The latest craze on the internet is using activated charcoal as a teeth
whitening treatment. Yes, it does help whiten teeth, but it can also
help clear up acne breakouts! Before you reach for that bag of charcoal
that you use in your grill, please note that activated charcoal is not
the same as barbecuing charcoal! Activated charcoal typically comes in
capsules. Some people use activated charcoal as an internal detox. It
is believed that activated charcoal helps absorb and trap toxins within
the body which is then eliminated via the digestive process.
So, how can
activated charcoal help clear breakouts,
you ask? Well, it's detoxifying abilities help to eliminate built up
toxins and gunk in the pores which in turn prevents and treats
breakouts. It helps draw out oil, bacteria, and dirt from the pores
which eliminates clogged pores and bacteria breeding grounds. Aside from
using it as a mask, many companies have started to produce activated
charcoal soaps and face washes, so if the mask isn't your cup of tea
give one of the activated charcoal soaps a try!
To make a face mask out of activated charcoal you can simply mix
two tablespoons of powdered activated charcoal with a tablespoon of
witch hazel or purified water. It should form a paste-like consistency
which can be easily applied to the face. You can adjust the amount of
ingredients to meet your unique needs. Allow it to dry completely and
then rinse thoroughly. It's best to test a small patch of skin before
applying all over the face.
If you aren't thrilled about the
idea of breaking apart a bunch of activated charcoal capsules and making
a big mess just to make a face mask you can actually purchase activated
charcoal masks that are already pre-mixed and ready to apply. My
personal favorite is the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask.
