Charcoal uses are being widely discussed in the beauty and skincare domain. From face masks to cleansers and soaps, charcoal is invariably added to most skincare products. The addition, experts feel, does wonders for the skin. Read on to learn all about the marvels of charcoal and the many charcoal benefits for skin.
What is Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is a processed charcoal that has been heated at high temperatures. This leads to the creation of a highly porous structure, the activated charcoal. The uses of charcoal are linked to its enhanced ability to adsorb and trap impurities, toxins, and chemicals. This is what makes it an active ingredient in many skincare products.
Charcoal Benefits for Skin
As our skin constantly battles with pollution, dirt, and sun exposure, charcoal is a worthy ingredient to combat most of the skin troubles. Here’s all about the benefits of charcoal for the skin:
1. Detoxification and Deep Cleansing
The primary reason why charcoal is highly regarded in skin care is its exceptional ability to detoxify and deeply cleanse the skin. Activated charcoal is a porous structure with a high surface area.These microscopic pores act as magnets, attracting and trapping impurities, toxins, and excess oil from the skin’s surface. By binding to these impurities, charcoal effectively purges the skin, leaving it fresh, clean, and rejuvenated.
2. Balances Oil Production
Charcoal serves as an excellent ally for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin. Excessive oil production leads to clogged pores, breakouts, and an uneven complexion. However, charcoal possesses natural oil-absorbing properties that help to regulate sebum production. Removing excessive oil from the skin’s surface prevents and controls acne, supporting a balanced and mattified complexion.
3. Gentle Exfoliation
Unlike harsh physical exfoliants, charcoal offers a gentle yet effective means of removing dead skin cells. With its slightly gritty texture, charcoal-based products gently exfoliate the skin, sloughing away dull and flaky skin without irritating the skin. Regular use of charcoal benefits the skin by unclogging pores and improving skin texture, promoting a more radiant and youthful appearance.
4. Brightening and Even Skin Tone
Dead skin cell buildup, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage often lead to dull and uneven skin tone. Charcoal’s exfoliating properties, combined with its ability to detoxify and draw out impurities, promote a brighter and even-toned complexion. Regular charcoal use may help brighten dry skin without causing any kind of skin irritation.
5. Shrinks Size of Pores
Charcoal is known to have a positive impact on the appearance of pores. Regular charcoal uses help absorb excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin, it eliminates the pore-clogging contaminants, reducing pore size with a smoother and more refined complexion.
How to Use Charcoal Products
Here are a few general guidelines to follow when using charcoal products:
- Clean your face thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup.
- If you’re using a charcoal product for the first time, perform a patch test.
- Each charcoal product will have specific instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully.
- Apply the product evenly on the face, Avoid the sensitive eye area.
- Leave the product for the recommended duration.
- After that, rinse off the product with lukewarm water.
- Charcoal products are drying. Follow up with a moisturizer to replenish and hydrate the skin.
- Adhere to the recommended frequency of use.
Conclusion
Charcoal benefits the skin immensely. The incredible charcoal benefits for skin make it a popular ingredient in skincare products. Its detoxifying and deep cleansing properties help remove impurities and toxins from the skin, leaving it refreshed and rejuvenated. Also, charcoal uses are part of oily and acne-prone skin care regimes as they help balance oil production. However, charcoal products are drying. Therefore, it is not highly recommended for excessive use in people with dry and sensitive skin.
