Activated Charcoal for Skin: Benefits & Best Practices

It’s impossible to browse the beauty aisle these days without catching on to the charcoal craze. Activated charcoal is a key ingredient in a number of skin care products, and for good reason. Oily or combination skin types may benefit the most from embracing the use of activated charcoal, as it has natural properties proven to cleanse and shrink your pores.

If you’ve hesitated about the hype surrounding activated charcoal in skincare, we’re here to help. This article will explain everything you need to know about activated charcoal, its advantages, and how best to make use of its benefits. 

What is activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is what you get when charcoal is heated to extremely high temperatures until it forms a fine black powder. This powder is extremely porous, like a sponge, making it the ideal ingredient for absorption. In other words, activated charcoal is especially effective for those with oily skin. Although activated charcoal has a whole host of benefits for the body, dental, and skin care, we’ll focus on the face for today. 

Benefits of charcoal for skin

Activated charcoal boasts a number of benefits for skin care. Particularly people with oily skin, or those who tend to experience unexpected breakouts. Charcoal seems to be a magnet for toxins that may otherwise sit atop the surface of your skin, or worse, live deep within your pores. The use of charcoal for skin care is nothing new. In fact, there’s evidence that shows that activated charcoal has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians, so it’s no wonder it’s making a comeback in the cosmetic industry. 

Deep cleans your pores

Thanks to its sponge-like properties, activated charcoal behaves like a vacuum for your pores, cleansing deep down within. Experience an invigorating clean with the Moody Sisters Blemish Control Face Mask. This fan-favorite product is available for an incredible price on closeout, and limited quantities are available, so get yours before they’re gone. Use all over the face or as a targeted treatment for troublesome areas. 

Gets rid of dirt and impurities

You may not realize it but as you go about your business each day, oil, dust, and bacteria collect on the surface of your skin. Now imagine activated charcoal as a tiny tornado of clean that whirls in to wash away dead skin, dirt, and other impurities. Whether you prefer your charcoal skin care in the form of a face mask or cleanser, you’ll love the way your complexion looks and feels afterward. 

Fights breakouts

If you’re battling breakouts, chances are your skin is in need of a deep detoxifying. Because of its porousness, activated charcoal absorbs excess sebum, and keeps your skin looking clean and clear. Say “Sayōnara” to shiny, oily skin that you’re constantly having to powder and blot. Oftentimes, activated charcoal skin care products are combined with other powerful acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and hydroxy acids, that help mattify your complexion. 

Gently exfoliates your skin

As great as it feels to remove dead and dry skin, it’s possible to get carried away with exfoliating. Fortunately, activated charcoal is gentle enough to slough off dead skin cells without causing irritation or aggravating sensitive skin types. Most activated charcoal products have a slightly gritty texture that serves as a natural exfoliant. 

Using charcoal in your routine

It’s quick and simple to introduce charcoal to your skin care routine. You can even get creative in the kitchen and concoct your own face mask or scrub at home with charcoal powder. Combine this powder with other natural ingredients like raw honey, apple cider vinegar, or your favorite face oil to smooth on the skin with ease. 

Besides all of the benefits that charcoal can provide your skin, it’s the ultimate self-care ingredient. Did you know that activated charcoal is an all-natural alternative to your average toothpaste that can whiten and brighten your teeth? 

Activated charcoal is also effective at calming itch and irritation caused by bites, burns, and stings, making it perfect to pack for summer camping season. Because activated charcoal extracts toxins from the surface of your skin, it can be applied to blemishes and bumps as a spot treatment to target your unique concerns. 

Best Charcoal Skin Care