7 Uses Of Activated Charcoal Powder For Beauty And Health

Activated charcoal powder is back in vogue. For people who are not familiar with the usage of charcoal powder, here’s some information. Until about 3-4 decades back people were using this as tooth powder. As commercial and chemical based toothpastes took over the market, this traditional and natural product got lost. However, now consumers are going back to their roots and reaching out into nature’s basket and lo behold it’s a treasure trove. Activated charcoal is an interesting product with many uses. It can be applied, drank, used to brush teeth or used to remove toxins.

What is Activated Charcoal Powder?

Activated charcoal is prepared from natural substances like wood, coal or the more beneficial coconut shells. First, the shells are heated at extremely high temperatures for a good few hours to convert them into charcoal. Then, the charcoal is powdered and again exposed to extreme heat and certain gases are passed through it. The second procedure is what makes the charcoal really porous or activates it. Once it is activated, the charcoal is capable of chemical adsorption of toxins, pollutants and harmful items even from inside our body.

Activated Charcoal Powder Uses

There are three main health and beauty benefits of using activated coconut shell charcoal powder in a beauty regime.

#1 Natural Skin Cleanser

Activated coconut shell charcoal powder is an effective deep cleansing agent as it removes dirt, bacteria, and chemicals that get accumulated on the skin over a period of time. It is an effective face mask to cleanse the skin pores. Make your own face wash with a 1:2 solution of apple cider vinegar and water. Pour the solution into a bottle and shake it really well before use. Add to it activated coconut shell charcoal powder to make a DIY cleanser. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of activated coconut shell charcoal powder into the face wash you just made and scrub skin gently. Rinse well and pat dry. See a marked difference in your skin type with regular use.

#2 Teeth Whitener

Activated charcoal powder binds bacteria and other harmful substances together. Therefore, when used in toothpaste, powders, and oral health rinses, it removes all the damaging elements from the mouth. It even binds substances that stain the teeth; it whitens the teeth in only a few uses. The easiest way to whiten teeth naturally is to wet a toothbrush and dip it into activated charcoal powder. Then brush teeth as normal; pay extra attention to areas that have the maximum staining. Sip a bit of water, and thoroughly rinse your mouth and spit. Follow the procedure until spit is clear. Since activated charcoal powder is rough, using it to brush your teeth 2–3 times per week is all that is needed for teeth whitening.

#3 Use for Scalp Treatments

You can find activated charcoal powder as an ingredient even in shampoos these days. Activated coconut shell charcoal powder not only cleanses hair, but it is also one of the best answers to problems such as scalp redness, dandruff, oil and itchy scalp. It has the power to wash off toxins and impurities from while removing the unpleasant odours from the stands. Add it to your regular shampoo. Take a tiny amount, 1/2 tsp to be precise, and add it to the shampoo you use before washing hair. Scrub gently and wash out. You can even make your own activated charcoal shampoo by mixing 1 tsp baking soda, 1 cup warm water, and ¼ tsp. of activated charcoal.

#4 Treats Insect Bites

Activated charcoal powder has benefits beyond your imagination. It also treats body odour, acne and relieves discomfort from insect bites, rashes from poisonous plants, and even snake bites. When bitten by mosquitoes or stung by a bee, mix equal portions of activated coconut shell charcoal powder and virgin coconut oil, and dab on the affected area and wrap with a bandage. Reapply every 45 minutes until itching and discomfort are gone. In case of a snake or spider bite, use a piece of fabric to create a wrap. The wrap must be big enough to go around the affected area twice. Dab coconut oil and activated charcoal mixture on the fabric. Reapply every two to three hours, rinsing well between applications. Do not forget to call emergency services.

#5 Effective in Random Skin Issues

The powder is magical when you are in need to treat your acne problems. It fights off acne-causing germs, reduces inflammation, keeps the skin pores clean, thus reducing acne recurrences. Mix one capsule of activated charcoal with two teaspoons of aloe vera powder and few drops of Ylang Ylang essential oil to make a smooth paste. Apply it on your face uniformly. Once it dries off, rinse off completely. The activated charcoal binds with toxins and dirt present around you in the air that contribute to acne.

#6 Fights Gas and Bloating

Do you complain of gas and bloating issues after a good meal? Well, it is a known fact that activated charcoal can adsorb up to 50-60% of offending substances in the stomach and intestines when taken quickly after ingestion. It even binds with and removes much of the toxic substance even after it enters the bloodstream. To ease gas and bloating complaints, take 500 milligrams with a full glass of water an hour prior to a heavy meal. Immediately after the meal, follow with an additional glass of water. This would help the charcoal get into your system, where it can bind with the gas-producing elements. However, we recommend you to consult a doctor if the problem persists.

#7 A Perfect Anti-ageing Body Detox Solution

Activated charcoal invariably benefits key organs as it helps your body flush out the toxins and chemicals that cause various damages to your skin and health. Though ageing is a natural part of life, the process aggravates due to rapid exposure to non-organic food products and pollution around you. Since activated charcoal binds the toxins and flushes them out of your body, regular use prevents premature ageing.

Drink a solution of 20 grams of Activated Charcoal Powder mixed in a glass of water everyday. You can drink this in small amounts over the day, in between meals. If you do this religiously for two weeks, you will see an immense change in your body.

Pro Tip

When selecting activated charcoal products for any of the uses, it’s vital that you know the charcoal’s source. Not all activated charcoal supplements are equal. Look for activated charcoal made from coconut shells or identified wood species that have ultra-fine grains.

Mesmara’s Activated Coconut Charcoal is available in store and on Amazon, Flipkart and Nykaa too. Being food grade and therapeutic grade, it is also available on online medical stores like 1mg too.