What is the best thing that happened to charcoal? For mothers, they use charcoal to eliminate foul smell but for beauty conscious men and women, charcoal has become a modern skincare treatment. Actually charcoal is a big hit in the beauty industry not only here in Singapore but around the world. In fact, many people now consider it as an “it” ingredient for perfect looking skin.

Do not be fooled though. Charcoal that applies to beauty is not like the ones you use for barbequing. Charcoals used for beauty is called activated charcoal. These activated charcoals are treated for better skincare management. Here are the things that you need to know about activated charcoal.

What makes charcoal so special? Charcoal attaches itself to toxins and absorbing it before the body does. When charcoals are added to beauty products, it will serve as a mini magnet that can attract oil and dirt. When you rinse, the dirt and oil will be washed away together with the charcoal. What is the best thing about charcoal? It is considered an all-natural element therefore it is safe to be ingested (not that you are encouraged to ingest it).

Here are the wonders of charcoal:

1. It can detoxify the skin: For charcoals to totally absorb oil and dirt, it needs to be in contact with the impurities. You have to know that the longer it sits on your face or any surface, the better it is for your skin.
2. It can improve hair volume: Aside from facial care, charcoals can be your solution to hair volume. Charcoal can be your dry shampoo. Charcoals are effective shampoo since it can absorb oil.
3. It can reduces pores: Aside from detoxifying the skin, activated charcoals can in fact remove dead skin cells as well as oil which make your pores look bigger.
4. It can minimize bloating: It was said earlier that charcoals are all-natural meaning it is safe for ingestion. With this, you can actually ingest it thereby detoxifying the system. As the particles of charcoal pass in your system, it can attract toxins as well.
5. It can protect you from pollutants: If you are facing pollutants every day, it is time that you consider the wonders of charcoal. There are masks that you can consider. These masks will act as a magnet to attract pollutants thus leaving your skin dirt and oil free.

Many people underestimate charcoals because of its dark and ugly appearance but you have to remember that the appearance far outweighs its beauty benefits.

Without giving them a chance to grow and leave, you constantly prick pimples at the onset of the breakout. It is indeed bothersome to look in the mirror and see acne. The more you see it, the more you will be tempted to prick it. To avoid acne marks or worse, acne scars, you have to discipline yourself to keep nails away from the face.

Before knowing the treatment, it is important that you know the difference between acne marks and acne scarring. Acne marks can stay for 3 to 6 months. They either go away on their own or you can apply some topical ointments. Acne scarring on the other hand is permanent but if you consider some treatments like dermal fillers.

Dark spots are caused by an inflammation of the skin especially during its healing process. The discoloration will fade over time and if you want to expedite the process, there is nothing wrong with that. The good news is that here in Singapore there are different treatments that you can consider. Here are some:

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen can actually help with the reduction of redness when you have pimples. In the past, sunscreens are only formulated for sunlight but now more formulas are being studied and some products are released as acne-friendly treatments. Do not worry about the sunscreen blocking your pores.

2. Retinoid

Retinoid can help with acne marks by stimulating skin cells to split swiftly. This will in turn push out the cells of the discoloured pigment. You have to remember though that when applying it, you should avoid too much exposure to sun. The best time to apply it is before going to sleep.

3. Topical

The old fashioned way to take care of acne marks is through topical vitamin C serum. It is important that you include vitamin C in your regimen because it can help build collagen. Collagen can in fact promote healing to the skin.

4. Skin lighteners

For those with marks that are more of brownish in color, you should know some ingredients like licorice, retinol, vitamin C and kojic acid can help. Skin lighteners will reverse hyperpigmentation as well as avert further discoloration.

5. Chemical peels

Chemical peels are considered by many Singaporeans. It is the application of mild solutions for skin to be refined and at the end of the day, regenerate. If you want you can try at-home peel. Home peeling products use salicylic as well as glycolic acids to help with the fading of the spots.

The trick here is to diligently execute the tips and then monitor its consistency. Though acne marks are temporary, you should spare your face of such un-pleasantries.

Hair is every woman’s crowning glory. Many Singaporeans believe so therefore considering treatments – natural or commercial just to ensure that it stays beautiful. There is nothing wrong with aspiring for a beautiful hair but sometimes, you tend to overdo it. You do not know that some actions and treatments can damage hair.

It is important that you know bad habits and treatments to evade it so it does not cause further hair damage. It is time that you ditch these bad habits because it can be the difference between a dull hair and the best hair. So, here are some things that you need to avoid that unknowingly damage your hair:

Towels: You use conventional towels when drying hair. You should know that this practice is passé. Towels can rub against the hair strands causing frizz and friction. Your standard towel is not made especially for your hair. To be safe, choose a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt. Squeeze unto hair gently and avoid rubbing. These materials can absorb moisture without totally drying the hair.

Styling: It is good to look at when your hair has style but it can do more damage than good. When styling, you use serum, gel or a leave-in conditioner. You should at least wait for the hair to dry at least 50 percent. Do not style it whilst wet.

Hair accessories: Like styling, accessories can add beauty to the hair but you have to be careful because too much clips, pins and hair bands can break locks. Avoid hair accessories with metals or those with uneven edges. There are different hair-friendly items in the market these days so you can still use accessories without totally damaging your skin.

Tight do: It is nice to look at ponytails and topknots but sometimes, too tight hairstyles can damage hair. Forcing hair to conform can cause breakage especially along crown and nape areas. Remember that wearing hair too tight can create stress thereby weakening it.

Hang loose: You cannot wear your hair too tight but you cannot also wear it too loosely either. When it is hanging loosely, you always touch it and at times it can rub against your clothes and probably dry winds.

Trimming: Waiting for your hair to grow is perhaps trying especially knowing that without trimming can lead to hair damage. Every now and then, consider trim because hair can have split ends and it can lead to more breakage once ignored.

Linen: Your pillowcase can contribute to hair damage. If you are a restless sleeper, meaning you move a lot while sleeping, you have to protect strands. Use satin or silk pillowcases to protect your fibres and strands.