Activated charcoal is a popular ingredient in the skincare industry. Many skincare products claim that activated charcoal can treat blemishes, improve dry or oily skin, or heal acne.
This article tells you about the goodness of activated charcoal for your skin. Here’s how to use activated charcoal in your beauty routine to help clear your skin.
Why is charcoal good for your skin?
Activated charcoal is a natural ingredient that has long been used to remove dirt and toxins from the body. The porous properties of this ingredient absorb toxins like magnets for deep cleansing and purification of your skin. The natural, pure product can be used on all skin types.
Before we get into other benefits of charcoal for skin, let us first define activated charcoal and determine whether it is truly beneficial to your skin.
What is activated charcoal?
Charcoal is the black substance that results from the combustion of wood or other carbon-based materials. And activated charcoal is formed in order to increase the power of its absorption.
Is activated charcoal really good for your skin?
Yes! However, there has been little research on the safety of charcoal for the skin. But as charcoal is a better absorbent, it is considered to absorb dirt and excess oil from the skin.
The Benefits of Charcoal
In market mainly products containing charcoal claims for oily or acne prone skin. Charcoal also has benefits for cleaning teeth.
In 2021, one of the studies found that 25% of activated carbon gave a skin-whitening effect with no irritating behaviour.
Due to its grittier structure, it can be used as a skin exfoliator.
In general, charcoal helps to absorb oil and dirt from the skin, but there is little research evidence on its performance and benefits.
What does activated charcoal do to the skin?
A normal cleanser cleans skin surface dirt and oils as it contains surfactants, but they do not really enter the pores. But activated charcoal absorbs dirt and oil from the pores like a clay mask.
Activated charcoal is said to attract or suck dirt from the skin pores like a magnet. This has a large surface area, which can help things stick to it. Due to dispersion, force-activated charcoal soaks up all things in it.
Can you use charcoal on your face every day?
Like other facial masks, you should apply this one once or twice a week. And if you have sensitive skin, you can apply it once a week or every 15 days. Because charcoal masks must be left on the skin for 15 minutes for maximum absorption, they can be drying to the skin and should not be used every day.
How to use activated charcoal powder for your face?
Activated charcoal can be found in different products, including:
Activated charcoal products are available for purchase online.
Aside from that, activated charcoal powder can be used in a variety of DIY projects.
Here is a video of the use of charcoal in skincare products by a doctor.
FAQ’s
Is activated charcoal face wash really effective?
Charcoal is a great cleanser for the skin, as it deep cleans your pores by attracting dirt and absorbing it. So activated charcoal face wash is really effective for skin care.
Does the activated charcoal mask really work for facial skin?
Exfoliating, brightening skin, and removing oiliness are the major functions of a mask, which a charcoal mask really does for the skin. So the activated charcoal mask really works to remove facial impurities, drawing out dead skin and blackheads.
Does charcoal dry out your skin?
Your skin’s ability to dry out is entirely dependent on your skin type. As charcoal would remove excess oil, it may dry out for some time, but that does not mean it will harm you. If you are sensitive to it or find any irritation, you may discontinue its use.
Conclusion
Activated charcoal has good absorption properties, due to which it can be used to remove dirt and pollution, which are major problems today. It is usually safe for any skin type, but discontinue use if you get any irritation or side effects.
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Also read:
sources:
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- Alkhatib AJ, et al. (2018). The appropriate use of activated charcoal in pharmaceutical and toxicological approaches. DOI:
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medcli.2009.10.053 - Ludmann P. (2020). Eczema types: Contact dermatitis tips for managing.
https://www.aad.org/contact-dermatitis-tips - Mohammad-Khah A, et al. (2009). Activated charcoal: Preparation, characterization and applications: A review article.
http://sphinxsai.com/CTVOL4/ct_pdf_vol_4/CT=10%20%20(859–864).pdf - Sanchez N, et al. (2020). Charcoal: An ancient material with a new face. DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.07.025 - Silberman J, et al. (2020). Activated charcoal.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482294/
