Activated charcoal has become increasingly popular in skincare products, and for good reason. Its unique properties make it a powerhouse ingredient for deep cleansing and purifying the skin. In this article, we'll explore what activated charcoal is, how it's made, and why it's such an effective skincare ingredient.
Activated charcoal has been used for centuries in medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including poisoning, indigestion, and skin infections. It was also used in ancient Egypt to help preserve the body during mummification.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Charcoal is produced by slow heating of wood or other organic materials called pyrolysis to remove water and other substances such as hydrogen and tar in a low oxygen environment, leaving a black carbon residue that weighs about 75% less than its original weight!
Activated charcoal is a type of charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to make it highly porous that increases its surface area. This makes it an incredibly effective adsorbent, meaning it can attract and trap toxins, impurities, and other unwanted substances on its surface.
Activated Charcoal in Skincare: Activated charcoal's ability to adsorb toxins and impurities makes it an ideal ingredient for skincare products. When used in soap, it can help to deeply cleanse the skin, removing dirt, oil, and other impurities that can clog pores and contribute to acne and other skin issues. It can also help to balance the skin's natural oils, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.
The Benefits: In addition to its cleansing properties, activated charcoal has several other benefits for the skin. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties make it effective at fighting acne and other skin infections. It can also help to reduce the appearance of pores, improve skin texture, and brighten the complexion.
Activated Charcoal is recommended for oily/acne prone skin:
While activated charcoal can be drying for those with dry skin, it can be combined with other nourishing ingredients to provide the skin with the moisture it needs. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, using a soap with activated charcoal can be particularly beneficial as it helps to absorb excess oil and impurities from your skin.
Activated charcoal is a powerful ingredient that can help to deeply cleanse and purify the skin. Its unique properties make it a versatile ingredient that can benefit a variety of skin types and concerns. If you're looking for a natural and effective way to cleanse your skin, activated charcoal may be just the ingredient you need.
It is important to note that activated charcoal can be drying, so it may not be suitable for those with dry skin.