Charcoal is well known to be highly beneficial for filtering toxins from the body and restoring balance within internal organs. It's often taken in supplement form, but I've been experimenting over the past few months with using it externally. Because it adsorbs toxins and impurities, I figured it
must be great for tackling imperfections on the skin, too.

I've been using the Dark Angels face wash from LUSH as part of my exfoliating routine about twice a week. It's great if, like me, you like a good ol' scrub to get the grit and grime off your face. It leaves the skin feeling oh so soft and really helps tackle breakouts (I use this more often at 'that time' of the month when my skin is more prone to blemishes).

If you're skin is more sensitive and needs a bit more of a gentle touch, the Konjac Sponge is a great way to softly and gently get rid of excess oils, dead skin, and left over makeup without irritating the skin. It's gentle enough to use every day morning and evening and because it's got added charcoal and bamboo, it's a natural antioxidant and so kills bacteria that may cause blemishes and blackheads.

I've also been loving the LUSH  You Snap the Whip, which is sold as a body butter but is more of a shower scrub. Like it's cousin, Dark Angels, it's a pretty intense exfoliator, sloughing off dry skin whilst moisturising and smoothing with macadamia nut oil. If you have dry skin or just want to get those elbows and knees summer-ready, I highly recommend adding this to your shower routine.

I didn't want to limit using charcoal on my face and given its antibacterial properties, I chucked out my old toothbrush and began using the nano-b Charcoal and Gold toothbrush. I didn't expect to feel any difference, but after brushing my mouth honestly feels fresher and cleaner than with any other toothbrush. The bamboo charcoal is a natural whitener and the gold is a natural anti-bacterial, too.

I am a massive supporter of natural deodorants and haven't used an antiperspirant for years so had to try  The Guv'ner by LUSH. It does leave an initial greyish tint to your underarms so I'll only be using this on days I've got them covered up but don't let that put you off because my underarms have never smelled so good or been drier. Because it does leave a slight greyish tint (not the most flattering when paired with a strappy top), this'll probably be making it's way to the back of the cupboard but come Autumn/Winter time, I'll certainly be reaching for this again.

I've sure you've all seen the black+blum water bottles, but already owning a Bobble I decided to pick up the charcoal replacement on it's own and add it to my usual glass at home. The bottle retailing at £14.95, but the charcoal stick (the bit you really want) coming in at £3.80 means it's also much more affordable and you get the same benefits.

DIY toothpaste:

- 840mg Activated charcoal ( 3 x 280mg capsules)
- 1 tsp melted coconut oil

- 1 tbs baking soda
- 40 drops peppermint essential oil

Have you fallen for charcoal yet?