Activated charcoal has recently gained popularity for its many purported health and beauty benefits. This porous black powder seems everywhere, from toothpaste to face masks.
So, what exactly makes it so beneficial, especially for your skin? Keep reading to learn more about how activated charcoal can deeply cleanse, purify, and refresh your skin.
As the name suggests, activated charcoal has undergone a unique “activation” process to create countless tiny pores throughout the powder.
This gives it an exceptionally porous texture and vast surface area for substances to bind to. In other words, it acts like a powerful magnet, attracting and trapping toxins, dirt, oil, and impurities. When applied topically, it can extract these pore-cloggers deep within your skin for a thorough detox.
Detoxifies Pores
Activated charcoal’s toxin- and dirt-grabbing abilities help suck impurities out of your pores, leaving them squeaky clean.
Drawing out deep-seated pollutants also prevents future breakouts. Those with oily, acne-prone skin can benefit from incorporating this pore-purifying ingredient into their routines.
Balances Oily Skin
Overactive sebaceous glands can cause the skin to overproduce oil, often leading to a greasy shine and acne breakouts.
Activated charcoal binds to excess oil and removes it, helping normalize oil production. Its mattifying effect leaves skin looking fresh without tight, dry flakiness. Those struggling with oily areas like the nose, chin, and forehead can apply it directly to those zones.
Minimizes Pores
While genetics determine pore size, oil and dead skin cells can easily clog them up and make them appear larger.
Activated charcoal helps minimize their appearance for a smooth, flawless complexion by ridding pores of dirt, debris, and excess sebum. It also works similarly to popular clay masks, sucking out impurities that distort pores.
Brightens Dull Skin
When skin lacks radiance and appears dull, it is often caused by leftover makeup, dirt, pollutants, and excessive oil settling into pores and skin texture.
Activated charcoal lifts away these dullness-causing substances to unveil naturally glowing, luminous skin. Significantly, when used regularly, it can improve overall complexion clarity and skin tone.
Soothes Acne-Prone Skin
In addition to cleansing deeply, activated charcoal also boasts soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to calm irritation.
Sensitive, reddened, breakout-prone skin responds very well to its gentle abilities to draw out pore-clogging impurities without aggression. Removing acne-causing bacteria and toxins also helps prevent future breakouts from forming.
How to Use Activated Charcoal for Your Skin
Now that you know the myriad benefits activated charcoal offers for skin, let us look at some of the best ways to incorporate it into your regular skincare routine:
Charcoal Cleansers – Look for a facial soap or cleanser containing activated charcoal. Use it daily to wash away dirt, oil, makeup residue, etc. Opt for gentler formulas to avoid stripping skin.
Charcoal Masks, Scrubs, & Spot Treatments – 1-3x weekly, apply an even layer of activated charcoal mask/scrub and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing. Gently massage scrubs while cleansing to exfoliate. Use charcoal spot treatments overnight on breakouts.
Charcoal Soap Bars – Use an activated charcoal soap bar instead of typical body soap to enjoy full-body cleansing and detoxification benefits. Focus on acne-prone areas like the chest, shoulders, and back.
DIY Charcoal Masks – To make your purifying, inexpensive charcoal mask, mix the activated charcoal powder with just enough water or rose water to form a spreadable paste. Apply for 5-7 minutes, then rinse.
Be sure to drink plenty of water post-treatment to help flush out the extracted toxins! Start slow when first using activated charcoal. Carefully check for any reactions, then build up to more frequent use. Consider incorporating it into your weekly regime for more precise, glowing skin from the inside out!
FAQs
Is activated charcoal safe for all skin types?
Generally, yes, though those with sensitive skin should take extra care when first trying it. Do a patch test to check for irritation before broader application. Start with a low concentration and gradually build up frequency.
Can I leave activated charcoal on my skin overnight?
Dermatologists recommend washing off charcoal masks, spot treatments, etc, after 5-10 minutes max. Letting it sit for too long can over-dry your skin. However, some gentle, formulated overnight charcoal products are acceptable for prolonged use.
Source: Dr. ER
