Activated charcoal is one of those trendy products or ingredients that I was skeptical about at first. Charcoal is great for grilling, but does it really belong on my face? Turns out, activated charcoal is a miracle product that has been used by doctors and beauty experts for thousands of years. And I can proudly say that I am now officially char obsessed!
But, what exactly is activated charcoal?
No, activated charcoal is not the same charcoal you would use at a BBQ (despite what I initially thought). Activated charcoal is typically made from products like wood, bamboo, or—my personal favorite—coconut husks! Materials like these are processed at very high temperatures and exposed to certain gases in a multi-step “activation” process. The end result is a jet-black, powdery substance called char, or activated charcoal.
Now, here are 5 reasons why you should use activated charcoal:
1. Detox
Ingesting activated charcoal is an amazing way to detox the body. It attracts toxins, poisons, and metals and naturally flushes them from the body. So, grab a Charcoal Latte tomorrow morning to detox and caffeinate at the same time!
2. Hangovers
Unfortunately, activated charcoal isn’t an instant cure for that raging hangover. But it will help soak up some of the excess alcohol and toxins that contribute to nasty side effects of a night out! Pick up some activated charcoal and try making this Black Lemonade Hangover Cure next time you drink a little too much.
3. Face Mask
Remove blackheads and other impurities for healthy, glowing skin with an activated charcoal face mask! Here is a DIY Charcoal Face Mask recipe that is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and clean.
4. Hair Loss
Activated charcoal is amazing for your scalp! When used in shampoo and conditioner, it can remove excess oils and dirt—leaving you with healthy, happy hair. Try Surface’s new activated charcoal line for a hydrating clean you can feel. Your scalp with thank you!
5. Teeth Whitening
Want whiter teeth? (Who doesn’t!) Simply brush your teeth with activated charcoal powder once a week to whiten teeth naturally. It can even help prevent cavities and other mouth and gum related diseases. But activated charcoal is mildly abrasive, so don’t use it more than once or twice a week!
❤️ Always!