Village Living Magazine - MIDTOWN - February 2019
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WELL-BEING<br />
WHAT TO DO WITH THAT LUMP OF COAL?<br />
Charcoal BY DIANA AZIZ<br />
A New Beauty Trend<br />
Not sure what to do with<br />
that lump of coal you found<br />
in your stocking this past<br />
Christmas? Try eating it,<br />
or putting it on your face.<br />
Charcoal is the latest health and<br />
beauty trend. Whether you drink it<br />
in a latte, brush your teeth with it, or<br />
luxuriate in a facial peel, charcoal is it.<br />
As Canadians, we tend to wither<br />
and burrow when the temp dips below<br />
zero. <strong>February</strong> can be a harsh month<br />
for us. The indulgence and stress of<br />
the holiday season can make us feel<br />
sluggish and tired. Lack of sunshine<br />
and cold air can make us feel less<br />
energetic and motivated. At this time,<br />
more than ever, we need to nourish and<br />
replenish our bodies, inside and out.<br />
Activated charcoal has been used for<br />
years to improve intestinal health and<br />
as a medical aid to induce vomiting<br />
in cases of overdose or chemical<br />
poisoning. Presently charcoal is used<br />
to whiten teeth, ramp up digestion,<br />
remove impurities, andn reduce fine<br />
line lines on the skin.<br />
Charcoal peels are the latest<br />
beauty fix. Top shelf beauty spas<br />
and dermatologists in areas such as<br />
Yorkville and North Toronto are offering<br />
charcoal peels and facials. If you<br />
would rather mask up in the comfort<br />
of home, Shoppers Drug Mart is one of<br />
many retailers that sell ‘do it yourself’<br />
charcoal-based beauty products by<br />
luxury brands such as Clinique and<br />
Elizabeth Arden, as well as more<br />
modestly priced products by companies<br />
such as Garnier, St. Yves, and Biore.<br />
Shoppers’ signature Life Brand<br />
charcoal facial retails for only $6.99.<br />
As the peels and masks detoxify and<br />
purify the skin, ingesting charcoal does<br />
the same for your gut. Charcoal helps<br />
rid the body of unwanted toxins and<br />
substances by binding and eliminating<br />
them before the body can absorb them.<br />
The activated charcoal can also assist<br />
in reducing bloat and gas, as well as<br />
promoting kidney health.<br />
Black Lattes, Goth Lattes, or Charcoal<br />
Lattes are a great way to take charcoal<br />
in. The hottest thing on the café scene<br />
since turmeric lattes can be<br />
found at hipster cafes such<br />
as Sam James Coffee Bar<br />
on Harbord St. and<br />
Bayleys Brew Bar<br />
on Bathurst St.<br />
Don’t forget your<br />
teeth! Another<br />
big trend is<br />
to clean your<br />
pearly whites<br />
with activated<br />
charcoal<br />
powder.<br />
Products such<br />
as Carbon Coco<br />
or InVitamin<br />
Charcoal Teeth<br />
and Gum Cleanser<br />
are applied directly<br />
on the teeth by<br />
way of a dampened<br />
toothbrush. If you<br />
prefer a more traditional<br />
method, charcoal-based<br />
toothpaste is readily available<br />
in most health food stores in<br />
the GTA. Either way, brushing with<br />
activated charcoal is deemed to balance<br />
natural oral bacteria, prevent cavities,<br />
restore minerals to the teeth, and<br />
improve bad breath.<br />
Other great products are charcoal<br />
cleansing bars, which combat blemishes<br />
and detoxify the skin, and charcoal<br />
deodorants that are a natural way to<br />
neutralise body odour.<br />
I think I may try the deodorant next.<br />
What are you going to try?<br />
DIANA AZIZ is a consummate traveler, water lover, foodie, fashion slave and adventure seeker who loves to experience people, culture<br />
and life. Then write about it.<br />
VILLAGELIVINGMAGAZINE.CA 21
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