What even is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a porous substance known for its cleansing and detoxifying properties. The ingredient can be sourced from coconut shells, oak branches and bamboo. It has become a common treatment for many poisonings; medical personnel can administer it on the scene or at a hospital as an alternative to stomach pumping. It’s on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.columnar activated carbon https://www.yrdcarbon.com/products/activated-carbon/columnar-activated-carbon.html

How does it actually work?
“Activated charcoal works through the process of adsorption (not to be confused with absorption),” says Katie Morra, a Registered Dietitian and Functional Medicine Nutritionist. “It incites a chemical reaction where various elements, nutrients and chemicals bind to the porous surface of the charcoal like a magnet.”

Studies that show its benefits date back to the early 1900s. “One of the first studies published in 1933 by the Canadian Medical Association referred to charcoal as ‘medicinal,’” says Stella Metsovas, a nutrition expert who’s written about healthy-gut foods.

Activated charcoal has also been proven as a digestive and as a treatment for the skin. “The Washington Institute of Medicine ran studies in 1947 on the use of charcoal in treatment for skin disorders like acne vulgaris,” Metsovas says. “However, the main proposed uses for charcoal have mostly showcased its ability to help diminish gas and bloating.” Food-grade activated charcoal travels through your gastrointestinal tract and could potentially absorb toxins that cause intestinal gas. With skincare products, charcoal works similarly to get rid of dirt and oil, Metsovas says.

Is it good for the skin?
The claim that activated charcoal is beneficial for acne-sufferers or people who live in congested cities is iffy and contested. Dermatologist Bobby Buka says that, “in beauty products, activated charcoal works similarly [as the medicine] by sopping up impurities before they permanently penetrate the skin.”

But dermatologist Kelly Bickle says there’s no evidence to suggest it works in beauty products. “It is currently touted as a treatment for acne,” Bickle says, “claiming that it draws bacteria, dirt, chemicals and toxins to the surface of the skin, but there is no data to support this… There is only one article in the medical literature that looks at its use in treating acne and that was from 1958.”

Bickle says there is data to show that it helps with the healing of skin ulcers and insect bites, but if you’re simply interested in using activated charcoal as part of a skincare routine, she suggests passing it up for proven, effective treatments. “While it seems like a nice theory, we don’t have any data [to back up the claim].”

Even Buka, the dermatologist who says it can help, admits it isn’t a cure-all. “I’d rather see people decreasing their skin’s exposure in the first place by applying a daily sunscreen and moisturizer. I don’t know if it’s going lead the charge for skin health.”Additionally, activated charcoal can have a drying effect on the skin if overused.ningxia yongruida carbon https://www.yrdcarbon.com/

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