Exfoliation, hydration and detoxification. This is the name of the skincare game… (AND A REALLY GREAT PHYSICAL SPF 50+, THIS IS SO IMPORTANT). In my last update I talked a little bit about exfoliation and will likely revisit that topic again and again, but right now I really want to talk to you about detoxification and more specifically, activated charcoal.
Charcoal is everywhere. It’s in countless skincare and beauty products, anti-aging drinks, bath bombs, supplements and even being used in health food recipes.
[WHAT IS CHARCOAL?]
In pure form, charcoal comes from wood, coal or peat and is often used as fuel. Activated charcoal, on the other hand, is most commonly used for medical, beauty or detoxification processes. To become “activated,” charcoal goes through a high temperature steaming process. This process creates internal pores, which increases it’s ability to absorb organic toxins, chemicals and poisons.
Activated charcoal works by trapping toxins in it’s millions of pores to keep the body and skin from absorbing unwanted chemicals. In addition to being used in emergency rooms for drug overdoses and spider bites, it also helps to reduce hangovers, gas, bloating and lower cholesterol levels when it’s ingested safely/moderately because of it’s binding properties.
It’s become a really controversial ingredient...
thanks to a viral YouTube video I believe anyone who is reading this is likely to have seen of a woman using a charcoal black peel-off mask. The woman moaned in agony as she struggled to strip away said mask. The problem? Not only is the mask peeled off, but also the superficial layer of skin, natural oils and sebaceous filaments (no, not blackheads) our skin needs to be healthy and tons of “peach fuzz”. Ouch! You couldn’t help but feel terrified and absolutely fascinated at the same time. The mask is too aggressive, point blank.
[MY ADVICE]
Instead of using that mask, I’d recommend mixing:
1 teaspoon of pure activated charcoal
+
1 teaspoon of bentonite clay
+
2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar
Add a few drops of raw honey if you’re feeling dry and a dash of pure turmeric to reduce redness and inflammation.
This is a kinder-to-your-body’s-most-precious-organ way of detoxification utilizing activated charcoal.
It’s odorless, tasteless and best of all; charcoal is inert, meaning that it won’t cause allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin. So,… don’t be afraid to get a little dirty; your skin is so magical that it can literally be covered in the earth's blackest element and still come out shining brighter than before!