All About Charcoal

Have you noticed activated charcoal is growing in popularity in skincare and beauty products these days?

We did too! Although it is becoming more prevalent, activated charcoal is no newcomer when it comes to health and beauty. Charcoal has been used for years and is best knows for its ability to draw out impurities and toxins- making it a cleansing powerhouse in the skincare world.

It is important to know straight away that activated charcoal is NOT the same thing as charcoal for your grill or charred wood from the fire. Please don’t attempt to substitute or make your own!

So what makes it "activated"?

Activated charcoal consists of a natural material-usually bamboo, wood or coconut shell—burned without oxygen to create char. The char is then activated by a high temperature steam process, which increases the charcoals surface area giving it the ability to absorb like a magnet! True activated charcoal is odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic.

How do we use it?

Well- in our cold process soap, activated charcoal is added not just for its luxurious black color, but to add deep clarifying properties- making it the perfect choice for someone with oily skin. Cleansing with an activated charcoal soap (like our Cedar + Stout or Charcoal + Eucalyptus) will leave your skin feeling squeaky clean and balanced. Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet, drawing out impurities, oil, toxins and helps dissolve hardened sebum (oil deposits) from your skin. Because activated charcoal draws so much oil from the skin, it is not the best choice for someone with dry skin as it may leave your skin feeling tight and dry your skin further.

What are other great uses for activated charcoal?

Toothpaste and whitening:

Activated Charcoal is ideal for whitening your teeth and cleansing your mouth! Dip a clean, wet toothbrush into a small amount of powdered activated charcoal (or empty a capsule of charcoal on the toothbrush). Lean over the container of charcoal and quickly put the charcoal covered toothbrush in your mouth (this is to protect your sink). Brush in small, gentle circles for 2 minutes, spit carefully and rinse really well. You can also melt a small amount of coconut oil and add charcoal and baking soda to create a paste if desired!

Cleanse your hair:

Activated charcoal can be added in very small amounts to your current shampoo to thoroughly cleanse and purify your hair. Simply add about 1/2 teaspoon to your current shampoo, gently massage into wet hair and rinse well. This is great to help remove buildup from hair products and reduces oil on your scalp. Just be sure to rinse well!

Face Masks:

Activated Charcoal is perfect to use in face masks since it draws out impurities, oils and toxins like a champ! For drier skin types, be sure to add a small amount of a moisturizing oil to your face mask, or reduce the time you let it set by at least half to avoid over drying your skin.

Make your own detoxifying face mask by blending-

1 tsp. activated charcoal

2 tsp. warm water

1/2 tsp. raw, local honey

a few drops of tea tree essential oil (optional)

Blend all ingredients well and apply to your face generously avoiding the delicate eye area and mouth. Let set and dry for about 10 minutes and rinse well with warm water.

Facial Cleanser:

You can easily create your own detoxifying face cleanser by simply adding a 1/2 tsp. of activated charcoal to your favorite facial cleanser, gently scrub your face and rinse well. We will be soon developing a liquid facial cleanser with activated charcoal- so you can use ours when it launches!

Supplement for gut health:

Activated charcoal can cleanse and detoxify your gut too! There are a variety of activated charcoal supplements available that can be taken daily to help remove toxins and improve gastrointestinal health. As always- consult with your doctor before beginning any supplemental regimen as it may not be appropriate for all- especially if pregnant or nursing.

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All About Charcoal

So what makes it "activated"?

How do we use it?

What are other great uses for activated charcoal?

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