What is charcoal?
Charcoal is the black porous carbon residue that is left after burning wood in a kiln without any air. Burning wood in such a way removes its water and volatile constituents.
What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is an odourless, micro-refined powder made from burnt coconut shells, bone char, petroleum coke and partially decomposed vegetable matter, at very high temperatures without any air. The high temperature changes its molecular structure turning it into a highly absorbent detoxifying agent. Activated charcoal should not be confused with normal charcoal which is toxic for human consumption.
Activated charcoal powder is a really popular ingredient for skincare and beauty. While you can purchase readymade charcoal masks from the market, you can also make them at home with Indus Valley Bio-Organic Activated Charcoal Powder.
What are the benefits of using an activated charcoal mask?
- Removes impurities from the skin: It’s proven that activated charcoal can absorb toxins from your body. Beauty experts believe that activated charcoal face mask can help draw out impurities and dirt from your skin making it healthy and glowing.
- Reduces acne: An increase of oil and bacteria in the skin results in the clogging of pores, which leads to acne breakouts. If you’re looking for a powerful organic acne treatment, then activated charcoal powder can help you by removing impurities, bacteria and dirt from your clogged pores.
- Controls excess skin oil: By reducing or removing dead skin cells excess oil is removed from the skin. Activated charcoal powder helps your skin to maintain a healthy glow without too much shine.
DIY recipe for oily skin:
- 1 tbsp clay powder
- 1 tbsp activated charcoal powder
- 1 tbsp curd
- A little raw apple cider
- 2 drops of any essential oil that suits your skin
Directions for use
Mix activated charcoal, clay and curd in a small bowl. Add apple cider to make a paste. You can use as much as required to get a smooth consistency. Add the essential oil and mix. With clean hands spread the paste over your face uniformly and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
DIY recipe for dry skin:
- 1 tbsp activated charcoal powder
- 1 tbsp calamine clay
- 1 tbsp Vaseline
- A few drops of grape seed oil
Directions for use
Mix activated charcoal powder and calamine clay powder in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of Vaseline and grape seed oil and mix into a smooth paste. Apply evenly on your entire face. Let it stay for 20mins and rinse with warm water and moisturize with an organic moisturiser.
DIY recipe for normal skin:
- 1 tbsp multani mitti (Fuller’s earth)
- 1 tbsp activated charcoal powder
- A few drops of tea tree oil
- A few drops of milk
Directions for use
Take multani mitti and charcoal powder in equal amounts in a bowl and mix them up. Add a few drops of tea tree oil and a few drops of milk. Mix well to make into a smooth paste. Apply the paste on your face and let it dry completely. Wash your face with normal water. Read More : Onionplay
Safety tips
Even though activated charcoal is well researched to be safe for usage over skin, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind before applying it:
- Don’t overuse: Use it once or twice a week. Using it more than this may lead to skin dryness.
- Allergy symptoms: Itching, burning, redness, or swellings are signs of allergic reactions. After applying the charcoal mask if you notice any of the above symptoms stop using it immediately.
- Always leave out the eye area: Activated charcoal powder can hurt your eyes if it accidentally goes inside. So always leave out the under-eye area while applying the mask.
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