The new LBD - Little Black Detox
For the ultimate skin detox, charcoal really rocks. And that's because activated charcoal (treated carbon) is able to soak up toxins. And a lot of them.
In fact, dermatologist Dr Nina Wines remembers working with charcoal as an intern in the emergency department, to absorb drugs in overdose cases. That's powerful stuff. "Activated charcoal acts like a strong magnet for toxins, dirt and grime," says Dr Wines.
That's why this ebony-warrior is popping up in face masques, face cleansers, pore strips and even cold-pressed juices, to lighten your load of environmental nasties.
"Our skin is our most vital organ and we need to protect it from environmental pollution, which is the main cause of skin ageing."
With recent research linking airborne pollutants in big cities to skin ageing such as dark spots, get some charcoal in your beauty regime. Try a foaming charcoal wash, a weekly charcoal masque to coax out impurities or sip on a little black juice. Here are our top charcoal-charged picks...
Black magic: Blogger and designer Kristine Ullebo gets her LBD on.
Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment, $98.
Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque, $65.
Jesinta Franklin loves this Glamglow pore-clearing treat with activated charcoal and mud.
Shamanuti Activated Charcoal Cleanser, $48.
Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel, $35.
Pressed Juices The Black Lemonade, $9.
Model Francesca Hung gets her glow with The Black Lemonade. Image: Instagram
Biore Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips, $7.29.
The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, $39.95.
A tight pore: Actress, model and Biore ambassador, Shay Mitchell getting her charcoal on. Image: Instagram
