Activated charcoal is one of the most popular natural beauty product ingredients of the moment, but it’s definitely not the same as the black coals you use to heat your BBQ.
Instead, it’s charcoal that’s been supercharged, heated to an extremely high temperature, and combined with gases to create a powder that can trap toxins and bacteria like a magnet. Cool, right?
In terms of skincare benefits, activated charcoal can act as a natural alternative to chemical peels which can be harsh on the skin. This detoxifying ingredient works to absorb excess oil and dirt from the face, revealing clearer skin.
History of Activated Charcoal
The history of activated charcoal goes back over 5,000 years. The Egyptians first used charcoal for smelting ores and creating building materials. Their society also used it for its medicinal purposes (internal ailments) and for writing.
Later on, the Ancient Hindus and Mesopotamian societies discovered the antiseptic benefits of activated charcoal and used it to produce clean water sources. This practice continued on well into the exploration age as water was carried for months on ships during strenuous sea voyages.
Hippocrates and other enlightened thinkers in history knew of the many medicinal and practical benefits of activated charcoal; however, these uses didn’t become more mainstream until the 1700s and 1800s once science became more acceptable. It wasn’t until the 1900s that we saw activated charcoal start to make its way into hygienic and beauty products.
What can activated charcoal do for our skin topically? The following are 6 skin benefits of activated charcoal.
7 Reasons to Use Activated Charcoal
Remove Toxins
Some skin experts think that activated charcoal masks can help remove impurities from your skin. That’s because it acts like a magnet, absorbing bacteria and toxins. This might leave you with a clearer complexion.
The popularity of activated charcoal in skin care products is because of its super ability to absorb. This jet-black product binds to tiny materials that go down the pores, building dirt and chemicals underneath.
Clearer Skin, Smaller Pores, and Less Oil
Oily skin types often say they love activated charcoal because of its awesome ability to absorb excess oil. While a regular face wash might clean the surface of oily skin, activated charcoal reaches deep into the pores and soaks up extra oil.
If you're tired of your pores being open, then charcoal soap may be right for you. Anyone who spends a fair amount of time outdoors, especially when exposed to dust and smoke, is going to get some buildup in their pores. You may notice that these toxins have settled into your skin, making them enlarged over time.
The absorbing power comes from the large surface area inside the activated charcoal. When you look at it under a microscope, activated charcoal particles look like little sponges. Going into the skin via soap or facial scrub, the charcoal powder works its magic specifically in your pores.
Improve Acne
Acne is the lovely result of oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells building up in our pores. It can lead to painful redness, swelling, irritation, and scarring. Acne is inflammation of the pores, often caused by a buildup of bacteria, dead skin cells, or irritants. While you can’t always control acne, it’s important to keep your face cleansed and free of any excess bacteria that might cause an acne flare-up.
The good news is that charcoal soap is great for treating acne. It absorbs excess oil naturally as well as any toxins that may cause skin blemishes.
You'll also find that it's more beneficial than your typical acne-fighting cleanser. It works to clear redness and leave behind beautiful glowing skin. If you're struggling with blemished skin, then using charcoal soap is a great addition to your beauty regimen.
Treat Skin Conditions
Activated charcoal is believed to have healing properties on skin suffering from skin conditions. The activated charcoal, when applied to skin, pulls out bacteria, toxins and other impurities.
If you have sensitive skin problems such as psoriasis or eczema, having a breakout can be challenging. People who have sensitive skin often struggle to find products that are effective without being too harsh on their skin. Activated charcoal soap works to detoxify the skin naturally.
Refined Appearance
With all the charcoal benefits for skin, your skin will become more luscious and vibrant. In addition, activated charcoal will detoxify your skin by removing all the impurities and unwanted toxins.
Gently Exfoliate
Because of its gritty yet soft texture, activated charcoal serves as a natural exfoliant. It can slough off dead skin cells to reveal the healthy glow of the fresh new skin underneath. Using a soap that contains activated charcoal is a great way to exfoliate your skin.
With its ability to remove dead skin cells, you'll get a healthy skin glow over time. By tightening pores and reducing inflammation, you'll find that your skin remains youthful and elastic over time.
Charcoal Soap Is Gentle for All Skin Types
When you have sensitive skin, finding the right soap for your skin type is important. Maybe even sensitive soaps don't work well for your sin. However, charcoal soap is a great benefit for even the most sensitive of skins. It extracts the excess oil from your skin but also moisturizes and nourishes dry skin.
It's great for sensitive skin and can be used safely when you have skin allergies and redness. If you're concerned about your soap choices, try using it in a small part of your body and notice if you have any negative reaction. It's likely that this soap will be both safe and effective for you.
What’s the Best Way to Use Charcoal Soap?
Although you should always be cautious with any new product in your routine, charcoal soap can be used several times a week.
It's especially beneficial for anyone who lives in an area that may be exposed to daily pollutants that can result in premature aging. Everyone can benefit from adding charcoal soap to their routine though.
If you're tired of having skin that's tired-looking, then why not try charcoal soap? If you're suffering from sensitive skin, you'll especially want to explore the benefits of charcoal soap.