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Activated Charcoal has been a consistent buzz word in the health and wellness communities. We aren't talking about the stuff that chars our summertime bbq; rather, the incinerated aftermath of wood, coconut or other natural materials that we now hear about in emergency rooms, food, drinks and, of course, skincare. It's all over the place. And for good reason.
Activated Charcoal has been used for centuries, by cultures much more in tune with nature than ours. The Egyptians have records for its use that stem from the BC era. Is there ever anything new under the sun? Seriously. Its purpose as an effective treatment for overdoses or poisonings became a praised detoxifying agent that also treated external ailments like venomous-bites and skin infections. It wasn't until a couple decades ago that this natural remedy resurfaced into emergency rooms and drug store shelves to be, once again, accepted by the medical community as a valid treatment option.
So, why the change of heart? (Disclaimer: Hopping on soapbox) Often times, what science isn't able to understand or explain gets dismissed or set aside. Especially in cases of multivariate data analysis where the research study can't be controlled, like when trying to replicate any system of biology. The issue with research, coming from someone who worked in research, is that the dynamics of the body can never be isolated into a single variable test tube to get adequate understanding of the problem at whole, especially when science hasn't completely understood the entire dynamics of the body anyway. It's like missing the forest for the trees, if you will. In the case of activated charcoal, however, it's popularity rendered it useful enough to support the cost for research in which the data validated that, indeed, activated charcoal is an excellent adsorption material to bind to toxic elements and appropriate them for removal. (Hops down from soapbox).
The difference between charcoal and activated charcoal is that activated charcoal has been heated in the presence of gas to expand its surface area and create a porous material, like a sponge, that will in turn "trap" chemicals and molecules. They say that just 2 grams of activated charcoal have the same surface area as an entire football field. This is precisely why this ingredient works so well in skincare. For people with problematic skin, there are often more bad bacteria than good bacteria inhabiting the skin. There are also by-products of this bacteria that can cause inflammation and perpetuate further infection. Activated charcoal helps to capture bacteria and their toxic wastes, aiding in detoxification. While it is a great vacuum for all of the gunk in our skin, it also traps most things with a positive charge including necessary nutrients, minerals and healthy bacteria. Therefore, using it correctly is necessary in experiencing its powerful benefits.
Activated Charcoal should be used in conjunction with pH balancing and highly nutritious products full of vitamins and minerals. When we developed our skincare regimen, it was important to include ingredients that will help our clients achieve natural balance. The balance that is self-regulating without the need for synthetic chemicals and that provides the care-free confidence of naturally beautiful skin. That's where our Raw Honey Cleanser with Charcoal can provide a bit of a boost. It helps to offer the skin a clean slate that, when combined with the healing properties of our Toning Water and Face Cream, rebuilds the proper nutritional balance needed for healthy skin.
As we enter spring and the changing of seasons, our skin requires a recharge and a detox from all of winter's build up. Stay tuned for more tips, but check out our Oily Starter Set or our Raw Honey Cleanser with Charcoal for a start on the right foot. It's worth giving a try!
Ever tried Activated Charcoal for a detox? We would love to hear your experiences!
Resources:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/activated_charcoal/article_em.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
https://draxe.com/activated-charcoal-uses/
http://www.charcoalremedies.com/charcoal_science
