Dirty habits, we all have 'em. But lately substances that were once considered 'dirty' are being revered for the beneficial properties they contain. Take charcoal for example, which has gained popularity this year thanks to it's magnetism, allowing it to attract and remove dirt and impurities from the body. More recently, especially within the beauty/health sector, it's been found in the form of Activated Charcoal, which occurs when the carbons that make up its structure are treated to increase it's absorbency. This enables the charcoal to absorb over a hundred times its natural weight in impurities, making it one of the most effective ingredients for lifting and removing bacteria, dirt and other micro-particles from the body. Whether incorporated into a freshly pressed juice, a facial cleanser, or a toothbrush, it's clear that charcoal is the 'it' product of 2016. 

For my first charcoal-cleansing experience I kept things simple with the Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Cleansing Stick Treatment ($35). This powerful treatment stick was the very first charcoal-infused product that caught my eye, with the activated charcoal originating from the slow pyrolysis of bamboo stalks. It's also been infused with Glycolic Acid to clarify and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, Jojoba Leaf to prevent free radical damage, and Artichoke Leaf Extract to reduce the appearance of pores. Together these ingredients work to target skin concerns by absorbing toxins and impurities, and detoxifying pores for a smoother, brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Results can be seen immediately, but wasn't until the next day when I truly fell in love - smaller pores, radiant skin, and that deep clean feel you only experience after a facial.   

Using the Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Cleansing Stick Treatment is quite simple, but there are a few techniques that can be followed in order to extend the shelf-life. To use, begin with wet skin and massage the cleansing stick directly onto the face in a circular motion to create the pale grey lather shown above. Once the face is covered in this lather lightly massage the skin, focusing on the T-zone, with fingertips to activate the formula, allowing the treatment to reach deep into the pores, removing any dirt or impurities. Finish by rinsing the face with warm water.

By now the Cleansing Stick has been exposed to quite a bit of water and therefore will need to dry out before future use. I find that if I leave the product out, lid off, on my vanity for ~2hours its typically dried to it's original consistency upon my return. However variations in consistency are typical of this product for two reasons: a) the botanical ingredients in the natural ingredient blend sometimes have slight differences and b) the unique stick innovation requires that the product be individually crafted and filled, which sometimes creates slight differences in the appearance on the top of an unused stick. Regardless of theses variances, the Cleansing Stick still performs as promised, providing deep-pore cleansing, minimizing, and smoothing.    

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Have you tried the Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Cleansing Stick?
Let me know your 'dirty habit' in the comment section below. 

XO.BB