Beauty And Hair Care Benefits Of Activated Charcoal; How It Can Improve Your Skin And Hair

Charcoal is a boon for your skin. It may sound crazy, but you will thank us later. It’s true that including activated charcoal in your beauty regime may not sound that glamorous, but it is a proven fact that using this gritty black substance can help in treating various skin and hair problems.

Eager to know how you can use charcoal in your skincare routine to reap maximum benefits from it? Then scroll down for the answer.

What is activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is made from regular charcoal. The charcoal is activated by processing it at very high temperatures. The high temperatures change its internal structure, reducing the size of its pores and increasing its surface area. It is this absorptive surface area which cleanses your skin deeply by extracting all the impurities and toxins from your skin.

Beauty benefits of charcoal:

#1. Gets rid of acne

Dealing with acne? Then charcoal mask is the answer to your problem. It will help in getting rid of acne-causing germs, fight inflammation and will reduce the pore size, making your skin healthy and acne-free. Also Read: 7 Best Home Remedies To Get Rid Pimples And Acne Naturally, Also Remove Acne Scars

#2. Say bye to dark underarms

Charcoal is the best DIY remedy for whitening dark underarms. How will it work? Well, by exfoliating the dark patches, absorbing impurities and by removing the dark dead skin cells. Charcoal will even help in fighting the underarm odour. Also Read: 10 Effective Natural Ways To Lighten Dark Underarms

#3. Treats and balances oily skin

Activated charcoal is a gift for oily skin as it absorbs excess oil from the skin as well as sebum trapped between the pores, making your skin look oil-free. However, do not use charcoal as a mask or face wash more than once or twice a week else it may lead to excessive drying of the skin. 

#4. Cleanses hair scalp

This black powder is a good cleanser for medium to oily hair. Mix this charcoal powder with your regular shampoo and wash your hair for a clean scalp. Charcoal will even help in removing the toxins and unpleasant smell from your locks. You may like: Homemade Yogurt Hair Masks That Accelerate Hair Growth And Repair Damaged Hair

#5. Removes dandruff

Irritated oily scalp and fungal infections are two main reasons behind dandruff but by using charcoal powder you can reduce your dandruff easily. Simply rub some activated charcoal on your scalp before using your regular shampoo or simply mix the powder with your shampoo and wash your hair. However, if your dandruff is due to dry scalp condition then do not use charcoal. 

Other than these, the black powder can also be used for whitening teeth, removing blackheads, soothing bug bites and irritation, making skin tighter and firmer, clearing blemishes and preventing premature ageing. Also See: 10 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Wrinkles Using Coconut Oil

Charcoal face masks

One of the best things about charcoal is that it suits every skin type. It not only helps in extracting excess oil from oily skin but also nourishes and moisturises dry skin. So, without further delay let’s learn 3 DIY face masks for clear and glowing skin. Also Read: 5 Easy And Effective Homemade Face Masks That Give Natural Glow To The Skin

#1. Anti-acne face mask

Say bye to those annoying red marks on your face with this easy anti-acne mask. 

Ingredients

• Activated charcoal powder – 1/2 capsule
• Aloe vera gel – 1 tsp
• Tea tree essential oil – 1 drop (optional)

Method:

• Put the charcoal powder in a small dish along with other ingredients and mix it together to form a paste.
• Wash your face and then apply the paste. Leave the mask for 5 minutes or till it dries completely. 
• Now, rinse your face with warm water first and then with cold water and pat it dry. 
• Use this mask twice a week and see the difference. Your acne will be under control for sure.

#2. Detoxify skin mask

Rejuvenate your dull and tired skin instantly with this super easy detoxifying face mask.

Ingredients

• Activated charcoal powder – 1  capsule
• Apple cider vinegar – ½ tsp
• Lemon essential oil – 1 drop (optional)
• Water

Method: 

• Mix charcoal powder and other ingredients in a bowl along with enough water to form a paste. 
• Now, apply this paste on your clean face and let it dry completely before rinsing it off with warm water.
• Pat dry and apply moisturiser. 
• Use this mask once or twice weekly for happy skin.

Also Checkout: 5 Homemade Face Masks To Get Rid Of Whiteheads Quickly

#3. Blackhead removal mask

Remove those irritating blackheads easily at home with this mask. 

Ingredients:

• Activated charcoal powder  - 3 capsule
• Bentonite clay (multani mitti) – 2 tbsp
• Water 

Method: 

• Firstly, take facial steam to open up the pores. Now, in a plastic bowl mix all the ingredients along with few drops of water to get a thick paste. (Do not use metal bowl/spoon else it will react with the clay)
• Apply the mixture on your face and let it sit for 5-7 minutes or till it dries completely. Wash the face with warm water first and then with cold water to tighten the pore.
• Pat dry and apply coconut oil or any moisturiser for supple skin. 
• Use this mask 2-3 times in a week to get rid of blackheads. 

Activated charcoal is available at various stores in form of capsules, powder and soap. So, next time when you go out shopping, do not forget to pick this magical product for your skin and hair. You will be satisfied to the core after seeing the result of this black powder. It might get messy at times but it will be worth it. Do give these masks a try and let us know your experience in the comment box below.

Next Read: 8 Homemade Face Packs To Say Goodbye To A Bad Body Tan