Black Beauty

You may not immediately associate charcoal with great skin, but it is becoming an increasingly popular ingredient in many beauty products. Active charcoal supposedly draws oils like a magnet from the skin, unclogging pores and ridding the skin of impurities. Suitable for all skin types, but those with oily and acne-prone skin types should see especially positive results.
Not only is it being used in skincare but it has many everyday benefits, too. Activated charcoal sticks can be used to absorb nasties found in tap water, capture dampness in the air and improve blood circulation when used in a hot bath. Binchotan, a traditional charcoal from Japan, is used in a number of products below and is activated by burning oak trees at very high temperatures for several days, then quickly cooled, this is thought to be the best quality charcoal. Here are 11 charcoal products that aim to improve your health and beauty routine.

Origins Clear Improvement Mask, $39, from Mecca Cosmetica stores.

The active charcoal in this mask helps draws out impurities from deeply clogged pores, and the white China clay absorbs everyday toxins. Use once a week or as frequently as needed.

Morihata International Binchotan Charcoal Facial Puff, $ 29, from East Day Spa. 
This sponge is made from vegetable fibres and a very fine charcoal powder. Thoroughly wet the sponge and use it with or without cleanser to gently exfoliate and restore your skin.

Freeman Facial Polishing Mask, $3.85 (or by the tube for $17.40), from selected pharmacies and Farmers.
The activated charcoal in this mask helps to absorb oil and impurities and the black sugar exfoliates away dull skin cells. Apply mask to face and neck, leave on for five to seven minutes. Suitable for all skin types.

Morihata International Kishu Binchotan Charcoal, $25, from Douglas and Bec.

These multipurpose charcoal sticks can be used to filter water, deodorise rooms, remove toxins from the skin and promote healthy soil in the garden.

Lush Dark Angels Face and Body Cleanser $18. Lush stores. 
The black sugar and charcoal gently exfoliates and absorb excess oils to leave oily and acne-prone skin feeling fresh. To use, dampen skin, break off a piece of cleanser and mix with water to create a paste, massage into skin, rinse and pat dry.

Glam Glow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment, $102, from Mecca Cosmetica stores.
This treatment is good for problem skin and blemishes. Apply a thin layer to clean skin as a full mask or as a spot treatment and leave on for five to 20 minutes.

Konjac Sponge Company Bamboo Charcoal Sponge, $19, from Tonic Room.
This sponge should last several months and is suited to spot-prone skin.

Neutrogena T-Gel Shampoo, $13.99, from selected pharmacies, supermarkets and d nepartment stores. For stockists ph 0800 444 802.
This shampoo is formulated to help to control flaky and itchy scalp as well as psoriasis and dandruff.

Herbivore Botanicals Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap, 12.50, from Hamilton Brooks Hairdressing. 
The activated bamboo charcoal in this soap draws impurities from the skin. This soap is excellent for oily and acne-prone skin types. Other ingredients include bergamot essential oils and tea tree oil.

L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Black Charcoal Wash, $12.99, from supermarkets and selected pharmacies and department stores.
This facewash is part of a new anti-acne range by L'Oreal for men it has been formulated to target blackheads, spots, oily skin and roughness. Can be used as a daily cleanser.

Morihata International Binchotan Charcoal Toothbrush, $12.50, from East Day Spa.

Charcoal is blended into each bristle of this toothbrush, which helps prevent smelly breath, and remove plaque.