You get yourself a skincare kit for a pampering session, open the container, and find the product in pitch black color. What is your first reaction – shock or surprise?
Charcoal, or activated charcoal, to be precise, has taken the beauty industry by the storm. A walk in the cosmetic section of the supermarket will tell you all about the overwhelming use of charcoal in every second skincare product.
When you see the vehement rise in popularity of activated charcoal for your skin, you are bound to wonder, “Is charcoal, which is used as bricks to grill food, really beneficial for the skin? ”Well, the Internet is divided into two on this matter. Some strongly advocate for its benefits, while others point out its lack of research.
So what should you think about activated charcoal for your skin?
We are clearing your confusion in this blog and presenting the facts. Learn everything you need to know about activated charcoal with us.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Before we know about activated charcoal, let’s talk about charcoal.
Charcoal is a lightweight black carbon residue obtained from the burning of wood, peat, bones, cellulose, or coconut shell. It is activated for treating drug overdose, and poisoning, which is an age-old practice. In modern times, it is being used in skincare, beauty, dental, and even food products.
Activated charcoal is a safe and medicinally-rich substance, produced when regular charcoal goes through a heating process. Exposing charcoal to high heat produces a fine black powder, which is activated charcoal. The activation process makes the charcoal safe to use as it gains medicinal properties.
Benefits of Charcoal for Skin
1. Helps You Get Rid of Skin Impurities
We have our skin constantly exposed to dirt and other pollutants. These impurities get clogged under your skin. The same happens when you apply skincare or makeup products. Some microparticles of products can get clogged in your pores. Under such circumstances, your face gets blemishes in the form of pimples, blackheads, or overall dirt buildups.
Your skin needs a deep cleanse to remove all the pore buildups, and activated charcoal can help you. It can remove deeper impurities from your face. Use a cleanser, face scrub, or face wash, depending on your skin type.
2. Removes Blackheads
This benefit is an extension of the previous one. The reason behind blackheads or whiteheads is impurities. When pores or small hair follicles get clogged with buildup from dirt, products, or natural oil, stubborn blackheads develop. Every adult knows how hard it is to strip them clear off your face. You get rid of them once; they emerge again, making your face look rough.
When you use charcoal to clean your skin pores, you also get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Moreover, the qualities of charcoal work like a charm and prevent blackheads from further appearing on your face.
3. Cleans Excess Oil
Another reason behind blackheads, whiteheads, and even acne is excess oil accumulation on the skin. Charcoal can help you in this department as well.
Charcoal has a superpower where it can absorb excess oil from the skin. It happens so because activated charcoal has a large surface area. When you study it under the microscope, you will find that its particles look like little sponges. It penetrates deep into the skin and soaks up extra oil.
4. Reduces Acne
Acne, don’t we all love getting these on our faces? These lovely (not)bulgy red spots are every woman’s (and man’s) nemesis. They can be a result of oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells building up in our pores. Finding a solution or relief for them is a struggle.
While you cannot completely control acne, you can take measures to keep them away. Keeping your face cleaned and exfoliated from charcoal products, your face remains clean and free of bacteria.
Read: 10 Rules How to Wash Your Face Properly to Prevent Acne
5. Exfoliates Skin
Your skin refreshes itself from time to time and produces new skin cells deep in the epidermis layer of the skin. In this process, new cells push the dead cells off and replace them with new skin. However, not all dead skin readily leaves your body and ends up on top of your skin. If you do not get rid of them, they may make your skin acne and aging-prone.
Charcoal helps you remove these dead skin cells with the help of the exfoliation process. Activated charcoal has a sandy yet soft texture, which makes it a perfect natural skin exfoliant. Once it sloughs off the dead skin cells, fresh skin cells develop in a matter of time, improving the appearance of your skin.
Read: 10 Amazing Ways to Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally
Side Effects of Charcoal for Skin
The World Health Organization has approved the use of activated charcoal for emergency treatment of overdoses or poisonings. However, there has been limited research on its positive effects on the skin.
Activated charcoal is not known to cause any allergic or irritating reactions. While it is not likely to harm the skin, there can be side effects due to the involvement of other ingredients in the product formula. Also, as happens with any product, its overuse can cause dryness or redness to your skin.
Therefore, get a testing kit or mini kit while buying an activated charcoal product. Before using the product, test the product on the inside of your elbow. It is a must-do practice for people with sensitive skin. Wait for a few hours and see if you experience any itching, irritation, or redness. If not, the charcoal product is probably safe to use on your skin.
The peel-off charcoal masks are effective for removing blackheads and whiteheads from your skin. However, they can also strip your face of essential oils.
Conclusion
Activated charcoal can be a welcoming addition to your skincare routine. However, the impact of charcoal largely depends on your skin type. Look for products that work well for your skin type and do not cause any damage to your skin.
