Here is the power fuel for clean and healthy skin!
What exactly is Charcoal for skin?
Have you been struggling with blackheads, whiteheads, acne or just dull, dry complexion? Meet Charcoal - a superstar skincare ingredient that works hard to give you clean, detoxed, even skin and boosts a clearer, brighter complexion!
Charcoal and Activated Charcoal are used interchangeably in the beauty industry. Activated Charcoal is extremely effective in dealing with uneven skin texture, congested skin and various other skin-related issues and has been used for thousands of years as a cleanser and for acne treatment.
Activated Charcoal is created from bone char, petroleum coke, coal, coconut shells, olive pits, bamboo, or sawdust. It is a fine dark residue that is obtained when normal Charcoal is activated by exposing it to exceptionally high temperatures. This process alters the internal structure of Charcoal and increases its surface area and makes it porus, thereby increasing its absorbability.
Here, we are sharing with you the best Charcoal advantages for clearer, smoother skin.
What does Charcoal do to your skin?
If you’re looking for a detoxed, clear skin, then Charcoal is the ingredient to look out for. Get ready to create some shelf space for Charcoal skincare, if you don’t have it yet.
1. Removes impurities
Activated Charcoal is the key to turn to when you need a deep cleanse that removes impurities lodged into your skin. The pores of your skin are attacked by pollutants, dirt and toxins everyday, leading to their clogging and eventually, acne prone skin. This also makes your skin look dull. Activated Charcoal helps by acting like a magnet and pulling out the dirt, grime and excess oil from your pores. This not just purifies them, but also tightens & refines them, and makes them look smaller.
Top pick for you Health Horizons Hemp & Activated Charcoal Soap
2. Soothes acne
Acne can be really redundant, and painful both physically and emotionally. When the hair follicles on the skin get blocked with sebum and dirt, inflamed skin with red, pus-filled bumps can be seen. This is called acne. The antibacterial and porous properties of Activated Charcoal draws out bacteria trapped in these pores, preventing any infection and acne. This results in promoting a smoother, brighter overall complexion. The skin feels soothed and calmer.
Sublime recommends Natural Vibes Ayurvedic Tea Tree & Activated Charcoal Face Wash
3. Combats excess oil
Activated Charcoal is a boon for Oily skin types because of its incomparable ability to absorb excess oil and sebum. It reaches deeper into the pores and soaks up all the extra oil. The absorbing qualities are the result of large surface area of the Activated Charcoal particles. Think of it like a sponge that effectively absorbs any excess oil your skin might have.
Sublime recommends Etsley Glow Charcoal Detox Serum-Purify & Detox
3. Exfoliates skin
Nothing like a freshly exfoliated face after a day out! When exfoliating the face, Activated Charcoal helps enrich the cleansing process. Rather than stripping the top layer of the skin with heavy chemicals, it removes dead skin cells and reveals the glow of a fresh new skin underneath. Activated Charcoal serves as a natural exfoliant and doesn’t irritate sensitive or damaged skin. We’d suggest you also look for hydrating exfoliants packed with Activated Charcoal that not just do the work that they’re made to do but also help maintain the moisture levels in your skin.
Sublime recommends Pure By Priyanka Charcoal Face Scrub
4. Reduces blackheads
Most of us struggle with blackheads! We try to clean them out, strip them off our face and yet they just tend to appear back in no time. They make the facial complexion look muddier and dull. Activated Charcoal in skincare products helps in deep cleaning of the pores and reducing the buildup that causes blackheads. Many charcoal products not only help remove such buildup, but they also work as great preventative products to keep the blackheads from forming in the first place.
Sublime recommends Thyme Organic Charcoal Matcha Face Wash
5. Heals wounds and cuts
Activated Charcoal can help you ditch the itch. From infected wounds to wasp bites, applying a Charcoal paste can help heal that wound pretty quickly. Applying the activated Charcoal over affected areas will show significant results in no time. Charcoal is also known as an antidote for poison and draws out the venom from the sting and reduces the inflammation and pain.
Sublime recommends Thyme Organic Glacier Clay Mask
Is Activated Charcoal Safe for All Skin Types?
Activated Charcoal is safe to use for oily, dry and combination skin. Most products with Charcoal are suitable to all skin types, although a patch test is recommended before using any skincare product.
Precautions to take with Activated Charcoal
Activated Charcoal is generally safe to use on your skin, but as it is said, precaution is better than cure, here are a few safety precautions to keep in mind.
1. Don’t overuse
Using a skincare product that packs Charcoal twice or thrice a week is enough. Using it too often may dry out your skin.
2. Lookout for allergy symptoms
If you experience any reaction or sensitivity including burning, itching, redness, or swelling post using any product with Charcoal as an ingredient, immediately stop using activated Charcoal on your skin, and consult a dermat.
3. Keep it away from your eyes
Activated Charcoal may irritate the surface of your eyes, so it’s best to not use any scrubs, cleansers around your eyes.
The Takeaway
The skin benefits of Activated Charcoal are abundant. It is one of the best skincare ingredients to exist in the beauty world. It belongs to the top league of skincare ingredients that promote clearer, healthier skin. Charcoal or activated Charcoal plays more than just a skincare ingredient, it has other health benefits that will leave you awestruck. It is the go-to product if anyone is looking for a detoxed skin, and is a must in any skincare routine for clearer, radiant and smoother complexion.
-Ashi Bansal
