Activated Charcoal is a popular beauty ingredient used in a variety of products. But why do people use activated charcoal? It’s because of the many benefits of Activated Charcoal in your beauty routine. It can help your skin and hair in a variety of ways. This product is also all-natural, so there are no worries about harmful chemicals on your body. If you’re interested in trying out activated charcoal and want to know the different ways to do so, read on!

What is Activated Charcoal?

Simply put, activated charcoal is a pure carbon. It’s made from wood, peat, debris, coconut shells, or other sources of carbon. It becomes activated in one of two ways.

Physical Activation

The carbon is activated by heating the source to a temperature of 600 to 900 degrees Celsius. This is done using hot gases in an inert atmosphere, such as argon or nitrogen. Once it has reached the right temperature, it is ready for the next step. This is to reintroduce the carbonized materials into an oxidizing atmosphere. This is also done at a very high temperature. The result is a fine, black powder that is has a large surface area full of tiny pores.

Chemical Activation

This method is similar to the physical activation with one major difference. Before heating the carbon, there is an acid, a salt, or a strong base added. When this is done, the carbonation and activation happen at a lower temperature. But the results are the same, with a fine, black, porous powder being the finished product.

How Does Activated Charcoal Work?

Activated charcoal is full of tiny pores. This makes it the perfect product to trap unwanted toxins. But it doesn’t absorb those little particles. Instead, it traps the little devils on its large surface area. This is called adsorption. This ability is perfect for use on your skin and hair since it helps trap oils, bacteria, and toxins clinging to you.

Ways to Use Activated Charcoal in Your Beauty Routine

#1 – Activated Charcoal for Anti-Aging: 

This is the only one on our list that involves taking the activated charcoal internally. This is because the toxins we take into our body can affect our cellular activity. The food we eat is the most common cause of damage. The unhealthier it is, the worse harm it can do to our bodies. But this isn’t the only thing causing premature aging. Toxins in the air and the water can also contribute to this unnecessary occurrence. Left unchecked, this can lead to wrinkles and age spots at best, and illness and disease at worst. To keep that youthful glow, all you need to do is take a couple of activated charcoal capsules. You don’t need to do this every day. It’s only necessary when you’re exposed to unhealthy foods or a toxic environment.

#2 – Activated Charcoal Face Mask:

Whether you are buying your face mask or making it at home, using activated charcoal can improve any mix. To make your own mask at home, you only need three ingredients. The first is activated charcoal. Mix it with some bentonite clay and aloe vera gel until it is a wet, lumpy paste. Then apply it to your clean face and let it do its magic for a max of ten minutes. Like most masks, you only need to use it once or twice a month to keep your skin clear and gorgeous.

#3 – Exfoliating Activating Charcoal Body Scrub:

When our skin cells die, we need to remove them so they don’t clog our pores and dull our skin’s healthy glow. Activated charcoal in a body scrub can remove those dead cells. This also helps to prevent breakouts since any bacteria won’t be trapped beneath them. You can buy a body scrub containing activated charcoal powder or make your own. All you need to add to the charcoal are sugar and coconut oil. You can even throw in some of your favorite essential oils for a fantastic fragrance.

#4 – Activated Charcoal for Clearing up Acne: 

Some believe that since activated charcoal absorbs toxins, it should help treat acne. Unfortunately, there is no real evidence to support these claims. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it, though. Activated charcoal absorbs oil, dirt, and other toxins so could help to control acne. It’s also an all-natural, inert product. This means it won’t cause any allergic reactions, no matter how sensitive your skin is. Plus, the rest of the ingredients in the mask, cleanser, or scrub you’re using will only add to the benefits.

#5 – Activated Charcoal Soap:

Charcoal soap is another way to cleanse your face of oil and dirt. This is especially true for those with oily skin since the charcoal will absorb the excess. There are many types for sale or you can make your own at home. The beauty of DIY charcoal soaps is that you can make a dozen or so at a time, so you don’t need to do it very often. Since the process takes so long and needs a number of ingredients, more is always better. This way, you have a large supply that could last for well over a year.

#6 – Activated Charcoal Peel: 

If you prefer a peel to a mask, this is also an option to clear up blemishes and leave your skin smooth and glowing. Since the activated charcoal draws out the dirt and oils, it can also help shrink those pores. This makes it harder for the bacteria to get inside and cause blemishes. There are activated charcoal peel-off masks available to buy or you could make your own at home. It only takes two ingredients and a bit of your time. And if you add this peel to your skin care routine twice a week, your oily skin will no longer be an issue.

#7 – Activated Charcoal Facial Cleanser: 

Using a daily cleanser made with activated charcoal will wash away any impurities. But the great thing about this one is that it can also be used to wash away any makeup with the dirt and oil. Since activated charcoal pills are sold everywhere, they are easy to find. Then add some coconut oil for hydration. Baking soda also helps as an extra exfoliant. Mix in a couple of your favorite essential oils for their scent and extra benefits, and you’re ready to go. It only takes a few minutes for this cleanser to work, so it doesn’t even take up much of your time.

#8 – Activated Charcoal Pore Strips:

Blackheads are little bumps caused by the clogging of the small hair follicles on your skin. The clogs usually consist of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt that collects in the follicle’s opening. The bump can either stay closed and become a whitehead or open up and turn black from exposure to air. Though they may look like regular acne, these blackheads are rather hard to get rid of. You could try a mask or scrub, but the best course of action is to use a facial peel. These can be localized to the area that needs treatment. Activated charcoal is the most common ingredient in commercial and home strips. It is totally natural and can trap any dirt and oil hiding in your skin.

#9 – Activated Charcoal Detox Bath:

Taking a weekly detox bath can cleanse your body of all the toxins it has picked up throughout the last seven days. But you can’t just dump the activated charcoal in on its own for it to work properly. Bentonite clay is negatively charged, so can pull the toxins out and absorb them. Epsom salts are a naturally occurring mineral compound. They reduce inflammation and can help ease migraine headaches. They are also great for flushing out toxins from your body. Regular salt is also rich in minerals that are essential for your body. And the activated charcoal absorbs poison and toxins. This helps to reduce bloating, lowers cholesterol, and can even help with a hangover. After soaking in this mixture, your body will feel clean and fresh on the outside, and even better on the inside.

#10 – Activated Charcoal Makeup:

Beauty products aren’t regulated by the FDA. This means cosmetic companies can add pretty much anything they want to them. Many of the products claiming to be all-natural aren’t actually as good as you may think. Anything from fragrance to formaldehyde to carcinogens could be lurking in them. For something a bit safer, you could try using activated charcoal as an alternative. For eyeshadow, you only need to brush a bit onto your lid, creating a smoky effect. If you want to use a bit of liner, just dip your brush in water first, then mix it in a bit of the powder. A careful stroke and you have a perfect thin line. Best of all, aside from the charcoal and water, you don’t need any other ingredients.

#11 – Activated Charcoal Hair Mask: 

While using facial masks on your skin may seem obvious, don’t forget to try one out on your hair. Activated charcoal has a few amazing benefits to keep your hair looking its best. It can detoxify, removing buildup. A mask can also treat damage and split ends, add moisture, and improve growth. If you’d like to try out a hair mask, mix together the activated charcoal, some baking soda, and a bit of water. Then massage it gently into your scalp so it can deep clean the oiliest area. You can do this on wet or dry hair, and then leave it for 20 to 30 minutes to absorb any impurities.

#12 – Activated Charcoal Shampoo:

Another way to rid your hair of oil and dirt is to use a shampoo that contains activated charcoal. You can choose from regular or dry shampoos, though the dry may stain lighter colored hair. Either way, the charcoal will clear out those unwanted particles whenever you use it. If you would prefer to stick to your regular shampoo, you can also add a bit of activated charcoal powder to it. Then mix it up and start to shampoo. You can continue your normal shampoo routine, with no side effects. Since the charcoal will remove the dirt and oil, your hair may also have a bit more volume after you use it. It also doesn’t leave behind any residue, adding some extra lift as it cleans. Another benefit of the shampoo is that it can help clear up dandruff, itching, and redness. Your hair and scalp will be healthier with each use.

#13 – Activated Charcoal for Whitening Teeth: 

Another surprising benefit of activated charcoal is its teeth whitening ability. Despite its black color, using it as part of your regular dental routine can brighten your smile. This is because it won’t stain your teeth. Instead, it pulls stains from coffee, tea, soft drinks, and even tobacco from your pearly whites. There are two ways to use activated charcoal for this. The first is to wet your toothbrush and then dip it into the powder. Then brush your teeth, using small, gentle circles for a couple of minutes. You’ll need to rinse your mouth well to get rid of all the gritty powder. The other method is to dab the charcoal onto your teeth and let it sit for two minutes. Then rinse your mouth. Some also like to mix it with their toothpaste, but this is totally up to you.

Activated Charcoal Final Thoughts

With so many different uses, it’s no wonder activated charcoal has become such a hot trend these days. It can be used over your entire body, on the inside and the outside, to keep you looking and feeling your best. By adding activated charcoal to your regular beauty routine, you’ll see instant results. Best of all, this natural product has no side effects to speak of. I hope you liked our article on the benefits of activated charcoal in your beauty routine. If you are looking for more hair care articles check out our hair care buyer’s guides.

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