Wash off after 15 minutes with lukewarm water.

Are There Any Negative Effects?
Using activated charcoal on small quantities is not harmful. But always buy from a reputed source and test a small portion first for allergies. Consult your dermatologist before usage. Buy a small quantity first to get use to activated charcoal.