It is literally on everyone’s lips: activated carbon. Teeth cleaning with the black powder promises teeth whitening by a few nuances. The current activated carbon trend can do even more: how about a face mask or a black smoothie? We show you how to use activated carbon correctly and what the risks are.
Activated carbon, also called A-coal or medical coal, is a fine-grained carbon that is used in many areas such as medicine, cosmetics or in drinking water treatment. It counts as a real all-round talent – from whitening to skin cures to purifying purposes are all good to use activated carbon correctly.
Bye Bye toxins – the effect of the black wonder drug
Predominantly, the black substance is used as an adsorbent for removing unwanted colorants, flavors and odors from gases, vapors and liquids. Since activated carbon is very porous, it has the property to be open-pored and thereby disintegrate into very small parts. As a result, the carbon particles can bind to other substances such as chemicals, toxins or odor molecules themselves.
Granulated or rather pressed? The different forms of coal
Medicinal activated carbon is mainly derived from vegetable raw materials such as tree bark, nut shells or peat. You can buy it as granules or in capsule form. Depending on which use you want to use the coal, you can choose one of the two forms.
For a bright smile through activated carbon
What looks a bit strange and unfamiliar at first is supposed to work wonders. Who cleans his teeth regularly with activated carbon, it can remove dirt and whiten teeth by a few nuances. The rough surface of the charcoal, like a kind of sandpaper, helps to remove discoloration and give your teeth a radiant white. However, you should also keep in mind that the abrasion usually causes the protective layer of the teeth to be removed. In this way, in return, more coating can form again and damage the teeth.
The slightly different face mask
Activated carbon is also perfect for facial masks. The binding ability of the coal absorbs dirt, pollutants and excess sebum from the skin. The masks thereby prevent contamination of the skin. A little tip: Activated carbon masks are particularly suitable for oily skin, if you have dry skin, it may be that the coal deprives you of even more moisture.
Detoxification by coal?
Yes, you can also eat or drink it. Activated carbon can be taken in the form of charcoal tablets or capsules. There are also many drinks such as black smoothies or carbonated lemonade in which powdered activated carbon is mixed among the drinks. These cleanse the body and stimulate the metabolism from within. However, ingestion may also cause nausea and vomiting. You should therefore keep the dosage low.
Have you already tried charcoal? Tell us what experiences you have made with it. We would appreciate a comment from you.
Note: Please note that every body reacts differently to activated carbon. For risks and side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
