Activated Charcoal has gotten a pretty strong reputation these days around us acne folk as being the ultimate super-pore-unclogging-acne fighting ingredient. But did you know it can do more than just help to clear out those pesky blackheads? Here are some of the 5 most common uses for activated charcoal.
1- As a Super Charged Face Mask
Did you know that activated charcoal has the ability to absorb up to 200 times its weight in oil? It works by absorbing impurities and excess oil, so your skin won't reabsorb the bad stuff while it's on. Because it is so effective in the treatment of acne, the most common use for activated charcoal is by itself in a paste or with a combination of other ingredients in a DIY mask.
My all-time favorite activated charcoal mask mixture is made by combining the Activated Charcoal Clay Masque from banishacnescars.com with an even amount of Braggs apple cider vinegar. You can feel it getting super deep down into your pores while the vinegar fizzes up into a foamy frothy cloud on your face. Since my skin is fairly sensitive I tend to do this mask at night before bed, so any redness that I may have after removing the mask will completely subside by morning time.
The Activated Charcoal Clay Masque is one of my favorite go-to masks for when I am experiencing a breakout and when I just need something to calm it down a little bit. The breakout I experienced forms together in a little group. Moreover, there was hyperpigmentation and even scarring on my face, which appears like marks, but smooth and soft. It was just the marks that have been left behind from the deep cystic spots. I was also suffering from blackheads as well. The Activated Charcoal Masque targeted those areas, including blackheads and blemishes.
The Activated Charcoal Clay Masque is 25 mL and comes in a powdered form. One of the main reasons that I love this mask is because it contains natural ingredients. It doesn't contain any sulfates, silicones, any dyes, any fragrance - ingredients of the sort that will irritate the skin and make it red or cause even more breakouts.
Suitable for oily, combination, and normal skin types.
2- As a Stain Busting Teeth Whitener
YES! You read that right, activated charcoal can be used not only to scrub out your pores but to scrub out those pearly whites as well! It works as a natural teeth whitener by pulling all of the toxins out of your mouth and removing any surface stains.
To use activated charcoal as a natural teeth whitener, all you need to do is dip a clean wet toothbrush into a bit of activated charcoal. Lean over the tub of activated charcoal with the dipped brush, being sure to stick the toothbrush directly into your mouth (this is because activated charcoal has a tendency to stain just about everything and it's easy to spill). Brush in small circles for about 2-5 minutes, spit carefully and rinse thoroughly. You should notice whiter teeth after the first use, repeat up to 4 times a week or as needed.
3- As a Digestion Aid
Activated charcoal works extremely well to improve digestion by absorbing excess gas, impurities, and toxins as it moves through your GI tract. Again, it is extremely porous and has huge absorption qualities; one single tablespoon of activated charcoal has the ability to cover an entire football field!
To use food-grade activated charcoal take two tablets with a full glass of water an hour before, or an hour after any other food and medication. Activated charcoal is also known to be an emergency poison absorber and hangover reliever, but that doesn't mean you should go mixing it in with aging and scotch(or should we?).
4- As a Ph Balancing Scalp Treatment
If your scalp is oily, irritated, or filled with some good ole dander applying activated charcoal as a hair mask can help to draw out excess dirt and oil while naturally balancing out the ph level of your scalp.
You can create your own DIY detoxifying hair mask by combining equal parts of activated charcoal, bentonite clay, a few drops of tea tree oil, and rosewater in a bowl and then applying to the scalp. Then carefully wrap your hair or cover with a shower cap and after twenty minutes rinse thoroughly. Repeat once a week or as often as needed!
5- As a Naturally Antibacterial Deodorant
I bet you didn't know activated charcoal could be used head to toe did ya? It Isn't just detoxifying, it's naturally antibacterial and anti-fungal which make it a great option for a natural deodorant. If You're running low on DEO or just looking for something more natural to use, why not give it a go?
Some great brands Schmidt's charcoal and magnesium deodorant stick andAlaffia natural deodorant with activated charcoal and coconut lavender. You could also try making your own pit paste by mixing some activated charcoal with water if you're looking to get extra adventurous with your charcoal endeavors.
As you can see, activated charcoal has about 101 uses, so if you're looking to squeeze every dollar out of your tub you have sitting around in your bathroom cabinet or just want to try something new, give one of these unconventional methods a try!
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