where have you been all my life?

It was an instant love connection. Before I knew it, this dark night was leaving black dusty prints all over my wild and health crazed heart. I wasn’t surprised when found out that I wasn’t the only one. There were so many falling for this gritty bad boy. Enamored with all-natural ability to sooth and purify- us smitten ones can be found bathing our faces and mouths, even maybe sipping on this ashy sensation.

Activated Charcoal where have you been all my life?

Before we dive in, let‘s be clear- I am just a girl with a crush and I want to share ,no expert here.

Activated Charcoal is pure carbon made from various sources such as peat, wood or even coconut husks. It’s been touted for its ability to remove toxins, improve digestion, whiten teeth and purify skin. For more on the science behind this product and exactly how it works here is an easy read article by PALEOHACKS, otherwise let skip onto my two favourite ways I use Activated Charcoal.

number one:

Generally, I am mindful of what I eat, but time to time I stumble and can fall prey to the occasional craving or that overly indulgent Friday lunch. I especially feel the most vulnerable when I travel and I’m at the mercy of all hands other than my own preparing my meals. I write this ballooned and bloated after a three day out of town buying trip with all meals dining out. I also write this while sipping on my Charcoalade that make me feel oh so much better. See recipe below, I use Stevia instead of Palm Sugar. Top with fresh mint or basil or both.

Photography & Recipe by Organika
Charcoalade
1 tsp Organika Activated Charcoal powder
1 cup of water
1-2 tbsp of Organika Coconut Palm Sugar
½ lemon squeezed
Mix all the ingredients together
Serve over ice (optional) and enjoy!

I like to take 2 capsules of Digest Force Activated Coconut Charcoal with Ginger Root Extract on the mornings I wake up feeling bloated or before dining out. I sometimes may take 1-2 more capsules before bed depending on how badly I misbehaved (code for too much wine)

I actually put this to the test on a buying trip in Las Vegas. Before an evening of heavy dinner and drinks, I served up my work crew black shots of Activated Charcoal and water (did not have the capsules so I improvised with the powder form by Organika in my skincare travel bag). They all looked at me a little sideways that night, but the morning after an evening filled with giant buffalo mozzarella cheese balls, pizza, gnocchi, lots of bread, wine and more wine, they all mentioned how surprisingly well they felt. Have to admit, it was hard not to smile as they each confessed.

number two:

Working many years in the beauty industry it is no wonder I have been obsessed with taking care of my skin. I am of the strong belief a good skin routine is key to aging gracefully. I’m always hunting for new key ingredients and products to try out. Although there is not a ton of scientific studies published on using Activated Charcoal topically, I have been pleasantly surprised with the results after a DIY Activated Charcoal face mask. I sometimes also just add a couple teaspoons to my current favourite mask for a little less mess.

So, I’m warning you, if you try this it can be beautifully messy. I like to use Organika Activated Charcoal for my beauty routine. It comes in a tub in powder form making it easy for mixing your next beauty concoction (also food grade, so you can ingest).

I suggest using a small mixing bowl and facial mask brush for easy application or you can use a foundation brush. Please know your brush bristles will be a shade of grey afterwards.

To be honest, I would love to do this mask weekly but I just don’t make the time. I usually find myself slapping in on after some unruly breakout or when I skin in desperate need of some glow. Either way, the results are worth the bathroom vanity mess.

Photography & DIY Activated Charcoal Face Mask Recipe by Organika
You'll Need:
1 tsp Organika Activated Charcoal powder
Water (just a few drops)
Directions:
Put 1 tsp of Organika® Activated Charcoal Powder in a small bowl, adding a few drops of water at a time until combined into a paste
Using your fingers, or a paintbrush, apply the charcoal paste to your entire face avoiding the nostrils and eyes.
Let dry for approximately 10 minutes.
Remove face mask with warm water and a cloth.
Wash your face with your regular facial cleanser to remove any residual activated charcoal from the skin.

There are many more ways I incorporate Activated Charcoal into my lifestyle. But this week's blog theme is in spirit of “just begin” so I purposely only shared only two Activated Charcoal hacks to keep it simple and perhaps temp a try. Your timing couldn't be better since it is that time of year for black magic, falling under spells and mixing enchanted brews.

Thanks a bunch for popping in!