Activated charcoal seems to be all the rage for skincare these days. The trend may have you wondering if the ingredient is just the latest fad among skin products, or if it actually has benefits for your skin. Products containing activated charcoal promise incredible results like younger-looking skin and smaller pores, but do they really deliver?
The use of activated charcoal as a detox remedy is actually nothing new. Charcoal is known to bind to different poisons and toxins, drawing them out, and flushing them from your body. While this ingredient may be the latest trend, it can also be very beneficial for your skin.
What is activated charcoal?
When a carbon source, like wood, is burned, it produces activated charcoal. High temperatures remove the oxygen from the product and create small particles with a greater surface area. Ultra-fine charcoal contains millions of pores that can capture and bind to poisons or other toxins.
Activated charcoal is inert. This ingredient will not cause allergic reactions, and it is very safe for sensitive skin. If you are experiencing an allergic reaction, activated charcoal may actually help remedy the issue.
What does activated charcoal do for your skin?
The detoxifying power of activated charcoal is the main benefit this ingredient provides for your skin. When your pores are clogged with various toxins, good things cannot get into your skin and bad things are trapped inside. Trapped oils can break down the collagen in your skin and produce faster aging effects. You may also find that clogged pores lead to increased acne and skin dryness.
Over the years, we have incorporated beauty and skincare products into our daily routines that actually do more harm than good to our skin. Silicone-based products and parabens can clog your pores and trap harmful chemicals within your skin. The increased use of these products may be one of the factors leading to the popularity of charcoal products today. People are unhappy with the state of their skin and they want a detox solution!
Activated charcoal is a great method for cleansing the skin. This ingredient helps to unclog pores and remove impurities deep within the skin’s layers. Charcoal attracts dirt, toxins, chemicals, and metals that reside in your skin and pulls them out. Best of all, activated charcoal won’t remove the vitamins and nutrients in your skin while eliminating all of the bad stuff!
Incorporating activated charcoal into your skincare routine can provide benefits, including:
- Smaller pores
- Balancing effects for oily skin
- Acne treatment
- Deep cleansing for skin
- Soothing effect for bites, cuts, and other irritations
- Scalp care
- Antibacterial effects for your skin and scalp
- Exfoliation that is gentle to remove dead skin cells
- Smoother skin
So, how can you add activated charcoal to your skincare routine?
There are so many activated charcoal products available today, but not all of them will provide the same results. Products that contain coconut hull or bamboo charcoal are usually higher quality because they can filter out very fine toxins. Also, chemical activation is a standard technique for producing charcoal products in high volume, but it can leave a chemical residue on your skin. Steam-activated charcoals are typically better for your skin.
Cleansing with activated charcoal is a great way to bring this ingredient into your regular skincare routine. Find a high-quality cleanser that will provide the essential oils and vitamins your skin craves while using activated charcoal to remove impurities. You can wash your face with this type of cleanser at night to remove all of the dirt and grime that builds up on your skin throughout the day. You can find my favorite cleanser here.
Another popular skincare product is activated charcoal masks. If you follow me, you know that I love charcoal masks. These products are not typically used every day because they are much more powerful, so I recommend using 2/x per week. Activated charcoal masks can provide a deep pore cleansing effect to wash away impurities that are set into your skin. If you notice your pores appear larger around your nose, forehead, and chin, an activated charcoal mask is just what you need! My favorite charcoal mask that I have been using for years, formulated to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities, you can check it out here.
Conclusion
While activated charcoal is a current beauty trend, it has been used for skincare for many years. This powerful ingredient can draw out toxins that clog your pores and damage your skin. The result of using activated charcoal in your skincare routine is smaller pores, cleaner skin, and a more radiant appearance. Who knew all of that goodness could come from charcoal?
Do you use any charcoal products? What are your favorites? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Also Read : Cod Liver Oil for Healthy Skin, Hair, and Overall Health
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