I saw an update of one of my favourite product dealers. She mentioned activated charcoal and that got my attention. I could remember when I was about 14, I had a bad acne case and my mum gave me this blackish substance to use on it. Alas!, when I read the ingredients, I saw charcoal! I was bit skeptical and reluctant to use it.But about a week later, my face start getting clearer.
Activated charcoal is not popular in this part of the world, probably because of its colour but its something, one can learn to appreciate. Charcoal is the common name for carbon and it has been used for thousands of years for various purposes. In Nigeria, one of its most popular uses, is for domestic purposes such as cooking and the ash is used for scrubbing pots as well as getting rid of germs.
Activated charcoal is produced from materials such as coal,wood,coconut shell being exposed to air at high temperatures.This process creates very fine pores in the charcoal help the charcoal to trap toxins and other harmful chemicals. Activated charcoal is like your normal charcoal, but, is activated to purify your skin.
Activated charcoal is also popular for use in oral and dental hygiene. I could also remember, as a kid, when some kids show up in school without brushing their teeth, they were coerced into using charcoal to brush their teeth. The idea was 'charcoal would whiten your teeth'.
For skin use,activated charcoal helps to clear impurities leaving your skin clear and bright.It can also be used for treating acne problems.
DIY Activated Charcoal Anti-Acne Face Mask
Ingredients
Half a of teaspoon of activated charcoal powder
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
1 teaspoon water
5 drops of tea tree oil
Pinch of sea salt
Directions
Mix all the ingredients together until smooth. Be sure to protect your clothing, as it might stain you. Apply to skin and allow to dry for about 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry. Repeat 2-3 times a week .
DIY activated charcoal peel off mask
Ingredients
I teaspoon of activated charcoal
I teaspoon of Bentonite Clay
I teaspoon of gelatin
Mix together to form a smooth paste(not too watery or dry) and allow to rest on face for 10 minutes. Peel carefully from the side till you everything comes off. If the mixture leaves a black stain on you face, you can use baby wipes or cleanser to get it off. Apply moisturizer to leave the skin supple and smooth
There are so many activated charcoal based products from cleansers to masks and can be gotten from local stressed, or you can order these two products from Amazon.
People with sensitive skin should be careful when using these products, as can cause a drying effect on the skin. Charcoal products are best suited for those with oily skin.
For people in Nigeria, these DIY ingredients can be gotten through this blog, if you are interested in making your own mask, so how to get it shouldn't be a problem. Get yours and make there at home. All products are very affordable.
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