activated Charcoal 101...

Having read about all the amazing benefits for your skin activated charcoal offers I have been playing around with it for a wee while now defining a face mask recipe, body scrub combo and basically just testing it out as a new ingredient, having FINALLY developed a couple of products I am happy to combine with my name and brand (launching in a couple of weeks) I thought it was also about time I wrote my first blog post... so, welcome! 

​First things first - Activated Charcoal is not the same thing you scrape off your steak after your husband has had a go on the barbie, this is charcoal that has undergone a heating process, which increases the charcoal’s absorptive ability, allows it to expand into a porous surface capable of trapping a multitude of toxins and chemicals. The activated charcoal used in Veronica May products is made from American Eastern Hardwoods.

This adsorptive quality can have a powerful effect when it comes to drawing out impurities on the surface of our skin, such as dirt and build-up. In addition to removing impurities, activated charcoal’s slightly gritty texture makes it a great option for gentle exfoliation. Exfoliation is essential for removing buildup on the surface of our skin, which can clog pores creating pimples and blackheads and result in an uneven, dull appearance.
 
While natural oil production is necessary for keeping our skin moisturized, glowing, and free of wrinkles, too much can be a problem. Oily skin can trap dirt and other impurities from the environment, which then sit on our skin and result in clogged pores—especially if you aren’t regularly exfoliating. Activated charcoal, again with its adsorptive quality, can bind to these impurities and excess oil, while gently loosening deeply-ingrained particles with its gritty texture. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use on sensitive skin since the granules are so small. 
Using activated charcoal as a mask and scrub can help loosen the debris clogging up your pores. In addition, it will also adsorb any foreign impurities that may have slipped into your enlarged pores.
 
Keep an eye on the Veronica May facebook page for the launch of our exciting new products using activated charcoal as their star ingredient. These include a body scrub, face mask and soap bar!

​Staci xo