The latest trend in beauty is Activated Charcoal. Any beauty influencer on Instagram makes a video with a charcoal mask. Or charcoal on teeth. Charcoal has a long story in medicine and is an excellent remedy for health and beauty lately revaluated. According to NHS charcoal reduces gastric absorption of the iron compound, it is also a natural whitening for theet, is a clarifying for skin and hair and is used as a general detox.
The trend suggests that the best products are from Korea which according to ‘Grazia‘ magazine is the beauty capital in the west part of the world for the cosmetic industry.
Is Activated Charcoal safe for you?
Natural Charcoal powder
When I think of Charcoal, it reminds me of those little pieces of carbon burnt on the beach. It is Charcoal is safe for you? Charcoal is very safe for you because it removes moleculesMaking activated charcoal involves heating carbon-rich materials, such as wood, peat, coconut shells, or sawdust, to very high temperatures. This ‘activation’ process strips the charcoal of previously absorbed molecules and frees up bonding sites again. This process also reduces the size of the pores in the charcoal and makes more holes in each particle, therefore, increasing its overall surface area. (Credit to Alan Carter, Pharm D)
Activated charcoal in health is an absorbent for intestinal gas and may help in kidneys dysfunctions. It is used in hospitals for drugs overdose. Okay, lets found out why activated charcoal is good for our beauty.
1. Acne Remedy
It is a natural absorbent for the skin, catching all the dirt and toxins, the antibacterial action clear and detoxes pores giving to the surface a clean result. The best product to use for acne treatment is a face mask, there are also capsules and soap bars. Eating fish, eggs, vegetable and fruits, cutting down sugars also helps to keep the skin healthy.
2. Detoxifies Skin
Activated charcoal has more action than other natural products, for example, in confront of a clay mask, charcoal cleans remarkably more in-depth and purifying blackheads in your nose. Before to apply a charcoal mask for a better result you should open your face pores with a warm wet towel on your surface, then proceeding with the mask application.
3. Balances Oily Skin
Detoxifying charcoal maskCharcoal cleanser and facial mask can balance oily skin and stops producing new acne. Here the recipes to make your own facial cleanser.
1 tbsp activated charcoal powder –
2tsp dandelion extract –
1 tbsp Burdock extract –
1 tbsp aloe vera gel –
Method– Combine and stir all the products above in a cup, apply in your face and leave for ten minutes, Rinse with warm water and moisturise as usual.
4. Exfoliates your skin
Charcoal is an excellent exfoliator for your skin; You can make your own scrub with just a few simple ingredients. Or alternatively, you can buy a wide choice in the commerce of charcoal products.
50ml olive oil
1 tbsp charcoal powder
1tsp brown sugar
5 drops of any of your favourite scented oil
Method– combine all products together, gentle massage over your nose, cheeks and chin for 1 minute, then rinse with warm water and moisturise
5. Whitens Teeth
Charcoal teeth whitening, truth or myth?
Black theet should make whitening theet?
According to the Oral Health Foundation, Charcoal is an abrasive product; it means that it has a strong action to remove bacteria. It can be used as a mouthwash or charcoal powder toothpaste.
As a natural product, it can be used as an extra whitening remedy, the application is effortless, is sufficient to put some water in the mouth then rub all over your theet and rinse, results are not visible straight away you need to repeat twice a week.
However, talking to your dentist is recommended, charcoal is very abrasive absorbent, it could lead to teeth abrasion.
6. Anti-dandruff
Charcoal and conditioner helps dandruff scalps
Shampoo and hair conditioner charcoal products are recommended for those scalps with dandruff and for oily hair. For example, trying shampoo and hair conditioner, I could feel it that the shampoo was absorbing the excessiveness oil in my hair, excellent was the conditioner which reestablished smoothness with a lovely blackish tone to my hair.
Reviews.
Charcoal peel off mask
I have found that Charcoal products are outstanding, for no particularly skin problems but just for maintenance. I have tried Jolee peel off mask. I have not many blackheads in my skin, but the cover is very thick and consistent. I give this product a 7/10
Xpel hair care, charcoal shampoo and charcoal conditioner which I love them very satisfied with these products. I have finally found a shampoo that keeps my hair drier. I give this product 8/10
Activated charcoal – carbon &coco teeth whitening powder is 100% natural and vegan. I give this product 8/10 ( on Amazon can be purchased an excellent price)
All opinions are my own.
I left a busy city for a seaside town. In the beginning, it was difficult for me because I was used to a more busy life and addicted to crowded places. Moving from a big city to a small one and also changing country it has been challenging.
During these years I realised how the Sea air has been beneficial for my health and for beauty aspects as well. What at the beginning was just a doubt it became a fact.
If I compare one of my old photos now with an older on, I look more relaxed and younger than ten years ago. I do not suffer any more from throat pain and voice loss like I used to. My skin glowing has improved, my mood and my sleep.
My daughter used to suffer from a severe form of pollen allergy which diminished a lot after moving here. Not to mention the breathing problems that we all got from air pollution.
Good Vibes Dude
A day on the beach makes you feel happy? Makes you feel good and euphoric? It is because of the negative ions.
Sea air contains a high percentage of iodine and negative ions.
Negative Ions are invisible molecules part of an atom, negatively charged by extra electrons.
Negative ions are in the oxygen in the air that we breathe and they are highly concentrated near the beach and waterfall. Negative ions work on the nervous system and reduce stress and make
Iodine is a chemical element which our body cannot produce, so we need to take from some dietary supplements.
Or it can be found in nature near the Ocean, sea, beach and in sea fish. Any dietary supplements must be discussed with the Doctor.
The body needs iodine to make the Thyroid Hormones which control the metabolism.
The beach is packed with these two components which are taken through respiration. They benefit general health, boosts hormones and may improve mental health.
The Blue effect
A normal walk to the beach is actually an excellent natural medical and beauty treatment. When I was a child, old school doctors used to say: “take a few days to go to the seaside” People who live on the coast and close to the beach are healthier and happier.
According to the NHS researchers which found out how living on the coast leads to health increase.
A study conducted by Doctor Amber Person in 2016, suggest that looking at the sea benefit your mood. New Zealand residents with sea view houses were happier than those without sea view houses.
“Increased views of blue space is significantly associated with lower levels of psychological distress, however, we did not find that with green space.”
Amber Person.
Val, 22, interpreter living in Newcastle and talking with Cosmo Alessias says:” I live and work in an urban contest, during the weekend me and my boyfriend we need to leave the city for the seaside it is a stress relief after a long week in the office.”
Mo,57, plumber about the sea says:” As soon as I can I book my holidays to the sea with my wifey, I feel relaxed and I sleep much better. ” He also says “We enjoy fishing villages.
Moreover, looking at the wave motion and listen to the rolling ocean waves, decreases depression, increases better sleep and helps meditation.
Beach Life
Spending time to the beach improves health, mood and it makes you look better because the ocean is a natural sanctuary. We need to follow some rules and also have fun.
Move your body.
There is a variety of exercises that can be done at zero costs; Surfing is an excellent workout for body and soul. Yoga, Thai-chi, swimming which is great, because of the combination swimming-massage which will fight the cellulite. Walking, fishing is all beneficial for shaping the body and because of vitamin D which is naturally taken when we spend time outdoors.
For Your Skin.
Barefoot walk at the beach, is a natural skin removal. Micro crums present in the sand do a natural scrub action, for feet. Sea salt is also a natural exfoliant for dead kin enriched by minerals. A DIY recipe for a scrub that I use a lot is: Collect some sand and add few drops of seawater then rub all over the body, except for the face, insisting in those rough zones like elbow and knees. It makes a silky skin. Or take some sand with you at home and put some coconut oil for a more softening action.
Thalassotherapy.
Thalasso is a Greek word that it means Sea. From 1865, a French Doctor initially discovered this treatment for health purposes only but then realised it was an excellent beauty treatment as well. Simply soak in the Seawater. Today, it is used in many spas.
We may obtain the same results without going to the spa. But simply using Nature.
The beneficial are:
Skin anti ageing- with the sea water because is packed with minerals, makes your skin younger and stretchable.
Clean your skin- treating acne and psoriasis keeping pores clean.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body, and it is also a survival part of it.
In fact, it protects us from bumps, germs and pollutions.
It is responsible for combining vitamin D in our body, which is fundamental for keeping our body healthy.
Our skin also informs our brain when outside temperatures changing and help our body to control temperatures. (Credit to my Dr, Skin biology and structure)
Skin Structure.
Daily Care.
Because our skin works so hard for us, we should take care of it as a return favour. Step 1defines which skin type you are: Oily skin, dry skin, combination skin and normal skin. This helps to the choice of the right products.
This is the correct daily skincare to do in the morning and night. The same care is needed for the rest of the body, especially hands and feet. Seasons also needs to be considered, as our skin needs different treatments; In winter the skin requires more Nutrition booster and in summer hydrating booster.
The Natural Way.
Why choose natural? Because it is simple, sustainable, cheap, and it is very active. Here, some of my recipes for making natural products.
Natural Moisturiser.
50ml of milk; use skimmed milk for oily skin, full-fat milk for dry skin – 1 teaspoon of baking soda – 5 drops of Argan oil – 2 drops of essential oil. I use Lavander when I want an antibacterial effect. Otherwise, I use orange or mint essence, to give a ‘wake-up’ action to my skin.
Remember, this is a natural product it needs to be kept in the fridge, and it does not produce lather. Because of this, please do not consider that the product does not work.
Natural Tone.
Boil some chamomile tea and leave in infusion for one hour, add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This tone has cooling action. It needs to be kept in the fridge.
Natural Detox Scrub.
1 tablespoon of oat flour- 1tablespoon of honey- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Spread out the compost on your face, insisting on your chin and nose. Then rinse with warm water.
Natural Purify Mask.
Three mashed strawberries – 2 tablespoons of almond flour – 1 tablespoon of honey – 2 egg white – 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Put the compost for 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This mask mainly is one of my favourites.
Fresh, sustainable ingredients for Diy skincare treatments.
Healthy Diet…Healthy Skin.
Food is medicine, the most powerful one! We can prevent diseases for our system, and the skin will say thank you, gifting us with a glowing look… Food is rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, fats and protein. These are the components of a balanced diet, for perfect body functions, this is what the skin requires
Omega3 protects our skin from acne and wrinkles, also supports the development of new skin reproduction. It can be found in fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon. Flaxseeds oil and soya beans.
Vitamin A protects from UV damage, infections and encourages healthy new skin production. It clears up acne. It can be found in cheese, eggs and cod liver oil.
Vitamin C protects from free radicals, boosts collagen and prevents from wrinkles. It can be found in chilly peppers, bell peppers, cauliflowers, broccoli and kale. When it is said, “Eat your Greens!
Eat your five a day. Photo for the kind concession of Lee Stoneman Photography.
Sleeping Beauty.
“Once upon a time, a king and queen reigned in a country far away…” No no, stop! This is not a fairy tale; this is the real story to how the skin works during repose. “Physician-scientists found that sleep quality impacts skin function and ageing.” (University Hospitals Case Medical Centre, 2013)
While we are asleep the skin still works for us. Our skin system releases more collagen It is recommended for seven hours of sleep.
While we are asleep the skin still working for us.
Herbalism.
Natural therapies it also means herbalism. My grandma used to have a clinical and dispensary book with symptoms and herbal cure. If you want to go to that route, makes sure that the Consultant Medical Herbalist is qualified from The National of Medical Herbalists.
For a warm herbal tea that it can be bought in any supplements shop, here two types of herbal tea which I cannot live without it, and they taste great.
Alessia Miceli 