There is a new trend of consuming activated charcoal to detox and cleanse your body. It’s even being used in toothpaste for teeth whitening. But, what does activated charcoal have to do with helping your skin and hair?
Read on to find out more about the uses and benefits of the gritty black ingredient found in many skin and hair care products. In this blog post, we’ll also clear the skepticism and confusion regarding the efficacy and safety of activated charcoal.
Table of Contents
- What is activated charcoal?
- What is activated charcoal used for?
- How does activated charcoal work?
- Benefits of activated charcoal for skin and hair
- Is activated charcoal Safe?
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a detoxifying and absorbent substance that is created by the controlled decomposition of carbon-based compounds. Making activated charcoal involves heating carbon-rich materials, such as coconut shell or olive pits, to very high temperatures. The result is a very porous product, a characteristic that gives activated charcoal the ability to absorb toxins, certain drugs etc. So, you see, activated charcoal is not just a fancy name for regular charcoal.
What is activated charcoal used for?
One of the most popular uses of activated charcoal is to treat poisoning and drug overdose. In fact, it has been used as a poisoning antidote since the 1800s. In addition, it’s also helpful to lower cholesterol, reduce bloating and gas, treat bile flow problems during pregnancy, and prevent hangovers.
Activated charcoal may also promote kidney function by reducing the number of toxins and waste that the kidney has to filter. It has helped people suffering from end-stage kidney diseases to lower blood levels of urea. You can also use it to reduce the content of heavy metal and fluoride content in water, but it can’t effectively remove bacteria, viruses, or hard water minerals.
How does activated charcoal work?
The millions of tiny pores in activated charcoal can trap toxins and chemicals. However, activated charcoal doesn’t actually absorb the toxins. Instead, it works through the chemical process of adsorption, which is the adhesion of atoms, molecules or ions of a liquid, dissolved solid or a gas to a surface. Activated charcoal has a negative electric charge that causes positive-charged toxins to bond to it.
This process of adsorption prevents the absorption of poison and toxins in the bloodstream. Also, activated charcoal can’t be absorbed by the human body, so you will eliminate all the toxins that bind to it, along with the charcoal.
Health benefits of activated charcoal
For Skin
Besides its numerous benefits when used internally, activated charcoal is also helpful for external treatments. For example, it’s effective at improving body odor, treating acne, and relieving discomfort from insect bites, snake bites and rashes from poison ivy. When applied topically, activated charcoal face washes, masks, or body washes can effectively remove toxins and dirt from the skin. In addition, it can help reduce foul odors associated with blistering disorders and extensive skin loss.
For Hair Growth
Activated charcoal is an excellent ingredient for encouraging hair growth because it can draw impurities like dirt, oil, and chemical buildup from the scalp. It can also help improve the overall texture and appearance of the hair. In addition, you can use activated charcoal shampoo to give your scalp a much needed detox cleanse. Clearing the hair follicles will further contribute to hair growth. Read more about the benefits of activated charcoal for your hair.
For Acne
An activated charcoal and aloe vera gel mask can reduce acne and even stop it from recurring. Mix an activated charcoal capsule with aloe vera gel, apply the combination on the face, and let it dry before rinsing it off thoroughly. The face mask will bind to and eliminate toxins and dirt that lead to acne. You can also use it as a spot treatment.
Is activated charcoal Safe?
Activated charcoal is considered safe for many uses, and there are rarely any severe reactions. However, it must always be taken internally under a doctor’s supervision and as prescribed by them.
Frequency of use: Charcoal products are safe to use for dry and oily skin and scalp as it doesn’t rip the skin of its natural oils. You will start noticing the effects on your skin and hair after the first wash, as it can quickly absorb dirt and other impurities.
Here is what you can use:
Activated Charcoal Face Wash
The WOW Activated Charcoal Face Wash will help detox your skin and revitalize it. You'll feel fresh and reinvigorated after every wash.
Charcoal 2 In 1 Shampoo & Body Wash
Use WOW Charcoal 2 In 1 Shampoo & Body Wash for glowing skin and glossy hair. Our 2 in 1 Shampoo & Body Wash has the goodness of activated charcoal that can easily wash away grime, dirt and impurities from scalp, hair, and skin.
Activated Charcoal Face Mask
Increasing pollution, fuel exhausts, smoke, and dust rob your skin of moisture and glow. You can revive your face with an anti-pollution, activated charcoal face mask. It'll gently remove impurities, dust, pollution particles, and dead cells from the skin and leave it looking smooth, clean, and luminous.
Activated Charcoal & Keratin Shampoo
Detox your scalp and hair with WOW Activated Charcoal & Keratin Shampoo! It'll purify your scalp, remove dirt, oil, and impurities, and strengthen strands, due to the keratin in its composition. This shampoo is a nourishing blend of jojoba oil, argan oil, sweet almond oil, and aloe vera extract that will replenish moisture and give your scalp a deep clean.
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