#178. How I Use Activated Charcoal in My Beauty Routine- Dr. Christiana Stephen50 Amazing Moms With Dr. Christiana Stephen

Hello Moms,

Last week I wrote about activated charcoal and I got some messages asking me to expand more on the knowledge of activated charcoal. Here it is.

Growing up, charcoal was something I could easily find around, especially because I was exposed to using fire woods to make food. Oh yes! that’s the generation I come from. I don’t remember how I coped considering that now, I am allergic to smoke and dust. But its a memory I cannot trade for anything. I enjoyed every bit of it. The kneeling and blowing of the fire to get it up. Wow, writing this, takes me down memory lane. But I still think then we had more exposure to natural and unadulterated substances. What was your experience like growing up?Do you sometimes we wish to go back there? a time where innocence was truly innocence?

What is the activated charcoal? The charcoal that is used in cosmetics is obtained from the combustion of wood or coconut shells. To be added in beauty formulas, this charcoal is activated previously. This means that it undergoes an oxidation process that increases its porosity and enhances its adsorption (the ability to attract toxins to the surface of the charcoal). In this way, you get a natural element that can eliminate as many impurities as 200 times its own weight. Before entering the world of cosmetics, active charcoal has been used in different ways such as water purification and for the treatment of intoxication in medicine. These applications show the detoxifying power and the reliability of this substance.

How is activated charcoal used?

This great product can be used in capsules and powder

If used in powder, add 1 tablespoon in a glass of water

In capsules, it is recommended to take 2 capsules at 9am and 2 capsules at 4pm. Disclaimer -Before you start any new thing on your health, make sure you consult your healthcare provider or medical doctor

The activated charcoal has sincere benefits in aesthetics and health?

Yes, and it will surprise you with the amount of uses, from whitening the teeth to providing a deep cleansing to the skin. I personally use a charcoal based paste for my teeth. I remember growing up in Nigeria, it wasn’t a big issue to use this as we had direct access to it. I still use this for my teeth and I find it really purifying. Every day a new super food or miraculous ingredient comes to light and its benefits become a must for all. From the kale, goji berry, turmeric, acai berry, matcha, there are thousands of super foods that provide splendid benefits for our health and beauty. However, there is one that remains the favorite to be used in the area of health, nutrition and beauty routine: activated charcoal.

What makes it so special, and why does activated charcoal remain the king of super foods?

First, it is indicated to detoxify. It has the action of absorbing chemicals, fats, and contaminants. To others, it has the action of bleaching, purifying, cleanses the skin, and prevents aging. It is definitely time to include it in our beauty routine.

Here are some ideas on how to incorporate it into your routine:

Get a cute smile easy and fast

It attracts all impurities, the activated charcoal can be key to whitening teeth and show a better smile. The enamel of the teeth is sensitive to wine, tobacco and the dyes added in the drinks, that is, these substances have as a consequence the production of unsightly spots in the tooth enamel, therefore, a solution to this problem is the use of activated charcoal. This, I can attest to. The reason this product can help us improve dental enamel is that it has antibacterial properties that eliminate bacteria and dirt that have been embedded in the enamel and, therefore, modify the natural color of the tooth. In addition, activated charcoal balances the pH, reducing the spots on the teeth.

To apply this procedure at home you should perform these steps:

Add half a teaspoon or 2 capsules with water and mix.

Brush the teeth gently for 3 minutes and reaching all corners of the mouth, you can also pass it through the gums because, thanks to its properties, will help you clean any impurities that may have been embedded in this area.

Rinse

To take advantage of these whitening properties it is recommended that you use the treatment twice a week so that you will improve the tone of the tooth enamel.

Fabulous Detox

It helps to eliminate toxins from the body, improves inflammation and helps you feel much better. Therefore, if you feel swollen or inflamed, you can take a capsule or you can make lemonade with a spoonful of activated charcoal is the option necessary to relieve discomfort.

Your ally for hair care

Sometimes the weather does not help us, humidity and extreme climates cause our hair to look dry and dull and makes it look terrible when we want it to be in its best condition. We need a friend to calm our hair and can clean it thoroughly, for this we can use activated charcoal. Thanks to the purifying properties you can add 1 spoonful of activated charcoal or 2 capsules to the shampoo and wash as you normally do. It will give back the shine and it will give a totally deep cleaning.

The activated charcoal prevents pores and also decreases the size

Throughout the day, we are exposed to impurities, toxins, and bacteria that are responsible for clogging our pores. Most people do not believe or have any idea of the damage that environmental pollution causes to our skin, but it is a fact. One of the many formulas for this problem is to use a mask with activated charcoal so that the impurities and dirt trapped in the pores adhere to the product and in this way, the enlarged pores will be less visible.

Balances oily skin

Oily skin is a problem that cannot be eliminated but can be controlled with a series of care for this type of skin and with the help of so many wonderful ingredients, activated charcoal can be exactly the ingredient you need to balance this problem. Find a facial cleanser or mask that is responsible for removing excess unwanted sebum (fat) in your skin. Remember, when using it on your face you should use it 1 or 2 times a week.

Say goodbye to the pimples

Depending on the specific characteristics of your acne (how bad it is, what is causing it, what else is happening on your skin) activated charcoal can help. The charcoal activated in the form of soap, is slightly sandy, which can provide a gentle exfoliation, in addition to absorbing the oily sensation and impurities found in the skin. In this way, after use, you will be able to show clean and radiant skin. You can use it as a localized treatment in the areas that you present the pimples if you do not want to use it all over your face.

I’ll give you a trick with activated charcoal that will help you eliminate pimples.

On this occasion we will also use other products such as Aloe Vera since it is a natural moisturizer that deeply moisturizes the skin layers, we will also take advantage of the benefits of vitamin E that helps us regenerate the dermis and protect the skin.

To make this natural treatment against pimples we need these ingredients:

– 1/3 tablespoon Aloe Vera gel

– 1/3 tablespoon of vitamin E

– 1 capsule of activated charcoal

Open the carbon capsule or, if it is solid, we will crush it.

Place the activated charcoal powder with the Aloe Vera gel and the gel of the vitamin E capsule in a bowl.

Mix all the ingredients until a homogeneous mixture is obtained.

If you see that the result is too doughy you can add more Aloe Vera gel to have an ideal texture for this homemade mask.

Apply the product on your clean face and let it act for 30 minutes. It is recommended that it be done at night because our cells regenerate when we sleep and, therefore, we get a better result. After this time, clean with warm water and apply your usual moisturizer. Repeat the treatment once a week and you will look better and rejuvenated.

To heal stings, cuts and skin irritations

For a bee sting or for a cut in the kitchen, activated charcoal can help heal faster and relieve symptoms. For minor skin conditions, including pitting, small cuts, scrapes, and minor infections, activated charcoal can be applied topically as it helps to absorb the infection or poison if it is in the case of a bee sting. It will also reduce swelling and decrease pain. To apply it on the skin add water to a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder and mix until it has a creamy consistency, then apply to the affected area and leave it for a few minutes, then remove with water.

Give volume to your hair

When the hair is dirty and with a large accumulation of fat, it begins to lose volume. In fact, hair can gain approximately 4% of its own weight due to the effect of scalp oils, pollution and waste products used. Normal shampoos can eliminate surface dirt, but shampoos containing activated charcoal will clean more deeply without leaving any residue. Your hair will feel lighter and immediately recover the natural volume.

Good treatment for dandruff

Dandruff, redness, oily scalp and itching can be relieved by the use of activated charcoal. It can be used as a treatment before washing the hair or it can be mixed directly with the shampoo and perform the hair washing. It will work as it does on your skin: removing toxins and purifying.

Ideal in first aid

It is widely used to provide first aid in cases of poisoning with poisonous substances or overdose of some type of drug. It can absorb an amount of sixty grams of harmful substances.

For stomach problems

The carbotecnia is very useful to treat diarrhea, the gases, and the stomach swelling, liberating the stomach of the excess of gases. In the same way, it also helps to normalize intestinal activity.

It has rejuvenating properties

This product is also used to stop the effects of the passage of time in the body, as it helps the liver, kidneys and adrenal glands in their processes, which evidently retards cellular aging.