This year, I'm hoping for some (char)COAL in my stocking... though I hope I haven't made the naughty list! Here are some reasons you should be wishing for charcoal too:
** Charcoal pulls impurities and toxins from the skin and body. It does this through absorption, which is a chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface.
I've been known to offer activated charcoal supplements after a night of enjoying a couple cocktails ;)
It was also the remedy they gave our pup after he decided rat poison would be a good treat (I never want to relive this experience!)
** Charcoal is super effective at improving blackheads and pore size. Again, because it binds to and removes impurities.
** Charcoal whitens teeth by changing the pH of the mouth! This helps to provide balance and remove stains, prevent cavities and gum disease.
Charcoal is ALL the rage these days... from charcoal supplements to beauty products to toothpaste to deodorant. Well deserved, but remember, you must check the quality of your product. When companies overdo the charcoal in a skincare product, the result is skin that becomes super dry, dehydrated and it's impossible to get off without rubbing your skin raw (not a good look).
I personally love Beautycounter's Charcoal Cleansing Bar and No. 3 Balancing Mask, both which contain activated charcoal.
The Charcoal Cleansing Bar is THE product that sold me on the company. It was one of the first products I tried and it did wonders for my combination skin. The charcoal keeps my acne at bay (or at least decreases the amount of time a zit sticks around), the witch hazel helps tone my skin, and the green tea calms inflammation. Here's a quote from a customer who tried a sample of the bar recently: "The squeaky-clean [feeling] was odd at first, but after four days my pores are slightly less visible! Hoping for more changes in time :)"
The No.3 Balancing Mask is a regular part of my routine. It soothes with peppermint extract and exfoliates using safer science-y ingredients like lactic and salicylic acids.
This pic was 10 days after having Charlotte... I wanted to keep up with my self-care! If you are using another product that utilizes charcoal, please remember to check the website ewg.org/skindeep or Healthy Living App to view the rating on your product. Aim for 1-3 to keep toxins and damage low :)
Are you interested in safer beauty and learning more about it? I have a separate email list for this purpose, and I also send monthly gift with purchase deals directly from me :)
