6 amazing benefits of activated charcoal

• September 6, 2020

Activated charcoal has been around for centuries, back in the days of ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians. It has always been used for its deodorizing, preserving and purifying benefits. From preventing rot in wood construction, to anti-bacterial use in wet areas, it was also used to preserve and purify water.  

These days activated charcoal has been a major component in the skincare industry thanks to amazing anti-bacterial and cleansing properties, giving the overall effect of a more smooth and refined appearance to whatever we use it for. By attracting toxins and drawing them away from the skin, charcoal acts like a magnet that cleans away all impurities from your face, leaving your pores free from excess sebum and dead skin cells.

What is it?

Activated charcoal is a fine, odorless, black powder often used in emergency rooms to treat overdoses or poisoning. Its toxin-absorbing properties have a wide range of medicinal uses for kidney health, intestinal gas, water filtration, teeth whitening and oral care, and skin care.

It is extremely adsorbent, allowing it to bind to molecules, ions, or atoms. Making activated charcoal involves heating carbon-rich materials, such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or sawdust, to very high temperatures.

How does it work for hair and skin?

Because toxins stick to the activated charcoal, it makes a good deep cleanser and detoxifier. It is also being used for internal detox, in supplements and juices (like activated charcoal lemonade) and even to whiten teeth.

We have found 6 amazing results for skin when using this “black magic” ingredient.

1. Rescue from pollution

Throughout the day, toxins from the pollution around us clog our pores, ruining our complexion. Activated charcoal binds to dirt and helps pull it out of your pores, making them less visible. This leaves your face feeling fresh. A face mask or an exfoliating scrub will get the dead skin off and give you a deep clean.

2. Balancing oily skin

Oily skin? Activated charcoal may be just the ingredient you need to balance things out. Used in a cleanser or mask, activated charcoal can pull the unwanted excess oils from your skin, leaving it smooth. Doing this once or twice per week at the most will get you the best results.

3. Healing sensitive or irritated skin

For minor skin ailments–including insect bites, stings, cuts, scrapes and infections, activated charcoal can be applied topically to help speed the healing and relieve the symptoms. The activated charcoal, when applied as a paste, helps absorb venom and infection. It will also bring down swelling and lessen pain.

4. Reducing acne

Depending on the specifics of your acne, charcoal may be able to help. In soap form, it’s slightly gritty, which might provide the gentle exfoliating you need. It will also absorb oils and toxins that gather below the skin. You can use it as a spot treatment if you don’t want to use it on your whole face: just take a bit of your mask and apply it on your blemish instead of your whole face.

5. Deep cleansing

You want to use an activated cleanser as much as possible without drying out your face. With a little research you can find the perfect one for your skin, by trying out the many brands that are found in your pharmacy or drugstore. Some may be a little more powerful than others; don’t use these ones daily, as you don’t want to soak up the healthy oils and moisture your skin needs.

6. Detoxifying for hair

A shampoo with activated charcoal can gently detox by attracting dirt and oil which is then washed away. It will also treat your scalp and help you get rid of dandruff. And because it’s gentle, it won’t disrupt your hair’s natural moisture levels, leaving you with luscious locks that have more volume.

So the next time you feel that your hair and skin need a helping hand, you better get some of that “black magic” powder and use it all over. Let us know how fresh you look after!