You’ve probably heard the words “activated charcoal” thrown around a lot, but may have no idea what it actually is or does. While it may just look like dirt, it can be used for a variety of things that can be beneficial to both your beauty routine and health. Check out some of our favorite ways to use activated charcoal to get some ideas!
Let’s start with explaining what this super ingredient is: Activated charcoal is simply reheated, oxidized charcoal. Don’t get that confused with the charcoal you use for your 4th of July barbecues, though! It’s a powerful antidote that is extremely porous and holds a strong negative charge that attracts positively charged toxins. It’s been used for centuries to treat things like intestinal issues, epilepsy, and alcohol and drug overdoses. However, instead of being in your medicine cabinet, it can make it’s way to your beauty cabinet too.
1. Teeth Whitening
One of our favorite ways to use activated charcoal is to get pearly whites. You may have seen those viral videos of people applying black toothpaste and thinking WTF? Gross. Turns out, it’s just activated charcoal and is a great, natural teeth whitener! It cleans, whitens, and detoxifies your teeth quickly by pulling out the stains, toxins, and bacteria. Seriously, you’ll see results within a week and have a noticeably brighter smile. Just be careful not to stain your bathroom with the powder!
2. Eyeliner
Ran out of eyeliner? No problem! Just mix a little bit of water with activated charcoal and line those eyes! No one will be able to tell the difference. Apply it using an angled brush like the MorpheMe M250-2 Tapered liner brush from our LiveGlam Brush Club, MorpheMe, and add a matte black eyeshadow over top to set it and make it last all day!
3. Skin
Use activated charcoal to treat acne, and even mosquito bites and bee stings! It penetrates deep below your skin’s surface to pull out toxins.
You can mix it with aloe vera gel to create a spot treatment or mask, or mix it with coconut oil for bug bites to minimize discomfort and itching. For an even simpler recipe, just mix an activated charcoal capsule with water and apply it all over your face to get the job done! Your glowing skin will be toxin free, and your blemishes will be taken care of.
These are just some of the many ways activated charcoal can be used to easily amp up your beauty routine. Let us know how you use this super ingredient in the comments below!
Stay glam!
xoxo
Lanie Edwards