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Recently activated charcoal has come into the spotlight as a wonderful companion in health and beauty regimes. That it's useful for quite a few different things, both internal and external, is certainly worth a few points in its favor! Activated charcoal's recent buzz has been in regard to how versatile it is in all sorts of face washes, scrubs, and masks, but also in teeth whiteners. Some people like to use it for spot checking acne and blemishes. All of these things can be made at home with charcoal powder, often with other ingredients you might have laying around already. Activated charcoal is an excellent choice to add to your self-care pampering set for all these great reasons.

While activated charcoal can be found in capsules and this seems to be what many people have, it is also available in powdered form in a resealable bag. [You can grab some here!] These bags are perfect for tackling your own DIY mask and scrub projects. If you're getting ready to set out on making a project just keep in mind it can be a little messy so consider laying something down under any bowls or jars you're mixing into.

Popular things to mix activated charcoal with are aloe vera and coconut oil so you may already be part way prepared for making yourself a revitalizing mask or scrub! Here is a recipe for a face mask you might want to try:

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon of activated charcoal

1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

1/2 tablespoon of water

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and stir.

2. Apply to face.

3. Once you're ready to remove, rinse with warm water.

If you're a fan of sugar scrubs,activated charcoal can be added to one of these! Here is a mixture you might try for a sugar and charcoal scrub:

Ingredients:

1/4 cup of sugar

1/4 teaspoon activated charcoal

2 tablespoons avocado oil

Steps:

1. Mix all ingredients together

2. Apply to skin

3. Rinse with warm water when ready

Just keep in mind for all of these mixtures to test them on your skin in a small spot before applying too liberally. This is a good way to make sure the mix is the consistency you like as well! If you're wanting to make something to apply to acne, consider using just a tiny amount of charcoal, about 1/4 of a teaspoon mixed with a couple tablespoons of aloe vera. Apply, dry, and rinse from there!

Teeth whitening is the other popular use for activated charcoal that's been going around recently. Teeth whitening mixes are easy to make--just like the face masks and scrubs, often with things you'd keep at home too. Having whiter teeth is certainly a goal for many folks and activated charcoal has become quite popular for people trying to make their own solutions while not spending a fortune on whitening strips or other costly methods.

Activated charcoal for your teeth is typically best applied like it were another toothpaste--brushed gently with a regularity that isn't quite daily. Teeth are sensitive, more so for some folks than others, so keep that in mind with any activated charcoal use on your teeth. Here is one mixture you might try for your teeth:

Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon of activated charcoal

2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil

1 tablespoon of baking soda

Steps:

1. Combine coconut oil, baking soda, and activated charcoal.

2. Stir thoroughly.

3. Make sure it's cool.

4. Scoop out a small amount and brush teeth with a toothbrush and mixture.

5. Brush for a couple minutes

6. Rinse out!

The warning for sensitive teeth mostly applies because of the baking soda found in many recipes for an activated charcoal tooth scrub. Baking soda can be rough on teeth so be sure to watch how your teeth feel and not to overdo applications! If you know you have a tooth sensitivity the baking soda can be taken out and this mixture works with just coconut oil and activated charcoal.

If you're not a fan of these particular ingredients, you can always look around online for other recipes. There are tons out there as many people are finding their own way they enjoy using Activated Charcoal. If you have a personal favorite way to use it leave a comment below and let us know!

If you want to give Activated Charcoal a try or stock up, you can pick up a 4oz bag from us here at our website 1st Chinese Herbs!