Highlighting the Popularity of Activated Charcoal in Skincare
Charcoal has made a name for itself in the past several years for good reason. Some of the many faces of activated charcoal can be found in masks, toothpaste, scrubs, and soaps.
Charcoal isn't new by any means, like most things discovered in the modern era, it was used long ago by the ancients. In this post, we will explore how charcoal is used in skincare and the beneficial reasons behind it.
What is activated charcoal?
The charcoal used in skincare isn't the same as the ones you typically see used for barbecuing. The black power known as charcoal is created when carbon-based materials like wood are burned and ground.
Activated charcoal is created by treating it with oxygen and very high heat. The activated form absorbs more toxins than the average piece of coal. For its skincare users, this means better and cleaner skin.
The term activated charcoal differs from its regular form due to how it is manufactured. Its activated forms are safe for skincare, consumption, and specific uses. It can also be found in water filters, supplements, and medical-grade treatments to detox the human body.
Think of charcoal working like a magnet, but for all the murky things you don't want in your system. It draws excess bacteria, dirt, oil, and other toxins from your skin. By the time the charcoal has absorbed everything it can, it is washed off and leaves your skin happier.
Ways charcoal can benefit your skin
Charcoal is beneficial for acne-prone skin for many reasons. When used as a soap or scrub, it works to detox underneath the surface of your skin, while exfoliating its surface. It is also antibacterial, so it removes acne-causing bacteria.
Activated charcoal can benefit those with many different skin types. If you sweat or work out a lot, chances are you may need to deep clean your skin more often. The same goes for weaning makeup or using any products that may be comedogenic.
Activated Charcoal is chemical free and natural, so it is less likely to cause problems for sensitive skin. Most people will benefit from adding it to their routine once a week or several times.
For oily skin
While having oily skin can help maintain a natural shine all year round, sometimes we desire to tame it down just a bit. Charcoal is a top choice amongst those with this skin type due to its absorbent properties.
Activated charcoal is a good choice for oil-prone skin because it draws out excess oil. Not all oil is bad for your skin, but an overproduction of sebum can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
A weekly clay mask can help combat oily skin, in combination with charcoal and other cleansers. Clay masks can help to dry out your skin temporarily and get rid of the oil that has been building up.
Reduces the size of pores
The size of pores isn't always due to genetics, it could be due to trapped dirt under your skin. Blackheads are caused by dirt and oil becoming trapped in your pores.
Your pores may appear larger and more visible if you do not have a skin care regimen that also detoxes every so often. A mask using charcoal over problem areas can make a big difference in the appearance of your pores.
Exfoliating skin
Charcoal can help to deepen the exfoliation process. The top layer of your skin gets the benefits of being cleaned, while charcoal works from underneath the surface to pull out toxins.
Exfoliating matters because we shed thousands of skin cells every hour. That's almost 1 million cells every day that we don't see! Exfoliating can come in many forms including a sponge, brush, or scrubs.
A common pitfall of exfoliating is going overboard. A deep scrub is good for a weekly reset, but it isn't recommended more than two or three times a week. Scrubs with light exfoliating properties can be used daily depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
Our favorite charcoal highlights:
The Konjaku & Charcoal Exfoliating Sponge combines the best benefits of charcoal while keeping your skin smooth.
Our highly requested Lemon & Thyme Charcoal Face Scrub removes impurities while revealing soft skin underneath. This scrub has
Aromatherapy essential oils such as lemongrass and ylang-ylang to encourage new cell growth.
How will you use charcoal in your skincare now that you know all of its amazing benefits? Leave us a comment and let us know!
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